TranslateDry Weather Well Testing
Testing Dates – 2022 Season is Closed
The dry weather testing season for well pump tests (aka well yields) is usually from July 15 to October 1 of each year. The dry weather testing season may be extended by the director of Permit Sonoma as authorized by Sonoma County Code Section 7-12 (c).
Springs and Shallow Wells
Closed as of Saturday, October 1, 2022
Shallow wells are wells that are equal to or less than 50 feet deep. Dry weather testing for springs and shallow wells ends on October 1.
Deep Wells
Closed as of Tuesday, December 13, 2022
Deep wells are wells that are greater than 50 feet. The dry weather testing season for deep wells may be extended beyond October 1 up until the County-wide average rainfall is between five and six inches.
Rainfall Totals
The County-wide average rainfall is based on the rainfall totals reported in the Press Democrat at the 12 rain gauge locations identified in the table below. Dry weather testing for deep wells shall close after the County-wide average rainfall exceeds five inches (5").
Rainfall totals for the current 2022 season:
Updated: December 12, 2022
County-Wide Average: 5.45 inches
| Rain Gauge Locations | Total Rainfall to Date (inches) |
|---|---|
| Bodega Bay | 3.66" |
| Cazadero | 7.05" |
| Cloverdale | 7.01" |
| Guerneville | 4.79" |
| Healdsburg | 4.76" |
| Petaluma | 4.65" |
| Rohnert Park | 4.36" |
| Santa Rosa | 5.07" |
| Sea Ranch | 6.34" |
| Sebastopol | 6.98" |
| Sonoma | 4.29" |
| Windsor | 6.42" |
Background & Requirements
Sonoma County Code, Sections 7-12, 25-17, 25-56, and 26-88-060H, requires dry weather well testing for issuance of building permits for new dwellings located in marginal or scarce water zones (PDF). The testing must demonstrate a sustained yield of one gallon per minute per dwelling from a well, spring, or multiple wells or springs combined.
Dry weather testing is required for the following:
- New or replacement dwelling in scarce water zone four (4) or
- Accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in marginal water zone three (3)
- As required to comply with Health and Safety Conditions from Project Review Staff
Pump tests shall be performed by or under the direction of a licensed water well drilling contractor (C57), pumping contractor (C61/D21), a registered civil engineer or a registered geologist who shall report test results to the director of Permit Sonoma. The director of Permit Sonoma shall be notified a minimum of 24 hours prior to the pump testing of wells or springs.
Application Process
A permit is required for each well or spring in advance. The following is required for permit:
- WLS-006 Request for Well & Septic Service Form(PDF) and
- Site map showing well(s) and spring locations.
Licensed contractor conducting the well yield must notify Permit Sonoma 24 hours in advance of testing. Completed well yield reports submitted for review must be signed by licensed professional and include a copy of driller’s well report or other supporting documents.