Oklahoma private well rules
The Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) licenses well drillers and pump installers, including people who install or repair water well pumps.
Who licenses well work in Oklahoma
The licensing requirement is in 82 O.S. Section 1020.16, and OWRB rules are in Oklahoma Administrative Code Title 785, Chapter 35 (Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing).
Sources: OWRB licenses drillers and pump installers; Governing statute and rules
Who may work on a well pump
Oklahoma law requires a license for anyone doing commercial pump installation. The statute is written around commercial work; check with OWRB before doing your own pump work.
Each OWRB license covers one certified operator, and any additional operators must be certified to work under the firm license.
Sources: Commercial pump work needs a license; Firms and certified operators
Does the state require well testing?
Oklahoma DEQ says federal and state governments do not regulate private wells, so the owner is responsible for water safety, and routine testing is highly recommended.
DEQ recommends testing every year for total coliform bacteria, nitrate/nitrite, conductivity and pH, especially after a new well or pump repair.
DEQ says testing is especially important after pipes, the pressure tank, the pump or the well casing have been replaced or repaired.
Source: Private wells are not regulated
Getting your water tested in Oklahoma
DEQ's State Environmental Laboratory is EPA-certified to test private well water. Owners can also use another accredited lab.
The State Environmental Laboratory Services division lists private citizen well water analysis among its services.
DEQ advises contacting the lab first for collection instructions and any special containers. Most labs provide sampling kits.
Sources: DEQ State Environmental Laboratory; Lab supports private well analysis
Disinfecting a well
OWRB guidance says new wells should be disinfected after completion and after repairs to the well or pumping equipment.
OWRB guidance calls for at least 100 parts per million chlorine using unscented bleach, left at least two hours and ideally 24 hours, then flushed and retested after a week.
OWRB suggests resampling about one week after disinfection to check for bacterial regrowth.
Plugging an unused well
The driller must plug an abandoned well while drilling equipment is on site. After that, the landowner is responsible for plugging it.
Anyone plugging wells commercially in Oklahoma must be licensed by OWRB.
Licensees must file a well completion report (well log) within 60 days after drilling, plugging or reconditioning a well.
Sources: Landowner responsible once the rig leaves; Commercial plugging needs a license; Plugging report within 60 days
Checking a contractor's license
OWRB provides an online tool to find a well driller or pump installer licensed to work in Oklahoma.
Source: OWRB licensee finder
Common questions
Does Oklahoma require private well owners to test their water?
Oklahoma DEQ says federal and state governments do not regulate private wells, so the owner is responsible for water safety, and routine testing is highly recommended.