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Well records and registration

Last updated on May 19, 2026

The Provincial Groundwater Wells and Aquifer (GWELLS) database stores records of wells that are registered with the B.C. government. 

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Domestic well registration requirements

Groundwater used exclusively for domestic use does not require a licence, but if you are a domestic well owner you are strongly encouraged to register your well. Well registration creates a record in the GWELLS database which helps to ensure that your water use is considered in decision-making and during times of water scarcity.

Domestic groundwater

As outlined in the Water Sustainability Act (WSA), groundwater use is considered domestic when the water is used for household purposes in a private dwelling.

Household purposes include:

  • Drinking water
  • Food preparation
  • Cleaning
  • Fire prevention
  • Providing water for animals or poultry kept as pets or for household use
  • Small gardens below 1000 metres squared

Find the full definition in Section 2 of the WSA.

Wells drilled after February 2016

Drilled water supply wells that were constructed, altered or decommissioned after February 29, 2016, must be registered in the GWELLS database. It is a requirement that registered well drillers and well pump installers submit a well Construction or Alteration Form (PDF, 437KB) and Decommission Form (PDF, 255KB) to the Comptroller of Water Rights and the well owner within 90 days after completion of the works for water supply wells.

Refer to the Register of well drillers and well pump installers to hire a qualified well driller or well pump installer in your area.

If you have a drilled well that was constructed or altered after February 2016, and you cannot find your well on the database, contact Groundwater@gov.bc.ca.

Shallow wells dug or excavated after February 2016

If you have a shallow water supply well that was dug or excavated (since February 2016), you, as the well owner, need to submit a well construction report or a decommission report within 90 days after completion of the works to the Comptroller of Water Rights.

Wells drilled prior to February 2016

Prior to February 2016, well registration was voluntary and older wells may not appear in the GWELLS database. If you are a domestic well owner, you are strongly encouraged to register your water well.

If your well was constructed or altered prior to February 2016, and no record exists, follow the domestic well registration process to register.

Determining registration requirements flowchart

The information on this page is also available as a flowchart. For a visualization of the registration requirements for your well, consult the Well Form and ID Plate Requirements for Property Owners Flowchart (PDF, 126KB).

Domestic well registration process 

Complete a Well Registration Form (PDF, 350KB) and email it to Groundwater@gov.bc.ca.

Before submitting:

  • Ensure your well is used for domestic purposes only
  • Complete all required information
  • Attach a sketch or map depicting where the well is located on the property
  • Provide any supporting documentation (for example, well construction report) if available
  • Sign the well registration form

Multiple submissions for the same domestic well will impede effective processing of the well registration.

Alternately, well registrations can also be submitted by mail to a regional office. Consult the list of addresses for regional offices.

Non-domestic groundwater use

All irrigators, industries, waterworks and others who divert and use groundwater from a well or dugout for non-domestic purposes, such as commercial or industrial use, are required to apply for and obtain a water licence. This requirement was brought in by the Water Sustainability Act on February 29, 2016.

Learn more on the Requirements for groundwater users webpage. For more information refer to the Water Use Purpose (PDF, 216KB) document.

Apply for a water licence

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Diagram of different well forms and ID Plate Requirements for private domestic well owners: