In June of 2015, ND Senate Bill No. 2189 was signed into law requiring well water contractors in North Dakota to post a $15,000 surety bond.
Previously, contractors who worked with water wells, monitoring wells, pump and pitless units, and geothermal system installations were all required to post a bond in the amount of $2,000. This bill amends Section 43-35-14 of the North Dakota Century Code and increases the necessary bond amount to $15,000 solely for water well contractors. The remaining types of contractors listed above are not effected by this change and will continue to adhere to the existing $2,000 requirement. In order to comply and operate legally, water well contractors must complete the following:
- an apprenticeship directly relating to water well drilling or construction for 12 months minimum
- pass the required examination prescribed by the Board
- apply for application of certification with the Board
- pay a non-refundable examination fee of $100
- provide documentation stating the specifics of your apprenticeship experience, including how many wells you assisted in constructing, a timeframe of months when you completed the work and any other relevant details
- submit (3) letters of reference acknowledging your apprenticeship
- purchase and maintain a surety bond for the new amount
For further information on how to become a certified well water contractor or any other applicable well contractor in North Dakota, please refer to the North Dakota State Water Commission for more information.