Well Logs and Well Reporting

Well logs are crucial information sources that help document the construction of water supply wells.  They are used to record information like the type of materials used in construction, the construction techniques applied during construction, the water levels of the aquifers, well capacity information, and then name of the certified well contractor(s) who provided oversight during well construction.  Having a detailed well log is an important tool for the well owner to have as the well ages.  Having a good well log will make it easier to make the good decisions regarding any future well maintenance or reconstruction work. 

The DNR has an online database that contains information for a number of the wells installed in Iowa - mostly 2002 and after. 

The well records that are available can be found in the Iowa DNR Private Well Tracking System (PWTS) database.  This data source may contain information regarding wells in your area of interest. 

One common question that we routinely answer relates to the availability of information about all water wells found within our state.  Unfortunately, the state does not maintain a single data source that provides well information for every well that has been installed.  The information does not currently exists.   

  

You may also be interested in the GEOSAM Database maintained by the Iowa Geological and Water Survey Bureau. 

The information available in GEOSAM can be used by  drillers, consultants, engineers, property owners, and the general public to aid in estimating the depth to major geologic features, well depth and construction concepts, water yield of specific aquifers and other site specific design needs.

 

 

 

 

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- For more information contact -

Russell Tell, Environmental Specialist Senior

401 SW 7th St, Suite M
Des Moines, IA 50309-4611
(515) 725-0462 or by Fax: (515) 725-0348
russell.tell@dnr.iowa.gov