Before a new well is drilled in Wisconsin, the property owner gets a DNR Well Construction Notification ($50.50). In Dane County, you also need a well location permit ($226) from Public Health Madison & Dane County. The well must meet NR 812 setback distances, and anyone drilling for hire must be a DNR-licensed well driller.
Updated October 2026
Permits and paperwork
| Where | What you need |
|---|---|
| All of Wisconsin | DNR Well Construction Notification, $50.50, through the DNR’s GoWild system, before drilling. The owner gets it. |
| Dane County | Also a county well location permit, $226, from PHMDC: 608-242-6515. |
| Iowa, Green and Sauk counties | State notification only, based on the DNR’s list. Confirm with your county zoning office. An older Sauk County brochure mentioned a county well permit. |
| Septic system | A county sanitary permit. |
Setback distances (NR 812)
| Distance from the well to | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Septic tank or holding tank | 25 feet |
| Drainfield or mound | 50 feet |
| Building sewer | 8 feet |
| Animal barn or yard | 50 feet |
| Liquid-tight manure storage | 100 feet |
| Earthen manure storage | 250 feet |
| Buried fuel oil tank | 25 feet |
| LP tank or pool | 8 feet |
| Anything not listed | 8 feet |
- A property line can’t be used to waive a setback.
- The casing must end at least 12 inches above the ground, and the well can’t end in a basement except in limited walkout cases.
Timing
- DNR records for local townships show drilling peaks in October, stays busy June through September, and is slowest in February.
- About 90 new wells a year have been drilled in 22 local townships since 2016.
Depth and cost
New wells here often run 200 feet or more on the ridges. See depths by town and typical costs.
After drilling
- The driller files a well construction report with the DNR within 30 days and gives you a copy.
- The pump goes in next. Plumbing from the pressure tank into the house is work for a licensed plumber.
- Test the new well for bacteria and nitrate. See where to test.
When you need a licensed professional
- Drilling the well: a DNR-licensed well driller. Check a contractor’s license.
- Installing the pump and pressure tank.
- Filling and sealing any old well on the lot.
- Wisconsin rules require a DNR-licensed pump installer for pump and pressure-tank work on a drinking-water well; check with DNR if you’re unsure.
Related
- Typical well depths by town
- What well work costs in Wisconsin
- Find your well construction report
- Filling and sealing an old well
- Where to test well water
Sources
