Groundwater is a precious resource and it can be found in abundance in most areas of Iowa. Certifying well contractors is one step we use to help ensure the well services you pay for are completed in a manner that focuses on providing a safe water source. It also helps provide the long term protections needed to preserve the resources for future generations.
The protections are part of a set of uniform standards that the well industry helped create and are part of all well services a professional certified well contractor provides. These services include well construction, pump installation, pump and pressure system repair, well renovation, well rehabilitation, water line installation and repair, and well plugging services.
There are minimum statewide standards and a requirement that the contractor plan and adapt your well services to the conditions found at your location and increase minimum standards when necessary to allow for greater protection. In some areas of the state, these additional protections are needed to ensure your drinking water starts out safe and remains that way for the useful life of the well.
Iowa DNR Certified Well Contractors are individuals who meet minimum work experience requirements in areas required for certification, successfully passed state examinations which demonstrates their knowledge for basic well services and the state rules. They also must obtain continuing education to further their knowledge and skill sets. Certified Well Contractors are required to follow the well rules and contractor obligations as outlined in 567 Iowa Administrative Code Chapters
38, 39, 49 and 82. Well contractor certification is renewable for two year periods as long as the individual meets all eligibility requirements.
The type of well contractor certification an individual requires is based on the type of well services they want to offer. There are currently three levels of Certified Well Contractors in Iowa. They are Well Drillers, Pump Installers, and Well Plugger (a limited certification).
You can find a list of definitions in our the Private Well Program
definitions document.
This document can help you understand the common terms used when we discuss the topics of well construction, pump repair, and well plugging.
When choosing a certified well contractor, look for one who actively applies the standards, increases their knowledge and professionalism through continuing education, and has experience in providing successful outcomes in your local conditions.