Senators Malone, Miller Announce Bill To Protect Private Well Users By Licensing Water Well Drillers

On March 9, James Andrew Malone (D-Lancaster) and Senator Nick Miller (D-Lehigh) announced legislation that would establish the first statewide licensing framework for water well drillers in Pennsylvania to create greater accountability within the industry and protect consumers.

Click Here for cosponsor memo.

Proper siting and construction of private water wells are critical for ensuring safe drinking water and protecting public health. 

[Private wells are the primary source of drinking water for about 3.5 million Pennsylvanians, approximately 20,000 new drinking water wells are drilled each year in the state, according to Penn State Extension.

[The Extension found 41% of the existing 1 million drinking water wells in the state fail to meet at least one health-based drinking water standard.

[Click Here for an FAQ on water wells.] 

Pennsylvania is one of only three states that do not have statewide industry licensing requirements for well drillers. 

This bill will establish professional licensing criteria for water well drillers, as well as geotechnical, environmental, and geothermal drillers who install groundwater heat pump systems.

“We have around 38,000 private water wells in Lancaster County, and millions of people across Pennsylvania rely on private wells for their drinking water,” said Senator Malone. “Following a hearing on the issue that we held back in November, I worked with Senator Miller and a wide range of government, industry, and academic stakeholders to move this practical licensing framework for water well drillers forward to protect families who use private wells.”

“Millions of Pennsylvanians rely on private water wells as their primary source of drinking water, making their safety a critical priority,” said Senator Miller. “Last November, as Chair of the Senate Democratic Policy Committee and in collaboration with Senator Malone, we convened a hearing to closely examine the state of our water systems and residential well protections. Today, we are taking proactive measures to advance legislation that will provide safe, reliable drinking water for more Pennsylvanians.”

This licensing framework relies on existing regulations and industry best practices. 

The requirements were developed in consultation with industry professionals and public health experts and are supported by representatives from the oil and gas, agricultural, building, engineering, and drilling industries, as well as state agencies, consumer, health, and environmental groups.

Click Here for the announcement.

[Visit the Penn State Extension’s Master Well Owner Network webpage, the PA Ground Water Association website and DEP’s Private Water Wells webpage for more information on private water wells.]

[Posted: March 9, 2026]  PA Environment Digest