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Wells

Environmental Health Services

Divisions / Environmental Health Services / Permits & Business Services / Water Protection and Land Use / Land Use, Septic & Wells / Wells

Inspection staff regulates all domestic and agricultural water wells and springs.

How to Apply for a Permit

You can apply for a Water Well permit,  pay invoices, and manage your permits online using MyEHS.

If you’re unable to apply online with MyEHS, you can download and complete the Water Well Permit PDF application here (see Downloadable Applications Forms Section).

Individual Water Supplies

Before you move into your new residence or business, they will make sure that your water supply is safe. They do this by:

  • Checking that all wells and springs are constructed properly.
  • Certifying that water output meets local requirements.
  • Monitoring and reviewing chemical and bacterial tests.

Disinfection of Wells

  • Introduce one cup of household bleach into the well through an opening at the slab top or casing. Newer wells should have a capped gravel pack pipe or disinfection pipe at the slab, which can be opened. For wells deeper than 50 feet, introduce two cups of household bleach into the well.
  • Add five gallons of water chlorinated with ½ cup of household bleach to the well to force the solution out into the surrounding formation.
  • Operate the well pump until a distinct odor of chlorine can be detected in the water after the pressure tank or somewhere at the house.
  • If the well was operational during the storm, and there is a risk that house lines are contaminated, run the water until the smell of chlorine can be detected at the kitchen and bathroom sinks.
  • Allow the chlorine solution to remain in the well and water lines for at least four hours, preferably overnight.
  • After disinfection, pump the well and run the water in the house until the odor of chlorine is no longer detected.
  • To collect a sample to be tested for bacteria, it is best to use a container provided by the laboratory. If one is not available, use a 12 oz. or greater glass jar that has been sterilized by boiling (lid included). If possible, take the sample directly from the well or an outside tap. Run the water for one minute, take a sample, being careful not to touch the inside of the lid or jar. Transport to a commercial laboratory or the County Public Health Lab. The sample should be on ice and arrive at the lab no more than five hours after sample collection for valid results. Test for “Coliform Bacteria, presence/absence.” Call the laboratory first to ensure they can do the required analysis. The County Public Health Lab is located at:
    225 W. 37th Avenue
    Building A, First Floor Room AB130
    San Mateo, CA 94403 | 650-573-2500

Well Use in Droughts

Our goal, especially during droughts, is to work with you to maintain an adequate and safe water supply for your household. If your well or spring is not producing enough water for your needs, please review the information in these frequently asked questions as we continue to seek resources and options for homeowners using wells for water supply in rural San Mateo County.

Well-related FAQs

You should start working now to secure a sustainable water source for your home. Deepen your well, drill a new, deeper well, or connect to a public water system, if possible.

If you have a holding tank, you can contract for potable water delivery (see below for water haulers and requirements/suggestions). Hauling water to your home is a short-term solution to a long-term problem. Make sure you are only using your water for the bare necessities—drinking, bathing, etc., and not for landscape irrigation.

Make sure you have low-flow fixtures installed and there are no leaks, drips or running toilets in your home that may be wasting water.

Potable water haulers are licensed by the California Department of Public Health. A current list of licensed potable water haulers sorted by county is available here (look for the current list under the “Licensed Water Haulers” section). There are currently only two licensed haulers listed for San Mateo County, so check the surrounding counties too.

While unlicensed companies may deliver water to you, we strongly urge you to use a licensed potable water hauler because only licensed haulers have to meet rigorous quality standards. Without knowing the quality of the water delivered, you may put yourself and your family at risk for contracting waterborne disease/illness.

There are inherent risks of contaminating hauled water during transfer and storage. It is recommended that, to the extent possible, water in your storage tank maintains a detectable chlorine level of 1 part per million. Even with this precaution, it is not advisable to use hauled water for drinking or food preparation, including washing produce. If you have to use hauled water, please contact Environmental Health Services staff for more information on precautions to take, including disinfection protocols.

Your local plumber is a great resource for obtaining and installing a water holding tank. Nearby suppliers include, but are not limited to:

  • Scotts Valley Sprinkler Co
    5010 Scotts Valley Dr.
    Scotts Valley, CA 95066
    831-438-6450
    Brands of water storage tanks: Poly Processing, Norwesco, Bushman
  • Make A Buck Co.
    3391 Cabrillo Ave|
    Santa Clara, CA 95051
    408-246-7932
    800-400-7932
    Type of water storage tanks: Plastic tanks
    ​
    You can also check your local yellow pages.

It depends on the area of the county and the size and configuration of your desired holding tank. Contact the San Mateo County Planning and Building Department at 650-599-7310 or 650-599-7311. No separate Environmental Health permit is required. Once the tank has been installed, Environmental Health is available to assist with any disinfection protocols.

Prior to obtaining a drilling permit from Environmental Health Services, you may first need to work with the Planning and Building Department to determine if you need a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) or Coastal Development Exemption (CDX). Once you have received approval from the Planning and Building Department or determined that no CDP or CDX is needed, you’ll need a drilling permit from Environmental Health Services. You can download the Water Well Application below. Please note that if a CDP or CDX is needed, Environmental Health may work with the Planning and Building Department to request an emergency CDP or CDX to expedite the well permitting process.

Environmental Health Services staff are available to assist you. Please contact them at 650-464-0613 or egdiaz@smcgov.org. While there currently is no state or local drought relief funding available for individual well owners, we are lobbying the state to make funds available for affected water users. This is one more reason to let us know of any problems you may have—to inform our lobbying efforts. You can find additional state resources below.

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