Opportunity to Weigh in on Wells for Protecting Groundwater


Well Standards

DWR Bulletin 74 sets the minimum standards for water, monitoring, cathodic protection, and geothermal heat exchange wells, with the purpose of protecting California’s groundwater quality. Local jurisdictions have the authority to adopt standards which meet or exceed the Bulletin 74 standards. Well standards are administered and enforced at the local level. The process, from standards development through enforcement, is detailed in Water Code Sections 13800 – 13806.

DWR is in the process of updating Bulletin 74: California Well Standards, last updated in 1991. Upon completion of the update, Bulletin 74 will be submitted to the State Water Resources Control Board for adoption into a Statewide Model Well Ordinance.

DWR is committed to an open and transparent process that seeks participation and collaborative input from stakeholders and the public.