Water and Well Program
Applications for a well installation, repair or abandonment permit may be submitted through the Online Public Portal or in person Monday through Friday between 8:00am and 4:00pm at the Environmental Health Department. 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 other inspections are completed and approved, a Well Completion Permit must be requested before the permit can be closed out.
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
