Keeping Well Records: What to Save and Why
From the drilling log to test results, organized records make owning and eventually selling a well far easier.
Quick Answer
Keep your well’s construction log, equipment details, maintenance history, and every water test result together in one place. Good records help you spot slow changes, give contractors useful history, and make selling your home smoother. Store both paper and digital copies.
Why records matter
A private well is a long-term system, and the details of how it was built and maintained are easy to forget. A complete record lets you compare this year’s water test to past years, tells a contractor what equipment is installed, and reassures a future buyer that the well has been cared for.
| Record | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Well construction / drilling log | Shows depth, casing, and yield at construction |
| Pump and pressure tank details | Make, model, and install dates for service |
| Water test results | Track bacteria, nitrate, and other results over time |
| Maintenance and repair history | Documents inspections, cleanings, and fixes |
| Permits and decommissioning records | Proves work met local requirements |
Setting up a simple log
- 1Gather any paperwork from the driller and installers.
- 2Create a dated entry for each inspection, test, and repair.
- 3File lab reports with the date, what was tested, and the results.
- 4Keep both a printed binder and backed-up digital copies.
- 5Note where the well, cap, and shutoffs are located.
Test results are the backbone
Many states keep copies of the original well construction log on file. If you cannot find yours, your state or local well program may be able to provide it for your records.
Frequently asked questions
- What well records do I need when selling my home?
- Buyers and lenders often want the construction log, recent water test results, and maintenance history. Keeping these organized makes the sale smoother.
Sources & references
- Private Ground Water Wells — CDC, accessed October 29, 2026
- Protect Your Home’s Water: Private Wells — US EPA, accessed October 29, 2026
This guide is documentary research and general information, not a laboratory analysis or professional assessment of your specific well. See our disclaimer.