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1. Is someone available to answer my questions?

There is a staff person available Monday through Thursday from 9 to 10 a.m. to answer questions. You may call 360-385-9444 or stop by 615 Sheridan Street in Port Townsend.

2. I want to know about wells in the area and need to find a well log or water well report. How do I do that?

The Department of Ecology (DOE) has created a website of the well logs submitted to the department from the driller. View the well logs.

3. How do I find a well driller?

Check the local phone book, talk to neighbors, realtors and friends. 

List of Well Drillers that work in Jefferson County and contact information (PDF)

View the Department of Ecology's

Homeowners Guide to Well Construction.

4. Why is the State Department of Ecology in charge of water wells?

The Washington State Department of Ecology is responsible for water well construction through Water Well Construction Act (1971) Chapter 18.104 Revised Code of Washington (RCW). View related RCW chapters.

5. How is Jefferson County involved with drilling of wells?

View the Jefferson County Drilling Water Wells page.

6. How do I obtain a variance for a well?

View the Department of Ecology's brochure on Requesting a Variance (PDF).

7. I need to test my well water to get a building permit, what should I do?

View the Well Test for Building Permit page.

8. I just want to test my well water for my own reasons. What should I test for and how?

You must know why you are testing; is it smell, taste, or illness? The most common test is a simple bacteriologic analysis. However, there are a number of other tests that can be run.

For more information, view the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) safe water FAQs.

9. How do I decommission a well?

View the Department of Ecology's information on abandoned wells, problems and solutions.

10. I want to store water in containers. Do I need to add something like chlorine to the water? How do you purify your water? How long is it safe to keep in bottles?

View the brochure on Treating Drinking Water for Emergency Use below.

If you have further questions, please feel free to contact the Jefferson County Environmental Health Department at 360-385-9444.

Treating Drinking Water for Emergency Use (PDF)

11. How far does a well have to be from a septic system?

An individual well must be 100 feet from the drain field and reserve area and 50 feet from the septic tank pump tank and building sewer.

12. What information do I need to know about as a private well owner?

View the Private Well Owner page.