Well Registration

Since September 9, 1993, all new wells, including domestic wells, have been required to be registered with the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources. Irrigation wells have been required to be registered since 1957. According to the Department, wells used for solely domestic purposes or livestock water or for both are all considered to be domestic wells. Wells that are not properly registered are, by law, illegal wells and may become subject to the same restrictions as new wells. The Nebraska Department of Water Resources requires all wells to be properly registered with the State. If there has been a change of ownership, a change of ownership registration is required.

Nebraska State Law in Statute §46-601 states "The registration of all wells, except wells used solely for domestic purposes, in this state should be required," and in §46-657 states an "Illegal well shall mean (a) any well operated or constructed without or in violation of a permit required by the Nebraska Ground Water Management and Protection Act, (b) any well not in compliance with rules and regulations adopted and promulgated pursuant to such act, (c) any well not properly registered in accordance with section §46-602 to §46-604, or (d) any well not in compliance with any other applicable laws of the State of Nebraska or with rules and regulations adopted and promulgated pursuant to such laws".

To verify that your well is properly registered, contact the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources.