Individual wells provide water to 24% of Clark County residents.  Our staff provide resources and answer questions on water quality issues, how to disinfect water systems, protection of well source from surface activities, etc. Clark County Community Development often requires a Water Availability and Verification Evaluation (WAVE) by Clark County Public Health prior to the issuance of building permits. 

Well drillers inform us of all intents to drill or decommission a well.  Drinking water staff has a contract with Washington Department of Ecology to inspect 80% of the work completed by well drillers. 

New and replacement individual wells must be tested for water quality (coliform bacteria, arsenic, and nitrate). Applicants are responsible for collecting water samples for analysis by a Washington State Certified Laboratory. Some local laboratories are listed on the Service Provider list (PDF).

How to apply for a WAVE (Water Availability and Verification Evaluation) 
To apply for a Water Availability Verification Evaluation, submit all of the items listed on the WAVE Submittal Materials Checklist along with a completed Water Services Application. You will be notified of the evaluation results within 3-5 business days. Fees differ depending on whether the water system has had a previous WAVE. The appropriate fee can be found on the fee schedule (PDF).

• Water Services Application (PDF) 
• WAVE Submittal Materials Checklist (PDF)
• Well Site Evaluation Application (PDF)
• Sample Plot Map (JPG) 
• Well Log Search - a well report that describes the location, ownership, construction details and lithology of a completed well

The well seal is important for protection of the water source.