Yes, you need approval from the State of Utah before drilling a well. Utah manages all water—surface and underground—as
a public resource, so you'll need to secure water rights and receive a "Start Card" before any drilling can begin.
Understanding Utah Water Rights
In Utah, water is managed by the Division of Water Rights. Before drilling a well on your property, you must obtain
legal permission to use groundwater. This applies whether you're building a
residential well or an
agricultural irrigation system.
Utah Division of Water Rights
All water rights applications and permits are handled through the state's official portal.
Visit waterrights.utah.gov →
The Permit Process: Step by Step
Step 1: Check Water Availability
Before applying, check if water is available in your area. Some regions in
Washington County and other areas may have restrictions.
The Division of Water Rights can advise on availability.
Step 2: Apply for Water Rights
Submit your application to the Utah Division of Water Rights. You'll need to specify:
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Property location and legal description
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Intended use (domestic, irrigation, stock watering)
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Estimated water quantity needed
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Proposed well location on your property
Step 3: Receive Your Start Card
Once your application is approved, you'll receive a "Start Card" from the state. This is your official permission to begin drilling.
No licensed driller can legally begin work without a valid Start Card.
Step 4: Schedule Your Drilling
With your Start Card in hand, contact us to schedule your drilling project. We'll handle everything from there, following our
proven 5-step process.
How Long Does the Permit Process Take?
Permit processing times vary based on application volume and complexity. Simple domestic well applications in
Iron County may take 4-8 weeks,
while more complex agricultural applications could take longer. We recommend starting the process early. For a comprehensive overview of the entire process, see our comprehensive guide to wells in Utah.
Worth noting: in groundwater management areas affected by the ongoing drought, new water rights are harder to come by than they used to be. We cover the latest restrictions in our 2026 update on Utah's water tables and drought conditions.
County-Specific Requirements
In addition to state permits, some counties may have additional requirements for well construction. Our team is familiar with
local regulations across all the counties we serve:
Need Help Understanding the Process?
While we don't handle the permitting paperwork, we're happy to answer questions and guide you through what to expect.
Contact us anytime — we've helped hundreds of property owners navigate this process.