Georgia Water Well Drillers and Contractors Surety Bonds

The State of Georgia's Environmental Protection Division requires that Georgia Water Well Drillers and Water Well Contractors to be licensed and obtain a surety bond. Water well driller contractors dig, drive, bore or drill into the ground to access ground water so that water can be pumped out. Georgia's Water Well Standards Act of 1985 (12-5-120 thru 138) specifies water well standards for pre-drilling, the construction, operation and maintenance of a well, and in the end, the plugging of the well. The Act also sets the standards for the licensing of water well drillers and pump installers as well as penalties, fines and collection of fees.

Surety Bond and License Requirements:

Well drillers or contractors must first take the three required examinations that include a general drilling exam, the State of Georgia Water Well Standards Law Exam, and at least one other specific drilling method exam.

Upon completion of the exam, driller/contractor applicants can apply for a license. The application packet is available from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division. Applicants must complete the application, the Affidavit of Applicant and pay the application fee.

The application includes describing the applicant's drilling experience, any qualifications or honors, and memberships in technical or trade associations. The Affidavit of Applicant includes the specific drilling methods that will be used, including cable tool drilling in unconsolidated material, mud rotary drilling in rock, air rotary drilling in rock, and jetting and drilling wells in unconsolidated material.

Applicants will need to obtain a $30,000 performance surety bond. The performance surety bond ensures that the applicant will perform all duties and comply with the procedures required in the Act.

Instead of a surety bond, an irrevocable letter of credit may be filed with the state. The irrevocable letter of credit will need to be of equal value of the performance bond.

Upon licensure approval, drillers and contractors should complete a Well Completion Data Form for each well constructed, repaired, completed or abandoned.

How Much Will This Bond Cost?

The premium that you pay for a Georgia Water Well Driller Contractor Surety Bond is dependent on credit. Rates start at $300 with good credit.

Did You Know?

Licenses must be renewed by June 30 of odd years.

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