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.

Get Your Free Estimate

Tell us about your well drilling or pump service needs and we'll get back to you with a detailed estimate and next steps.