U.S. Water News Online
JACKSON, Miss. -- Contractors installing and repairing water well pumps must be licensed by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, officials said.
The agency said in a statement that the licenses of water well contractors expire on June 30 and must be renewed annually.
"Groundwater is an important resource in Mississippi, and is by far the most important source of drinking water for our state. We have a good working relationship with the water well contractors in the state and want to ensure they all know of the licensing requirements adopted by the Commission on Environmental Quality," said Sam Mabry, Director of the MDEQ's Office of Land and Water Resources.
The agency said over 93 percent of the drinking water supply in Mississippi is derived from the numerous groundwater aquifers available throughout the state. This supply is obtained via approximately 3,400 public water system wells as well as thousands of domestic wells.
The Office of Land and Water Resources handles licensing of all water well drillers and pump installers in Mississippi.
Licensed operators must meet specific requirements and demonstrate their competency in drilling and/or pump installation by passing various tests administered either by the office or by the National Groundwater Association, officials said.
The Office of Land and Water Resources also maintains records on all drilled and plugged wells and holes in the state and enforces pertinent regulations and laws to ensure the protection of groundwater resources.
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