Well construction and sealing in Dakota County requires a permit. A licensed well contractor normally completes the permit application.
Permit applications are available for various types of well construction and well sealing:
Water Supply Well Construction Permit Application
Dewatering Well Construction and Sealing Permit Application
Environmental Well Construction Permit Application
Product Recovery Well Construction Permit Application
Well Reconstruction Permit Application
Permanent Well Sealing Permit Application
Permit fees
2025 Well Permit Fees
Unused wells
Owners of unused wells must apply for a permit and renew that permit annually to keep an unused well. The annual permit fee is designated on the permit application form and must be submitted with the application. Permits are approved or denied based on the condition of the well and its potential to deplete or degrade groundwater.
To request an Unused Well Permit application, please send an email to wellpermits@co.dakota.mn.us with an explanation of why the well cannot be sealed at this time by a licensed well contractor.
A property (parcel) identification number (PIN) is required on any well permit application. Use Dakota County's Property Information Online to find the PIN.
Wells in the Prairie du Chien Aquifer
Dakota County maintains an online map showing areas where it is permitted or not permitted to complete a potable water supply well in the Prairie du Chien Aquifer. The map was last updated in December 2014. See the Prairie du Chien Permitted/Not Permitted map.