Water Well Drilling: Questions and Answers

Question: I want to drill a water well on my own plot of land. Today, various organizations offer well drilling services. How to choose the right organization?

A citizen has the right to drill a well and use groundwater on their own land plot without obtaining a permit. Although there are no strict restrictions here, it is still necessary to follow the rules, by observing which a person can ensure their safety. Today, well drilling services are offered by various organizations, which can be divided into two groups: professionals and "amateurs".

A professional organization will necessarily have a geologist on staff who will study the area, the geological cross-section, and the groundwater level.

The second important point is the equipment used by the organization. In accordance with the Law of the Republic of Belarus "On Industrial Safety," the State Industrial Supervision Service of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Belarus issues a permit (certificate) for the right to drill wells, including those deeper than 20 meters. The presence of this document confirms that the employees have sufficient qualifications and are authorized to work on potentially hazardous facilities. Upon completion of all work, the organization must issue a well passport to the customer.

The staff of self-organized entities lacks geological specialists, and consequently, all work is conducted almost by guesswork. Furthermore, their equipment is quite primitive, leading to shallow drilling. Even if they reach water, it may deplete within a year or two. This is particularly characteristic in areas with predominantly clay soils, where water is found at depths exceeding 20 meters. So-called "self-taught" organizations typically do not issue a well log.

While price is a consideration for people, "amateur" entities charge nearly as much for their services as professionals do.

A list of organizations currently holding a valid permit (certificate) from the State Industrial Supervision Authority for drilling wells for solid, liquid, or gaseous minerals at depths exceeding 20 meters is available on the official website of the State Industrial Supervision Authority (https://gospromnadzor.mchs.gov.by/administrativnye-protsedury/razresheniya/).