1. How do I get approval to drill a well for culinary, stock, irrigation, or other purposes from the State Dept. of Water Rights?

       As of 1/1/98 Tooele County  has over 1500 wells in use, and 500 more approved, but not yet drilled.

       No new water rights are being approved by the State of Utah pending a joint water study. New water rights, if ever, will be considered on a priority basis or the date they were filed. Many pending applications have already been filed and will be considered for approval first.

2. How can I get water rights to drill a new well?

Purchase an existing water right in Tooele County and then apply to theState Division of Water Rights to change the right onto property you own or you are considering purchasing.  Changes must be filed, advertised in the Tooele paper, and are subject to protest from existing water users or owners.

3. If I try to buy or acquire a water right, how much water do I need?

Single family: .45 acre feet of water per  year, or  400 gallons per day.

Irrigation: based on 4.0 feet, per acre of watering.

Lawn & Garden: 1.9 acre feet.

Stock Watering and other incidental uses: require 1.9 acre feet.

       You should also verify that the water right is currently valid and determine from the state the likelihood of a change application to move the rights and drill a new well.

4. Who can drill my well? How much will it cost?

Drillers must be licensed and bonded with Utah State and must have a Tooele County Business License. TCHD keeps a list of active drillers  who meet these requirements.    Fees are set by the driller.  You must obtain a  permit from TCHD before drilling begins. The cost of the well is determined by several factors, such as: Depth to an acceptable aquifer; type of well casing used, amount of grouting required, etc.   Cost  will vary depending upon driller.

5. Once I have the proper water rights from the State Division of Water Rights, what do I do?

Contact the TCHD to obtain an application to drill a well.    TCHD has specific grouting, source protection, and water quality standards. Copies of Individual Water System Regulations can be obtained from TCHD.  Utah State construction standards must also be followed.

6.What does grouting mean? What is required?

It is the annular space between the drilled borehole and well casing.  Grouting must be 2 inches thick, and  extend 100 feet below the surface or into an effective geologic seal.  Grout seals eliminate potential contaminants from entering your drinking water  supply.

7. What is a protection zone?

A grouted well shall be isolated from concentrated sources of pollution for a distance of at least 100 horizontal feet from the well head. Sources of pollution include septic systems, corrals and roads. Protection zones should not cross property lines. If they do, you must obtain a land use agreement from the adjoining land owner.

8. What should I be looking for when my well is being drilled?

Inspect the materials that are being used.  Well casings should be new, and free of pits, cracks, or breaks.  Well must be at least 100 feet away from all sources of contamination.  Grouting materials should be cement or bentonite based.