Private Water Wells

drinking water

Protecting the Quality of Private Drinking Water Supplies

Private wells supply drinking water for many homes and businesses that are not connected to a public water system. To reduce risks to public health and protect groundwater, wells in Pitt County are regulated through a required permitting and inspection process.

Permits are required before installing any private drinking water well. Local well rules adopted on October 12, 2011 expanded this requirement to include irrigation wells. Permits are also required to repair, replace, or abandon an existing well. These steps help ensure wells are properly located, constructed, and maintained to meet state standards and protect long-term water quality in Pitt County.

For More Information or Questions, 
Please contact Environmental Health
Call 252-902-3200
Email: pitt.envhealth@pittcountync.gov 

  1. Applying for Permits
  2. Common Concerns
  3. Water Quality Testing

Permits and Inspections for Private Wells

Permitting and oversight help reduce the risk of bacteria, chemicals, and other contaminants entering drinking water supplies. These steps also help prevent cross-contamination with nearby septic systems, surface water, or other environmental hazards. Together, state and local standards support reliable drinking water for residents who rely on private wells in Pitt County.

Permitting Process

  1. Submit an application for the construction, repair, or abandonment of a private well.
  2. Environmental Health staff conduct a site visit to evaluate the property or existing well, including location, soil conditions, and distance from potential contamination sources.
  3. An authorization is issued outlining site-specific requirements that must be followed during construction, repair, or abandonment.
  4. Environmental Health staff inspect the well during installation and inspect the well head once work is complete. Inspections are also required for well repairs or abandonments.
  5. For new or replacement drinking water wells, staff collect a water sample and submit it to the State Public Health Laboratory for analysis.

 Apply for Permits Through the Online Permitting Portal 

In addition to testing new wells, Environmental Health staff may collect water samples from existing drinking water wells that meet state construction standards when testing is requested or required.