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Provincial well and aquifer data

Last updated on May 6, 2025

The Groundwater Wells and Aquifers (GWELLS) application is the user interface for searching and accessing the provincial database of registered wells, mapped aquifer and registered well drillers and pump installers.

This page outlines how to access the information stored in GWELLS.  

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Registry of wells

The government of B.C. maintains a database of over a hundred thousand wells.  

As of 2016, per the Water Sustainability Act (WSA), well drillers and well pump installers must submit well reports within 90 days of constructing, altering or decommissioning a well. Wells constructed prior to 2016, when well registration was voluntary, might not be captured in the registry. 

Well owners are encouraged to register their well for free to make their water use known so that it can be protected. If your well cannot be found or you would like to update the information associated to your well, please submit a Domestic Well Registration Form (PDF, 252KB)   

To learn more:

Registry of provincially mapped aquifers

The government of B.C. conducts aquifer mapping to better understand the characteristics of B.C.’s aquifers and to assess groundwater availability. Due to data availability, mapped aquifers are generally limited to developed areas. The needs for mapping and registration of new aquifers will change as communities expand, new resource development projects are initiated, and as our climate changes.

Information about provincially mapped aquifers can be accessed through GWELLS:

For more information about mapping and managing aquifers in BC: 

Registry of qualified well drillers and pump installers  

Constructing and decommissioning wells, and installing well pumps, are restricted activities that must be performed or directly supervised by qualified people who are registered with the province to work in B.C. 

  • Use the registry search tab in GWELLS to find qualified well drillers and well pump installers