- 304-824-3330
- 8008 Court Street, Hamlin, WV
- Mon - Fri: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- 304-824-3330
- 8008 Court Street, Hamlin, WV
- Mon - Fri: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
The Lincoln County Health Department manages various environmental issues that impact health and safety, including the sanitation of public and private water sources. In addition to overseeing sewage systems, the department verifies that the water provided to the county’s residents adheres to established safety standards.
Understanding the Potential Contaminants in Well Water and Their Effects
Drinking water may contain various harmful pollutants and pathogens. Public water systems utilize treatment and monitoring to safeguard consumers against these contaminants. In contrast, private wells typically lack such services. The well owner’s responsible for protecting their drinking water by understanding the potential risks of contamination and the associated health effects.
In West Virginia, public water systems are regulated by the state. The health department recommends that owners of private or individual water sources in Lincoln County have their water tested. To arrange a test, contact them at 304-824-3330.
Water Wells
The Lincoln County Health Department permits the construction, modification, and abandonment of both commercial and residential water wells in accordance with W.Va. 64 C.S.R. 46. Water wells include any ground excavation or penetration – drilled, bored, cored, driven, washed, jetted, hand-dug, or otherwise – that intersects or traverses an aquifer. The purposes of these wells may vary and include, but are not limited to, providing a potable water supply, water exploration, industrial irrigation, commercial use, dewatering, geothermal heat pump systems, and water return wells.
Water wells must be constructed, modified, or abandoned by a certified West Virginia Well Driller, and all initial water well pumps must be installed by a certified West Virginia Water Well Pump Installer. Homeowners may install the initial water well pump for their residence after passing an examination administered by the Lincoln County Health Department. Homeowners should contact the Lincoln County Health Department to schedule an examination time after reviewing the contents of W.Va. 64 C.S.R. 46.
The Lincoln County Health Department may grant water well permits following the submission of an Application for a Permit to Construct, Modify or Abandon a Water Well along with the payment of the required fees. All proposed water well sites must receive approval from the Lincoln County Health Department before any permits are issued.
Water from new or altered wells should be tested for bacteria prior to use or consumption. The Lincoln County Health Department conducts bacteriological sampling on wells in compliance with the State of West Virginia Water Well Design Standards. Disinfection of water wells might be necessary before or after testing to guarantee water safety. In cases where conventional disinfection techniques are ineffective, ongoing water disinfection systems might be mandated.
Contact the LCHD office at 304-824-3330 for any questions or concerns.
Helpful Tips for Property Owners
When filling out paperwork for a well and/or septic application:
Following these steps will help avoid delays in processing your application.
Additional Water Well Resources: