Well Owners
Wondering About Groundwater Levels in Your Area?
If you have a well in the valley, visit the California's Groundwater Live website and select "Groundwater Levels" and then "Current Groundwater Conditions" to use the mapping application to view the depth to groundwater in your neighborhood based on groundwater level conditions measured in monitoring wells.
For even more detail on each well, click on the dot representing the well on the map and click on "Groundwater Level Report" and then on "Groundwater Level Data."
For help navigating the site you can also call 530-552-3595 or take advantage of the tutorials available on the California's Groundwater Live - Overview page.
Be Prepared
Households that rely on well water can face problems during a drought. Being prepared can reduce the chance of well problems and shorten the time it takes to restore water. As a rule, you should be mindful of your well's health and functionality on an ongoing basis, but especially during a drought period.
The Wellowner website has an abundance of basic information on wells and regular maintenance, including a great Well Owners Guide. You can gain access to free classes on Domestic Wells at The Private Well Class website. Be sure to view the Butte County Private Well Owner Informational Brochure (PDF).
Report Water Supply Shortage
Individuals are encouraged to report dry wells or water supply shortages to DWR's online Household Water Supply Shortage Reporting System. This will help inform state and local agencies on water shortage impacts to households served by wells, and will help identify the need for local, state, or federal assistance.
Go to the CA Department of Water Resources (DWR) Dry Well Reporting System page and click the Submit Report button.
Reports can be made anonymously and data will be made available on the California's Groundwater Live Mapping Application.
Water Hauling
Emergency Water Filling Stations - South Butte County
In the Oroville/Bangor areas, South Feather Water and Power (Phone: 530-533-4578) provides 3 locations with potable (drinking) water, open from 8 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday:
- 2310 Oro Quincy Highway, Oroville, this location will accommodate containers up to 5-gallons. Public access is unlimited. No limit on daily use.
- 234 Kelly Ridge Road, Oroville, this location will accommodate containers up to 5-gallons. Public access is unlimited. No limit on daily use.
- 7540 Oro Bangor Highway Oroville (Cal Fire parking lot on the left), this location will accommodate containers up to 5-gallons. Public access is unlimited. No limit on daily use.
The locations previously listed provide potable water for residents to fill and haul themselves. While the water is potable at the source, there is no guarantee it will remain safe to drink if it is put in a container that is not certified for hauling potable water. The County encourages residents to use water from these locations for everyday functions, such as showering, doing laundry, and flushing toilets. Residents should use bottled water for drinking.
Local Licensed Water Haulers
Currently Butte County residents may hire a water hauler licensed by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). A Complete List of Licensed Water Haulers can be found on the CDPH website. The listed is compiled by the state and is not an endorsement by Butte County.
Report Illegal Water Hauling or Water Diversions
Please see the flyers or reach out to the following contacts:
- FAQ: Water Hauling and Cannabis Cultivation (PDF)
- Illegal Water Hauling (PDF)
- California Water Boards
Mr. Taro Murano
Water Rights Enforcement
Phone: 916-341-5399
Email Taro Murano - Lake and Streambed Alteration Program Regional Contact
Phone: 916-358-2885
Email the Lake and Streambed Alteration Program Regional Contact - California Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)| Environmental Complaint Form
- Save Our Water | Water Waste Complaint Form
- My well has “gone dry,” what do I do?
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This occurs when the groundwater levels fall below the depth of the pump or the bottom of the well. You will need to contact a licensed contractor who can assess your situation and give you options. The Wellowner website has a Contractor Lookup Tool.
If you have the ability to store water or purchase a storage tank, be sure to use only licensed water haulers for delivery of safe, clean potable water. A list of licensed water haulers in Butte County and surrounding counties can be found in the section above. A Complete List of Licensed Water Haulers can be found on the CA Department of Public Health (CDPH) website.
- How can I find out where the groundwater level is in my area?
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Depth to groundwater for monitoring wells in your area can be viewed on the California's Groundwater Live website. Use the map to find a monitoring well near you. If you know the total depth of your well, where it is screened, and how deep your pump sits in the borehole then you can compare that information to local groundwater conditions to gauge your risk for running into well troubles.
Additionally there are 2 real-time multi-completion groundwater level monitoring wells currently transmitting data:
- 20N2E24C1-3M - located on Nelson Road near Highway 99
- 21N1E13L2-4M - located at the California State University, Chico State Farm
Groundwater level monitoring occurs throughout the year. Results and summaries are provided in the Department's Groundwater Status Report. Call our department at 530-552-3595 if you have questions about groundwater conditions.
- I haven’t had problems but how can I be proactive?
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Annual well maintenance is highly recommended. Have your well serviced to check pump performance, depth to water, and the depth of your pump. Butte County has put together a Domestic Wells Pamphlet (PDF) to help property owners navigate well maintenance.
Knowing the total depth and general construction of your well can help you anticipate how your well may respond in drought conditions. This information can be found on a Well Log that was filled out at the time your well was drilled or may be available from the pump company which performed the installation. We recommend always having your well log on hand, especially during dry times.
- Where can I find a copy of my Well Log?
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A copy of your Well Log, also known as a Well Completion Report, is available from the Department of Water Resources (DWR) - Northern Region Office. This will give you more information about your well including its construction details, total depth and casing and screening information. Well information is available online at no charge via the Well Completion Report Mapping Application. If you are unable to find the report using the online application, you may request one by filling out and submitting a Well Completion Report Request Form (PDF), a fee may be charged. For more information contact the Northern Region office by email or by calling 530-529-7368.
If DWR cannot locate your Well Log, you may also request your well depth information and Well Log from the Butte County Public Health Department Environmental Health Division. Call them at 530-552-3880.