Drinking Water Well FAQ

Who assigns water rights on the Island and who licenses well construction?

The Washington State Department of Ecology is the governing authority of water rights and well licensing in the state.

WATER RIGHTS:

http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wr/rights/water-right-home.html

Arlene Harris
Office: 425-649-7020
arha461@ecy.wa.gov

WELLS:

http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wr/wells/wellhome.html

Where can I find information about how many wells are on the island and/or information about a particular well?

The Department of Ecology maintains a Well Log Database that is searchable either graphically through the use of a map or by parcel number/site address. The Well Log Database can be found at:

http://apps.ecy.wa.gov/welllog/

If you need assistance, please contact Arlene Harris (info above).

Who do I talk to about the quality of my drinking water?

If you are a City of Bainbridge Island Water Utility customer, please contact the Department of Public Works Water Utility at 206-780-3584, PWOM@bainbridge.gov

If you are a customer of another public water provider on the Island, please call the information number listed on your billing statement.

For small community or private wells, the Kitsap Public Health District is the governing authority of drinking water certification. Contact information is as follows:

John Kiess, Program Manager

360-337-5290

Who do I talk to about the City’s Water Utility?

Department of Public Works Water Utility at 206-780-3584, PWOM@bainbridge.gov