Water and Well Program
Applications for a well installation, repair or abandonment may be submitted online on the Citizen Portal or in person Monday through Friday between 8:00am and 4:00pm at the Environmental Health Department. An application fee of $480 is required for new wells. Once the site has been evaluated and approved the permit is issued.
An inspection is required during different stages of construction, repair or abandonment. When all the inspections are completed and approved, a Well Completion Permit is issued.
Water Testing
New Wells: All newly constructed private wells in North Carolina must be tested. Contact Environmental Health at (828) 694-6060 prior to establishing the well as a source of drinking water. Tests for bacterial and chemical contaminants should be conducted within 30 days of the well completion.
Existing Wells: We are committed to protecting county groundwater resources to assure a safe and adequate supply of water for our citizens. Please review the information from NCDHHS regarding well testing to get an idea of what to test for and how often to test. Please call Environmental Health at (828) 694-6060 or a state-certified commercial laboratory to discuss options, timelines and fees for well water testing.
- Well owners should check the wellhead once a year to make sure it is working properly and ensure that there are no cracks or openings where contaminants can get into your groundwater.
- Well water should be tested after repairs or replacements to any of the well components and after flooding events, since contaminants may enter your well when it is opened or if the wellhead is underwater.
- Additional testing recommendations
Please see the "Forms and Fee Schedule" page for a list of fees. Well permits can be applied for through the Citizen Portal or by using the forms attached below.
