Requirements, license levels, and the issuing authority, sourced from California's official board.
California does not license water well drillers through a water agency; the Department of Water Resources states that water well construction must be performed only by a contractor holding the C-57 Well Drilling classification issued by the Contractors State License Board, while DWR sets the well standards and local agencies issue the well permits.
| Requirements | The Department of Water Resources states that any water well construction activities must be performed only by a licensed C-57 Well Drilling Contractor. CSLB defines the C-57 classification as a contractor who installs and repairs water wells and pumps by boring, drilling, excavating, casing, cementing and cleaning to provide a supply of uncontaminated water. To qualify for the C-57 examination an applicant must have at least four years of journey level or higher experience in the classification within the last ten years, verified by someone with firsthand knowledge; up to three of those years may be credited for technical training, apprenticeship or education, but at least one year must be practical experience. Applicants take a law and business examination and a trade examination. Before the license is issued CSLB requires a $25,000 contractor bond, a $25,000 bond of qualifying individual where applicable, proof of workers compensation coverage or an exemption, and an initial license fee of $200 for a sole owner or $350 for a non-sole owner. Separately, DWR states that well owners must obtain permits from local environmental health agencies or local water districts before construction, modification or destruction takes place, and that a report of completion must be filed with DWR. |
| Reciprocity | CSLB has reciprocity agreements with several states, and its Reciprocal Classifications List pairs Nevada's C-23 Drilling Wells classification with California's C-57 Well Drilling. Under reciprocity CSLB may waive the trade portion of the examination but retains the right to require it, and the applicant must still take the business and law portion. |
| Renewal | Licenses are issued for two years and are renewed every two years on active status, or every four years on inactive status. |
| Notes | California does not license water well drillers through a water agency; the Department of Water Resources states that water well construction must be performed only by a contractor holding the C-57 Well Drilling classification issued by the Contractors State License Board, while DWR sets the well standards and local agencies issue the well permits. |
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Sources: www2.cslb.ca.gov, water.ca.gov, www.cslb.ca.gov, www.cslb.ca.gov. Always confirm current requirements with the issuing authority.
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