Well Contractor’s and Well Driller's Licenses

When do I need a Well Contractor’s or a Well Driller's License?

Any person who undertakes in the drilling, construction or reconstruction of a water or geothermal well, needs a Well Driller's License.  Holders of a Well Driller’s License must be employed by a company that has a Well Contractor’s License. 

How do I obtain a license?

To obtain a Well Driller’s License, you must meet the following requirements:

• submit the Well Driller's Application Form,
• have 4,000 hours of work experience operating a drilling rig,
• have 1,500 hours of work experience drilling on PEI,
• successfully complete a written exam testing the practical knowledge of the driller,
• successfully complete a field test demonstrating the applicant's knowledge of well construction, and
• pay the license fee.

To obtain a Well Contractor’s License, you must meet the following requirements:

• employ or contract a licensed well driller,
• have the necessary equipment to construct or reconstruct wells to the standard prescribed in the regulations,
• submit the proper Well Contractor’s application form, and
• pay the license fee.

Can I still obtain a Well Driller’s License if I do not have 1,500 hours of drilling experience on PEI?

Yes, you may obtain a well driller license without obtaining 1,500 hours of drilling experience on PEI; however, your license will be restricted to geothermal wells only. The hours of experience gained from the geothermal drilling does count towards the 1,500 hours of work experience on PEI. 

What is the fee?

Well Driller’s License:
Initial Application cost: $200
Renewal cost: $100

Well Contractor’s License:
Initial Application cost: $500
Renewal cost: $250

Both licenses have 2-year expiry dates and require subsequent renewals to maintain an active license. Please note HST is not required. Make cheques payable to the Minister of Finance.

Who can drill a well?

Only a licensed well driller is permitted to drill a well. A list of licensed well drilling companies servicing Prince Edward Island is provided below. 

Who can I contact for more information?

Ben Lanigan (Drinking Water and Wastewater Supervisor)
4th Floor, Jones Building
11 Kent Street
Charlottetown, PEI C1A 7N8
Telephone: (902) 368-5043
Fax: (902) 368-5830
Email:  bpklanigan@gov.pe.ca