Water Well Contractor

Before engaging in the business of water well drilling, pump installing, or constructing dewatering wells, a person shall obtain a Certificate of Registration annually from the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Noncommunity and Private Drinking Water Supplies Unit (517) 284-6542. These requirements are set forth in Part 127, 1978 PA 368 (Michigan Public Health Code), Section 12704, being §333.12704 of the Michigan Compiled Laws. It is unlawful to advertise as engaging in the business unless a person has first obtained a Certificate of Registration from the DEQ. Failure to register is a misdemeanor pursuant to Section 12715, being §333.12715 of the Michigan Compiled Laws.

By law, all registrations expire on April 30th and renewal applications must be submitted by March 1st. Contractors which fail to renew their registration by May 1st cannot conduct any well drilling or pump installation activities until such time their registration is renewed.

Registration Categories:

1. Water Well Drilling Contractor - Persons in this category are authorized to construct, alter, service, and repair water wells. A registered well drilling contractor may also perform the work of a pump installer without obtaining an additional Certificate of Registration.
2. Pump Installation Contractor - Persons in this category are authorized to install, remove, alter, and repair water pumping equipment. Persons who perform only shop work on pumps are not required to be registered. Licensed master plumbers may perform the work of a pump installer without having to obtain a pump installers registration. Pump installers may not drill, service, or repair any part of the well not directly related to the pump installation. Pitless adapters, drop pipes, packer jets, and foot valves are considered part of the pump installation. Casings and screens are well components.
3. Dewatering Well Contractor - Persons in this category are authorized to engage in construction, installation, and plugging of dewatering wells and installation and operation of dewatering well pumps.
4. Dewatering Well Pump Installer - Persons in this category are authorized to engage in installation and operation of dewatering well pumps.

Registered well drilling contractors and licensed master plumbers may also perform the work of pump installers.

Information on becoming a registered contractor in Michigan can be found at www.michigan.gov/deqwaterwellconstruction.

When personally constructing or repairing a water well or installing or repairing water well pumps or pumping equipment (pressure tanks, controls, etc.), on private property for one's own personal use in a single-family dwelling, a registration is not required.

Well construction permits are required from county or district health departments before starting well construction.

Revised: 09/2013