Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Takac bill to license water well drillers and protect consumers and the environment passes House

Takac bill to license water well drillers and protect consumers and the environment passes House

Rep. Paul Takac    May 7, 2026 | 3:50 PM

HARRISBURG, May 7 – Recognizing the need to protect homeowners and the commonwealth’s water resources, the Pennsylvania House passed H.B. 2302 this week with strong bipartisan support, announced its prime sponsor, state Rep. Paul Takac, D-Centre.

Takac said H.B. 2302 would amend the Crane Operator Licensure Act to include water, geotechnical, geothermal, and environmental well drillers and enforce proper siting and construction standards.

“This legislation provides clear and consistent guidelines to protect public safety and our natural resources,” Takac said. “By creating clear training and licensure pathways, this legislation will help protect homeowners and their neighbors from potential groundwater contamination while also including sensible legacy provisions that allow experienced, reputable practitioners to continue working in the field.”

Takac noted the bill was amended to clarify requirements for bonding, insurance, and continuing education to ensure ongoing competency. He added that the bill also would strengthen operational safeguards through sampling and reporting requirements that support public health oversight.

“Over 3 million Pennsylvanians rely on private water wells, almost exclusively in our rural communities,” Takac said. “Yet Pennsylvania is one of just three states that lacks statewide licensing standards and one of only two that does not enforce water well siting and construction standards. This is significant because Pennsylvania’s complex subsurface geology makes proper siting and construction critical to protecting public health, safety, and groundwater, especially as thousands of water, geotechnical, geothermal, and environmental test wells are drilled into and through the water table each year.

“Upholding proper standards will protect homeowners and their neighbors, as well as the clean groundwater that replenishes our streams and waterways. This is a practical, commonsense measure to help keep Pennsylvanians safe and ensure clean water for future generations.”

The bill now heads to the state Senate for consideration.