Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country
Founded 05-05-05

Well Permit Fees Increase July 1

Story by Millie Tolleson

As of July 1, the Appalachian District Health Department will operate under North Carolina’s statewide State Private Well Rules.

However, High Country residents will not see much change in well regulations at the end of the month, said Andrew Blethen, Environmental Health Program supervisor at the Appalachian District Health Department, because the health department, which covers Watauga, Ashe and Alleghany counties, enacted a local ordinance effective January 1, 2007, that is “mostly word for word” the state regulations, Blethen said.

However, the well setback requirements will change.

“The district ordinance is slightly more restrictive than [the ordinance] the state finally adopted,” Blethen said. The local ordinance included additional setback requirements not enacted by the state, but those more restrictive setbacks will no longer be in effect as of July 1.

“By enforcing the state regulations, we will get coverage by the state attorney’s office… and fall under state guidance and protection,” Blethen said.

Another change is in permit fees. The new-well permit fee will increase from $225 to $300 on Tuesday, July 1. The fee includes the cost of inspections, fieldwork and a water sample.

For new-well inspections, health department staff members ensure the well meets the setback requirements—the regulated distance from sewer systems, foundation structures and fuel tanks.

Health department inspectors also check water quality, testing for the existence of iron, lead and other inorganic constituents, Blethen said. Applicants can expect to receive the results of the water bacterial test within 26 to 30 hours; however, results of tests sent to the state labs can take up to three weeks.

Applicants who do not meet well location or water quality requirements will not receive a permit from the health department.

Those applicants are able to appeal to the state if they wish to pursue a well further, Blethen said. Applicants not receiving permits also receive a partial refund on the permit fee.

Residents with established wells are encouraged to contact the health department before making any repairs. “To do any kind of major work [on your well], you need a permit,” Blethen said. “The only thing you don’t need a permit for is pump repair or replacement.” The health department does not charge a fee for repair applications.

“It is in the public good for them to repair wells,” Blethen said.

Blethen encourages property owners with existing wells to have their water checked every three years and to contact the health department with any questions.

“[The health department] can help people troubleshoot any problems with their wells,” Blethen said.

Copies of the well regulations and permit applications are available from the Watauga, Ashe and Alleghany county health departments.