Oklahoma well permits and licensing
Do You Need a Permit to Drill a Well in Oklahoma?
For most homeowners the answer is simpler than expected. The Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) does not require an intent-to-drill authorization for domestic wells used for household purposes, livestock, or small-scale irrigation. Bigger uses do need authorization, and the state licenses the professionals who drill wells and install pumps. This guide explains what the OWRB says, and where its published material is silent so you know what to ask before you start.
The short answer
According to the OWRB, intent-to-drill authorizations are not required for domestic groundwater wells used for:
- household purposes,
- livestock, up to the land's grazing capacity, and
- irrigation of less than 3 acres.
Authorization is required for non-domestic uses such as public water supply and irrigation of more than 3 acres. The OWRB owner's guide adds that if a well serves any purpose other than domestic use as defined by OWRB rules, the landowner must file a water use permit application before construction begins.
What counts as domestic use
Household use covers the water your home uses. Livestock use is allowed up to the land's grazing capacity. Irrigation is treated as domestic only when it is under 3 acres. A well that feeds a small garden and a few animals fits comfortably. A well that irrigates a larger field, or supplies water to the public, does not.
If your plans fall near those limits, ask the OWRB or your driller before drilling. Fixing a permitting problem after a well is in the ground is much harder than asking first.
Licensing: who is allowed to do what
The OWRB licenses well drilling and pump installation professionals. According to the OWRB's licensing fact sheet, a license is required:
- to install water well pumps, and
- to drill or plug commercial, test, observation, monitoring, geotechnical, heat exchange and geothermal wells.
Licensed drillers and pump installers must follow OWRB construction standards. Those standards cover where a well is located in relation to potential pollution sources, surface and annular seals, disinfection methods and approved materials. The OWRB also provides a way for drillers to report a well log.
You can confirm any professional's license in the OWRB's Find a Licensed Driller or Pump Installer tool. It is worth doing even when a company says it is licensed.
What the sources do not say
The OWRB pages we reviewed do not say whether a landowner may drill a domestic well on their own land without hiring a licensed driller. We are not going to guess. If you are considering that route, ask the OWRB directly. The OWRB's phone number, listed on its licensing fact sheet, is (405) 530-8800.
Also note that cities and counties can have their own rules for wells inside their limits, separate from the OWRB. Ask your city or county office before you drill.
How to do it right: a simple checklist
- Decide your use. Household, livestock and irrigation under 3 acres are domestic. Anything larger needs OWRB authorization.
- Check local rules. Ask your city or county office whether it requires anything for wells inside its limits.
- Look up nearby wells. The OWRB keeps an online database of existing wells and recommends asking neighbors about depth, yield and water quality.
- Pick the location carefully. The OWRB owner's guide says to keep a well away from septic systems (yours and your neighbors'), treated building foundations, animal confinement areas, oil or gas wells and landfills, and to keep contamination sources at least 50 feet down-gradient when you can.
- Hire a licensed professional and verify the license. Use the OWRB lookup tool.
- Get the scope in writing. Include casing, pump and pressure system, and what happens if the well is dry or low-producing.
- Test the water. The OWRB recommends testing for coliform bacteria and nitrates at least once a year.
What about pumps?
Even when a well is exempt from an intent-to-drill authorization, installing a water well pump still requires an OWRB license under the licensing fact sheet. That is a good reason to use a licensed installer for pump work and to ask whoever drills your well who will install the pump.
Get a free estimate from a licensed professional
We can match you with a licensed driller or pump installer who works your area and can talk through your situation. Water Well Drilling Grove is a referral service and does not drill wells, install pumps or give permit approvals. Requesting a free estimate costs nothing and does not obligate you to hire anyone. Water well drilling
Common questions
Do I need a permit to drill a well for my house in Oklahoma?
The OWRB does not require intent-to-drill authorization for domestic wells used for household purposes, livestock up to grazing capacity or irrigation of less than 3 acres. Local rules may differ, so ask your city or county.
Do I need a permit to irrigate with a well?
Irrigation of less than 3 acres counts as domestic use under the OWRB. Irrigating more than 3 acres requires authorization.
Is it legal to drill your own water well in Oklahoma?
The OWRB material we reviewed does not address this directly. Contact the OWRB before you decide.
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