HARRISBURG, PA – March 9, 2026 – Today, Senator James Andrew Malone (D-36, Lancaster) and Senator Nick Miller (D-14, Lehigh/Northampton) announced legislation that would establish the first statewide licensing framework for well drillers in Pennsylvania to ensure greater accountability in the industry and protect consumers.
Proper location and construction of private wells are critical to ensuring sheltered drinking water and protecting public health. Private wells are the primary source of drinking water for more than 3 million Pennsylvanians, but Pennsylvania is one of only three states without statewide industry licensing requirements for drillers. This Bill will establish professional licensing criteria for well drillers, as well as geotechnical, environmental and geothermal drillers who install groundwater heat pump systems.
“We have approximately 38,000 private water wells in Lancaster County, and millions of people throughout Pennsylvania get their drinking water from private wells,” said Senator Malone. “Following the hearing on this issue that we convened in November, I worked with Senator Miller and many stakeholders in government, industry, and academia to put into place a practical licensing framework for water well drillers to protect families using private wells.”
“Millions of Pennsylvanians rely on private wells as their primary source of drinking water, so their safety is a top priority,” said Senator Miller. “Last November, as chairman of the Senate Democratic Policy Committee and in partnership with Senator Malon, we convened a hearing to closely examine the state of our water systems and residential well protections. Today we are taking active steps to advance legislation that will ensure safe and reliable drinking water for more Pennsylvanians.”
The licensing framework is based on existing regulations and industry best practices. The requirements were developed in consultation with industry and public health experts and are supported by representatives of the oil and gas, agriculture, construction, engineering and drilling industries, as well as state agencies, consumer, health and environmental groups.
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