Subjects
Pump installation contractor licensing, ground water use, ground water protection
Audience
Homeowners, governmental officials, building contractors
Background
The 1990 census figures show that more than 15 million households, 39 million people, use private wells as their potable water source. Another 88 million Americans drink ground water supplied by water utility wells.
These wells and pumping systems are constructed by professional water well and pump installation contractors who have specialized knowledge regarding local geology, hydrogeology, construction techniques, and proper sizing of equipment. Recognizing that it takes specialized knowledge to install these systems properly so that the public is protected, 47 states have instituted statewide licensing programs for water well contractors and two states administer statewide registration programs. In addition, at least 26 states also separately license or register pump installation contractors.
Issue
Should states license pump installation contractors to help ensure that homeowners are provided with a safe drinking water supply and the ground water resource is protected?
Position
An understanding of hydrogeology, the construction of the water well and its operation, and methods for determining the water requirements for a household are prerequisites to selecting and installing the proper pump system. Any regulation of this function should take into consideration the unique qualifications an individual must possess.
In addition, any time the well seal is broken, such as in pump servicing, the potential exists for contaminant introduction into the water source. As such it is imperative that proper disinfection follow to ensure a safe, potable water supply. The pump contractor is a vital factor if this is to be accomplished.
The National Ground Water Association, recognizing the particular skills necessary, administers a certification test for individuals doing pump installation and servicing. In addition, a correspondence course and appropriate texts are available through NGWA on this technology.
Safe quality water in ample quantity can be assured through recognition of the interdisciplinary nature of this occupation and the formulation of a licensing program in every state that recognizes this fact.
Contact
Chris Reimer
NGWA
601 Dempsey Rd.
Westerville, OH 43081-8978
614 898.7791
fax 614 898.7786
creimer@ngwa.org
References
Henderson, G.E., Planning for an Individual Water System, Athens, Georgia, American Association for Vocational Instructional Materials, 1982.
McCray, Kevin, "Tapping the Water Market," American Demographics, 9:42, January 1987.
National Ground Water Associatin file on pump installers licensing.
National Ground Water Association certification brochure.
Water Systems Handbook, Chicago, Water Systems Council, 1983.
U.S. Census of Housing, 1990.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Public Water Supplier Inventory and Compliance Statistics, Fiscal Year 1995, November 14, 1996.
Date
Originally adopted by the National Ground Water Association Board of Directors April 22,1988, NGWA issue briefs are updated as needed to reflect changes in information, as noted here: technical amendments made on August 1, 1991, February 4, 1992, August 3, 1999, July 19, 2005, and September 13, 2005; brief reformatted February 1996.