Arkansas private well rules
Arkansas regulates well construction and pump installation through the Water Well Construction Committee, which advises the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission within the Department of Agriculture.
Who licenses well work in Arkansas
Wells must be built by persons licensed under Act 641 of 1969 (the Arkansas Water Well Construction Act). This is from the Commission's 2016 rules as filed with the Secretary of State.
Sources: Water Well Construction Committee; Licensing law and rules
Who may work on a well pump
Anyone installing a well pump in Arkansas needs an Arkansas Water Well Contractor License and a Certificate of Registration in Pump Installation.
The 2016 rules state that pump installation must be done by a licensed water well contractor and a registered pump installer.
Under the 2016 rules, a licensed master electrician may repair or install pressure switches, control boxes and other electrical parts at the wellhead without a well license.
Sources: License and registration both needed; Pump installation rule
Does the state require well testing?
The Arkansas Department of Health says the safety of well water is the responsibility of each owner. Its lab tests private samples for personal use or when a mortgage lender requires it.
University of Arkansas extension advises having well water tested if flooding has occurred nearby.
Sources: Owner is responsible; Test after flooding
Getting your water tested in Arkansas
To have a private well tested by the state, start by getting a water collection kit from your local health unit.
The state lab tests private drinking water samples only for total coliform bacteria and E. coli, and samples must arrive within 30 hours of collection.
Source: Kit from your local health unit
Disinfecting a well
The 2016 rules say every new well or water system disrupted for service or repair should be disinfected before it is used again.
When a pump is installed or reinstalled, the 2016 rules (the newest version we could read) require chlorinating the water system to at least 50 ppm for at least 24 hours.
University of Arkansas extension recommends shock chlorination to remove bacterial contamination and says the water must not be used for at least 24 hours during treatment.
Sources: Disinfect after service or repair; Extension shock chlorination guidance
Plugging an unused well
Under the 2016 rules, registered pump installers who pass the Commission test on plugging may plug abandoned wells. Drilling registration also covers plugging.
Under the 2016 rules, the contractor should report a plugged well to the Commission on a well abandonment form within 90 days.
Anyone abandoning a well must use methods and materials that protect groundwater from surface contamination and mixing between aquifers.
Source: Who may plug
Checking a contractor's license
The Department of Agriculture publishes lists of licensed water well contractors by county and by name.
Each licensed Arkansas contractor must keep a $20,000 bond that customers can claim against if rules are not followed.
Common questions
Does Arkansas require private well owners to test their water?
The Arkansas Department of Health says the safety of well water is the responsibility of each owner. Its lab tests private samples for personal use or when a mortgage lender requires it.