Well Regulations and Compliance
What You Need to Know About Water Well Rules in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri
Drilling or repairing a water well involves more than digging a hole.
It requires careful planning, compliance with state law, and professional installation. Summers Well Drilling is fully licensed in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri, and we follow all applicable regulations to protect groundwater quality, public health, and your long-term investment.
If you're unsure what rules apply to your land, we're here to walk you through it.
Do I Need a Permit to Drill a Well?
In most cases: yes, and the requirements vary by state:
Arkansas
Regulated by the Arkansas Water Well Construction Commission (AWWCC)
All wells must be drilled by a licensed contractor
Well construction and abandonment records must be submitted to the state
Wells must meet minimum depth, casing, grouting, and siting requirements (setbacks from septic, boundaries, etc.)
Oklahoma
Permits issued by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB)
Drillers must be licensed, and all wells must be registered
Tribal lands may have additional requirements or coordination through the Bureau of Indian Affairs
Site-specific regulations may apply for irrigation, livestock, or commercial use
Missouri
Regulated by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
Water wells must be constructed by state-licensed contractors
The state maintains specific rules for casing, grouting, and reporting of completion
Well Construction Notification Forms must be submitted before work begins
Abandoned wells must be plugged following Missouri Plugging Standards
Sealing Abandoned or Unused Wells
In all three states, abandoned wells must be properly sealed to prevent contamination and safety hazards.
A well is considered abandoned if:
It is no longer in use or has been left unattended
It can no longer produce water or has been damaged beyond repair
It has been buried, collapsed, or otherwise made inaccessible without sealing
Summers is licensed to seal wells legally in AR, OK, and MO, and we handle all required paperwork with state agencies.
Why These Rules Matter
Each state's well construction rules are based on federal water protection law, including the Clean Water Act, and are designed to:
Protect Groundwater
Protect shared groundwater supplies from pollution
Prevent Contamination
Prevent cross-contamination between aquifers
Ensure Safety
Ensure safe water for household, agricultural, and public use
Avoid Legal Risks
Avoid legal and financial risks for landowners
A poorly constructed or illegal well can threaten more than just your own water; it can impact neighbors, livestock, and public health.
Summers Is Fully Licensed and Compliant
We are licensed and insured in all three states and have years of experience working with:
AWWCC
Arkansas Water Well Construction Commission
OWRB
Oklahoma Water Resources Board
DNR
Missouri Department of Natural Resources
We take care of permitting, records, and coordination with state or local authorities so you don't have to worry about the paperwork. If your property crosses state lines or sits near the border, we'll help you determine exactly what's required.
Need Help Understanding What Applies?
Whether you're drilling a new well, repairing an existing system, or sealing an old one, Summers Well Drilling can help you stay compliant, and make sure your water system is built to last.
Contact us to schedule a consultation or ask about specific requirements in your area.