Water Wells

  1. Wells by Year
  2. Cumulative Number of Wells

Data Table

Explanation

A well log is a detailed record of the geological formation through which a well is drilled. The log also contains the location, owner name, driller name, and well water production. Well logs must be submitted to the state Department of Ecology within 30 days of a well’s completion. Well logs are required for both permit exempt wells and non-permit exempt wells.

There are two types of wells: water wells (for water extraction) and resource wells (for water monitoring and sampling). Water extracted from water wells is used for many purposes including agricultural irrigation, industrial uses, and residential drinking water.

Between 1940 and 2021, 18,760 water well reports have been logged; the completion date for 2,422 of these is unknown and therefore not represented in the chart above. Over the last three decades, the average number of water wells recorded each year has declined. For 2012-2021, an average of 243 wells were completed each year.

Permit Exempt Wells

In Washington State, prospective water users must obtain authorization in the form of a water right permit or certificate from the state Department of Ecology before withdrawing groundwater. The groundwater permit exemption allows the users of small quantities of groundwater to construct wells and develop their water supplies without first obtaining a water right permit from the state Department of Ecology. For more information about wells and water rights, the state Department of Ecology has information on: 


Source

Washington State Department of Ecology