Before you drill
Six things to sort out before the rig arrives, so your money goes into water and not into a dry hole or a stopped site.
Survey the ground first
A hydrogeological survey reads the rock layers under your land and picks the point where water is most likely. If the borehole will have a motorised pump, the Water Resources Authority (WRA) wants the survey report with your application, and it must be prepared by a qualified, licensed water professional.
Ask: Who prepares the survey report, and can I see it before you drill?
Get WRA authorisation before the rig arrives
Drilling needs WRA approval first. The application goes in with the survey report and proof that you own or may use the land. WRA also decides how far your borehole must be from others nearby.
Ask: Who files the application, and will I get a copy of the authorisation?
Check the other approvals your site needs
Depending on the project and where it is, you may also need an environmental assessment licence from NEMA, county clearance, and a letter of no objection from the local water service provider.
Ask: Which other approvals (NEMA, county, water provider) does my site need, and who gets them?
Agree the scope in writing
A clear quote lists every stage: survey, approvals, drilling, casing, flushing, test pumping, water testing, the pump and its installation. Anything not on the quote is a cost you will meet later.
Ask: What is included, and what happens if the hole does not give enough water?
Drill under a qualified professional
A borehole that will run a motorised pump has to be built under the supervision of a qualified, licensed water professional.
Ask: Who supervises the drilling on site?
Test, record, then get your water permit
Before you rely on it, the borehole is test pumped (for a motorised pump, at least 24 hours of pumping, then at least 20 hours of recovery) and the water is analysed. A completion record goes to WRA within 28 days of finishing. WRA then reviews the results and issues the permit to use the water.
Ask: Will I get the test pumping results, the water analysis and a copy of the completion record?
Where this comes from
Rules can change and WRA has the final word for your site. Checked against these sources in October 2026:
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