Brønnplaner

Brønnplaner are the official plans and design documents required for the construction, modification, or maintenance of water wells in Norway. They are prepared by qualified engineers or contractors who hold a relevant professional license and contain all technical information needed to guarantee that a well is safe, functional, and compliant with national regulations.

The primary purpose of a brønnplan is to document the design, depth, casing, perforations, pumping system, monitoring equipment, and surface infrastructure for a well. The plan must reflect the specific hydrogeological conditions of the site, such as aquifer type, water table level, and potential contamination sources. In addition, brønnplaner include calculations for expected water yield, hydraulic gradients, and pressure assessments to ensure that pumping will not cause excessive drawdown or induce surface water level changes.

Regulatory requirements for brønnplaner are set by the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) and the Ministry of Climate and Environment. Wells that are used for drinking water, industrial purposes, or large-scale irrigation must be registered with NVE and must have an approved brønnplan before construction begins. The plan is reviewed by the regulatory authority, and any modifications to an existing well must also be submitted for review.

Typical elements of a brønnplan include a schematic drawing, material specifications, drilling and construction methodology, quality control measures, and a monitoring plan. Post‑construction, the well is often subject to a verification survey to confirm that the actual construction matches the plan and that the well meets its performance objectives.

Brønnplaner therefore play a crucial role in ensuring that wells are constructed in a safe, environmentally responsible, and efficient manner, protecting both public water supplies and groundwater resources.