Oklahoma water well rules, in plain English
Who regulates wells
The Oklahoma Water Resources Board licenses well drilling and pump installation firms and sets minimum construction standards, including well location, surface and annular seals, disinfection and approved materials (OWRB Wells & Licensing). You can look up a firm with the OWRB licensed driller search.
Do you need a permit?
Domestic use, meaning household use, livestock up to the land's grazing capacity and irrigation of less than 3 acres, does not need an OWRB intent-to-drill authorization. Public supply, irrigation of more than 3 acres and other commercial uses do (OWRB Wells & Licensing; OAC 785:30-13-1 (domestic use)). Some cities add their own permit, so ask your city too.
Setbacks from pollution sources
- At least 10 feet from a closed sanitary sewer line, 25 feet from aerobic sprinkler spray and 50 feet from an aerobic sprinkler head (OAC 785:35-7-1).
- From septic tanks and other pollution sources: 50 feet if the well is uphill, 75 feet if level, 100 feet if downhill. A well 50 to 75 feet away that is level or downhill needs a 20-foot surface seal (OAC 785:35-7-1).
- 300 feet from a feedlot or animal waste lagoon (OAC 785:35-7-1).
Construction minimums
Cement grout seals must be at least 10 continuous feet deep, and casing must rise at least 12 inches above natural ground, or 24 inches where flooding is known (OAC 785:35-7-1). DEQ also advises a sanitary well cap and keeping the well 50 feet from buildings that may be termite treated (DEQ fact sheet: maintain your private well).
After drilling
Licensed drillers file a completion report with OWRB. While OWRB's online log system is down, reports go by email on paper forms, with a replacement system expected in spring 2027 (OWRB Wells & Licensing). Ask your driller for a copy for your records.
Planning a septic system on the same lot? The separate OKC Metro Septic Guide covers DEQ septic rules.