Well Types

Water wells are used for consumption and irrigation. They can be private domestic wells, multiple family wells, non-community public water supply wells, community public water supply wells, or high yield wells. The type of well needed is based on the number of service connections, the number of people served, and the amount of water needed. 

• Water Wells - PUB2945
• Missouri Well Construction Rule 10 CSR 23-3 describes specific construction requirements for water wells

Monitoring wells are used to collect information on groundwater. Valuable geologic information like the depth to groundwater, direction of groundwater movement, and the presence of contaminants are collected from these small diameter wells and used to determine aquifer characteristics. 

• Monitoring Wells - PUB2828
• Missouri Well Construction Rule 10 CSR 23-4 describes specific construction requirements for monitoring wells

Geothermal heat pump wells collect or disperse heat underground to provide energy efficient heating and air conditioning for homes and commercial buildings.

• Geothermal Heat Pump Wells fact sheet - PUB2899
• Missouri Well Construction Rule 10 CSR 23-5 describes specific construction requirements for geothermal heat pump wells.
• International Ground Source Heat Pump Association

A test hole is a type of well drilled to collect geologic information. They are used for the exploration of minerals such as lead, coal, limestone or fireclay. Test holes also are used to gather stratigraphic or structural data that is not associated with an environmental characterization or remediation. Therefore, test holes do not include monitoring wells.

Test Holes Wells - PUB2946

Originally regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act, an injection well is used to place fluids underground into porous geologic formations as regulated under the federal Clean Water Act 40 CFR 144. A well is a bored, drilled or driven shaft whose depth is greater than the largest surface dimension, a dug hole whose depth is greater than the largest surface dimension, an improved sinkhole or a subsurface fluid distribution system. 

Class II – Oil and Gas Injection Wells. These wells are regulated by the department’s Missouri Geological Survey through the State Oil and Gas Council per Chapter 259, RSMo.

Class V – Underground Injection Control Wells. These wells are regulated by the department’s Water Protection Program. In general, Class V wells inject non-hazardous fluids into or above underground sources of drinking water and are typically shallow, onsite disposal systems. All Class V wells must be registered with the department's Missouri Geological Survey. Use the Class V Well Inventory MO 780-1774 form for all new UIC Class V wells or for existing Class V wells not previously inventoried.

Oil and Gas Resources – Learn more about oil and gas resources in Missouri.