Well Driller and Drill Rig Supervisor

The Office of the State Engineer is responsible for regulating the construction and abandonment of wells and the licensing of well drillers in the state of New Mexico. Any person desiring to engage in the drilling of one or more wells for underground water within the boundaries of any underground source shall file an application with the state engineer for a driller license. It is unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to drill or to begin the drilling of a well for water from an underground source without a valid, existing license for the drilling of such wells issued by the State Engineer of New Mexico.

PUBLIC INFORMATION AND HANDOUTS

The Office of the State Engineer has created public handouts to assist the public with questions on selecting a well driller and general well drilling requirements. For more information on public handouts and the well driller database, click here.

RULES

On August 31, 2005, the Office of the State Engineer adopted updated Rules and Regulations governing Well Driller Licensing; Construction, Repair and Plugging of Wells. The regulations include revised well drilling and construction requirements, continuing education requirements for well drillers and drill rig supervisors, revised requirements for registration as a drill rig supervisor, and revised well driller licensing and license renewal requirements. For more information on the rule set, click here.

CONTINUING EDUCATION

The Office of the State Engineer adopted a continuing education program for well drillers and drill rig supervisors on August 31, 2005. The continuing education requirements are part of the Rules and Regulations Governing Well Driller Licensing; Construction, Repair and Plugging of Wells (see Subsection C of 19.27.4.20 NMAC and Subsection C of 19.27.4.27 NMAC). For more information on the continuing education program click here

FORMS

To access forms relating to well construction, the licensing of well drillers, and the registration of drill rig supervisors click here

LINKS

• The New Mexico Ground Water Association: The New Mexico Ground Water Association represents many well drilling contractors, pump installation contractors, manufacturers, suppliers and consultants involved in the ground water industry in New Mexico.
• The National Ground Water Association: The National Ground Water Association is the hallmark organization for many affiliated with the ground water industry. A nonprofit organization, NGWA is comprised of more than 14,000 U.S. and international ground water professionals—contractors, scientists and engineers, equipment manufacturers, and suppliers. Their stated purpose is to provide guidance to members, government representatives, and the public for sound scientific, economic, and beneficial development, protection, and management of the world's ground water resources.
• Lasergrade Testing Centers: Provide testing centers for the National Ground Water Association Tests. LaserGrade offers proctored computer-based test administration for occupational and professional licensure and certification, IT certification and the Federal Aviation Administration using its own secure network and software.
• New Mexico Environment Department
• New Mexico Environment Department - Ground Water Quality Bureau