County of Contra Costa Well Drillers Permit Bond

What is the Purpose of the Well Drillers Permit Bond?

The County of Contra Costa requires contractors performing well drilling in the county to obtain a Well Driller Permit Bond. The bond represents a financial guarantee by the contractor and the issuing surety company to the County of Contra Costa that all contracted work will be completed on time and the job site will be returned to its original condition.

How Much Does the Bond Cost?

As stated in the bond application, a bond in the amount of $5,000 shall be filed with the Contra Costa Health Services Department. 

The minimum bond cost is $100, and the bond may cost more depending on the applicants personal credit score. 

*Prices shown are based on several factors. Not all available pricing tiers are shown. Rates do not constitute an offer of bonding and are subject to change at any time.

How Does the Permit Application Process Work With the County of Contra Costa?

Applications must be submitted to the County Health Officer. Once approved, permits expire 180 days after issuance, but the date may be extended if the project is delayed. Municipal Code 414-4.801.

Does CCIS File the Bond for Applicants?

County of Contra Costa requires wet signatures** on filed bond documents. This means both parties must physically sign the bond prior to sending it in to the County of Contra Costa. The original bond form issued by CCIS needs be mailed to or dropped off at the following location by the contractor once signed:

**Properly review bond forms to confirm if notarization is required. Failure to adhere to document requirements may lead to rejection of the bond form by the County of Contra Costa.

Does This Bond Expire?

The permit bond expires upon the specified expiration date, typically one year from the date of issuance. A new permit bond will need to be purchased should the project take longer than one year.

Claims Information

If the County of Contra Costa files a claim against the Well Driller Permit Bond, the Surety company will investigate the legitimacy of the claim and proceed accordingly. CCIS does not handle surety claims in office, however, claims contact information will be provided to the contractor, to move the claims process forward.

If the claim is found to be legitimate, the Surety company will payout to the County of Contra Costa, up to the limit of the bond. 

Unlike insurance policies that protect contractors from unforeseen events, this bond protects the County of Contra Costa, its laborers, and suppliers from the actions of a contractor. Contractors are responsible for their actions and therefore must reimburse the Surety company for any claims paid. Failure to do so will significantly inhibit a contractor’s ability to obtain a surety bond for future jobs.