Land records · Parcel maps · October 6, 2026
How to Find Well Records for a Property
How to find well records for a property: search your state's well log database, ask the county health department, and check closing and permit files.
How to find well records for a property usually means looking up the well log, sometimes called a well completion report or driller’s log. In most states, licensed well drillers must file a report with a state agency after drilling, listing location, depth, casing, the geology encountered, static water level, and yield. Many states have online well log databases searchable by county, address, owner, or map. County health departments may hold well permits, inspections, and water test results. Older wells may predate reporting rules and have no record. This page is general land-records background, not legal advice.
What a well log shows
| Item | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| Total depth | How deep the well goes |
| Casing depth and type | How far the casing extends |
| Static water level | Depth to water when not pumping |
| Yield | Flow rate in gallons per minute at the time of drilling |
| Geology | Soil and rock layers encountered |
| Date and driller | When and by whom it was drilled |
See reading a well report next to the parcel map.
Where to search
- State well databases: usually run by the department of natural resources, water resources, environmental quality, or the geological survey.
- County health department: well permits, setbacks, inspections, and some water tests.
- Closing documents: inspection and water test reports from when the property was bought.
- Well driller: if you know who drilled it, they may have records.
- Previous owners: may have pump service records.
Searching tips
Older logs may list a legal description like township, range, and section instead of an address. Owner names on logs are the owner at the time of drilling. Map-based searches help when addresses changed. If several wells appear nearby, compare depths to confirm which is yours.
No record found
Wells drilled before state reporting began, or hand-dug wells, may have no log. A well contractor can measure depth and water level and inspect the casing. Neighboring well logs give a sense of typical depths and yields in the area.
Water quality
A well log rarely includes water quality. Testing for bacteria, nitrates, and local concerns like arsenic, radon, or iron is the only way to know. Buyers often test as part of the purchase. See testing the well before you buy RO.
Setbacks and protection zones
Health codes require wells to be set back from septic systems, property lines, and other hazards. Some areas have wellhead protection zones. See what is a well protection radius and how to find septic records.
Shared wells
If a well serves more than one property, look for a recorded shared well agreement and easement in the land records.
Bottom line
Find well records by searching your state’s well log database, checking with the county health department, and reviewing closing and permit files. Logs show depth, casing, water level, and yield, but not water quality, so test the water too. Find county offices via the Platbookmapper map.
How to find well records for a property FAQ
Where can I find my well log?
In your state’s well log database or from the county health department.
What if there is no record of my well?
Older wells may predate reporting; a well contractor can inspect and measure it.
Does a well log show water quality?
Usually not. Test the water separately.
How do I find how deep my well is?
Check the well log, or have a contractor measure it.
Are well records public?
In most states, well logs filed with the state are public records.