Well Construction Program Fees Increased July 17, 2025
The purpose of Oregon’s Well Construction Program is to protect public health and safety by preventing improperly constructed wells from serving as a conduit for groundwater contamination or the draining of groundwater aquifers. This work is accomplished by licensing well drillers, administering a continuing education program, enforcing well construction standards, issuing special standards, accepting “start cards” from drillers for beginning work, reviewing “well reports” once work is complete, inspecting wells for deficiencies, and other activities.
There are more than 280,000 water wells in Oregon, with approximately 3,000 new wells drilled annually. In 2021, the Department was resourced to implement new statutory obligations to complete a technical review of 100 percent of well reports submitted within 120 days of receipt (ORS 537.765). Additionally, those resources allow the department to conduct field inspections of about 30 percent of new wells drilled. There are a total of 18 staff members who work in or support the well construction program. These positions include well inspectors, licensing, program development and oversight, as well as information technology, administrative support and compliance.
In order to address a funding shortfall in the Well Construction Program, the Oregon Legislature passed House Bill 2808 (2025), which increased program fees effective July 17, 2025. These fee increases contribute to the Department’s ability to conduct 100% technical well report reviews and to support current program staffing.
Key fee increases include:
Please contact wrd_dl_wcc@water.oregon.gov with any questions.