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Do I need a permit to drill a well in Knox County, Tennessee?
In Tennessee, water wells must be drilled by a driller licensed through the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), which requires notice before drilling and a well completion record afterward. Local health departments may also review setbacks from septic systems. Confirm current local requirements with your driller and county health office.
Key facts
- Licensed driller: Driller
- Notice of intent: Driller
- Setbacks: Driller and local health department
- Well completion log: Driller files with TDEC
- Requests taken from Knox County, Blount County, Sevier County, Jefferson County, Grainger County, Union County and nearby
Cost ranges on this site are general estimates compiled from published industry pricing guides and typical regional ranges for this kind of work. They are not quotes. Only the independent provider who reviews your project can confirm a price, and real prices can fall outside these ranges.
Free matching service by Voraus LLC: We connect property owners and businesses in Knoxville, TN (Knoxville, Powell and Heiskell, Halls and Corryton, Maryville and Alcoa, Seymour, Sevierville and Kodak, Strawberry Plains and Dandridge, Maynardville, Rutledge and Blaine, Clinton and Norris) with independent local well drillers. We are not a well driller and do not perform the work. Request a match below or call (423) 295-9442.
Who handles what for a new private well (confirm current rules)
| Requirement | What it covers | Usually handled by |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed driller | Driller holds a Tennessee water well license | Driller |
| Notice of intent | Filed with TDEC before drilling | Driller |
| Setbacks | Distance from septic, property lines and contamination sources | Driller and local health department |
| Well completion log | Depth, casing, yield and geology recorded | Driller files with TDEC |
Ask for the well log
The completion log records depth, casing length, grouting and estimated yield. Keep a copy; it's useful for pump sizing, repairs and selling the property.
Water testing is your responsibility
Private well water isn't regulated like public water. Test for bacteria and other contaminants after construction and periodically. Your county health department or a certified lab can advise on test options.
Confirm before drilling
- Driller's Tennessee license number.
- Planned location versus septic tank and field lines.
- Who files TDEC paperwork.
- Casing and grouting plan.
Common questions: tennessee well permits & rules in Knoxville, TN
Can I drill my own well in Tennessee?
Generally, water wells must be constructed by a licensed driller. Check with TDEC for any exceptions before attempting it.
How far must a well be from a septic system?
Tennessee sets minimum setback distances, and local health departments may add requirements. Your driller and county health office can confirm the distance for your lot.
Do I get a record of my well?
Yes. Ask the driller for a copy of the completion log filed with the state.
Related Knoxville well drilling guides & pages
- Residential Water Well Drilling & Cost
- Well Pump Replacement & Constant Pressure
- Agricultural, Livestock & Irrigation Wells
- Low-Yield Well Rehab, Deepening & Water Testing
- Well Cost by Depth
- Well System Cost by Type
- How to Choose a Well Driller
- Best Time to Drill a Well
- Geology & Water Quality
- Low-Yield Well Options
- Well Inspection When Buying
- All well drilling services in Knoxville, TN
- Service area & local counties (Knoxville region)
- Frequently asked questions & hiring checklist
About this service and where our numbers come from
Who runs it: KnoxvilleWellDrilling.com is a free referral and matching service operated by Voraus LLC, a Wyoming limited liability company. We are not a well driller and we don't perform any work.
How matching works: you describe your job once, and we match you with an available independent local well driller who fits it based on project type, size and location, so you skip calling around. That provider contacts you, quotes the job and contracts with you directly. We don't inspect, license, rate or guarantee providers, and providers may pay us a referral fee.
Where cost ranges come from: Cost ranges on this site are general estimates compiled from published industry pricing guides and typical regional ranges for this kind of work. They are not quotes. Only the independent provider who reviews your project can confirm a price, and real prices can fall outside these ranges.
Ready to get your well drilling project moving?
You don't need technical details to start. Something like "new house on 5 acres near Maryville, no city water, want water before spring" is enough for a driller to begin the conversation.