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1. My well has “gone dry,” what do I do?

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.

2. How can I find out where the groundwater level is in my area?

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.

3. I haven’t had problems but how can I be proactive?

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.

4. Where can I find a copy of my Well Log?

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.