Legislation passed in 2009 requires landowners of property on which a new well is drilled for an exempt use purpose to provide the Water Resources Department with a map showing the location of the well on their property and pay a one-time fee of $300 to record the exempt use. The map and fee are due within 30 days after construction of the well is completed. The fee will be used to evaluate groundwater supplies, conduct groundwater studies, carry out groundwater monitoring, and process groundwater data. Wells with an existing water right (permit or certificate) are not required to pay this fee.

The Department is in the process of developing the rules to implement the new requirements. The public is welcome to submit comments during the open comment period which closes October 15th at 5pm.