Educational Tips

Hiring
What you need to know when hiring a well contractor...

Is the contractor licensed by the state? (Not all states require licensing.)
Is the contractor certified through the National Ground Water Association? The highest level a contractor can achieve is MGWC (Master Ground Water Contractor) by passing all specialty NGWA certification exams and a general exam. Does the contractor submit well logs?
Does the contractor have adequate equipment in good condition to do the job?
Does the contractor have adequate liability and worker’s compensation insurance to protect you?
Is the contractor familiar with applicable health and safety codes?
What is the contractor’s reputation with previous customers?
Will the contractor furnish a written contract specifying the terms and conditions of the job?
Is the contractor a member of the National Ground Water Association? Does he have a current NGWA sticker on his truck?

NGWA members support the industry, have access to new technology and improved approaches, are dedicated to quality of workmanship, and promote and protect the ground water resource. They know their stuff and will work with you to get the job done right. You can contact the NGWA Customer Service Department at (800) 551-7379 or visit www.ngwa.org/forms/cont/list.htm for a list of member contractors in your area.

Contract Info
Written drilled well contracts should include....

Liability insurance coverage held by both the owner and the contractor.
A statement that all work is to comply with local and state regulations and codes.
The diameter and well thickness of the casing to be used.
The type of screen to be installed and where needed.
The type of well cap or seal to be provided.
The disinfections procedure.
The cleanup after the drilling, which includes all materials abandoned without authorization at a drill site except drill cuttings and waste water.
An anticipated date for state of drilling.
A guarantee of materials and workmanship. The contract should specify that the contractor will return to do or to correct the initial work if necessary.

Costs
An itemized list of charges is better than a lump sum and should include...

Cost of drilling per foot.
Cost of casing per foot.
Cost of other materials, such as drive shoe, grout, and well cap.
Cost of other operations, such as grouting, test pumping, disinfections, and developing (if longer than one hour as in screened wells).
Cost of drilling deeper and/or second well, if required to ensure an adequate water supply.
Cost of abandonment should it prove necessary. For instance, if salt water is encountered and another site is selected.
What costs are not included in the specifications.

Finished Well Checklist
What should be done before contractor leaves with equipment...

Well Depth
This is easily done by tying a weight on a tape. Verify the measurement against the well construction report made out by the contractor.
Well Yield
Ask the contractor at how many gallons per minute (gpm) the well was tested, what distance the water level dropped during the test, and how quickly the water level recovered after the test.
Well Cap
Ensure that the well is capped and secure and that the cap is at least six inches above ground level.
Disinfections
Ask the contractor if the well was disinfected.
Well Construction Record
Make certain that you receive your copy of the well record. The contractor is required to deliver copies of the record to the owner. It is advisable to keep your well records with the house deed for future owners.

Helpful Hints

Trust the contractor’s judgment in solving unforeseen difficulties that may come up and discuss unforeseen costs.
If original construction plans must be changed, discuss the options with the contractor.
Don’t expect the contractor to work for free if the well does not fulfill expectations.

For more information on this topic and other topics of interest to private well owners, visit the national Well Owners Association web site at www.wellowner.org.