1. Water Availability & Mitigation in Lyman

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Because Lyman lies within the Skagit River Basin (WRIA 3), water availability is a critical first step in any new construction project.

​Skagit Basin Mitigation Program

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Wells established before April 14, 2001 are generally considered exempt from the mitigation framework adopted after the rule. New wells may be subject to mitigation requirements depending on parcel location and basin boundaries.

Mitigation Program Areas:

Many new domestic wells in the Lyman area may require participation in the Skagit River Basin Mitigation Program. This program allows legal groundwater use by offsetting impacts to river flows through state-managed mitigation projects.

Requirements may include:

• Proof of Mitigated Water Supply

• Department of Ecology reporting compliance

• Installation of state-approved water metering systems (when applicable)
   

We assist property owners with the full process — from determining eligibility to coordinating required filings and meter installations when necessary.

Requirements vary by parcel. We help property owners determine their specific status and guide them through the process. from determining eligibility to coordinating required filings and meter installations when necessary.

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Notice of Intent (NOI)

Before drilling, a 72-hour Notice of Intent must be filed with the Washington Department of Ecology. We handle this filing and coordinate with local health department setback requirements to ensure your well is properly sited.

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2. Lyman Geology: What to Expect

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The ground in Lyman reflects centuries of river movement and glacial activity.​​

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The Lyman Flats (Near the River)

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​In lower elevation areas near town and along the Skagit River, wells often encounter:

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• Coarse sand and gravel aquifers

• High water tables

• Strong residential yields

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These formations can produce excellent water volumes, but because they are loose and unconsolidated, proper steel casing installation is critical to prevent collapse and sand intrusion.

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North & Foothill Areas

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As you move toward higher elevations:

• Dense glacial till (hardpan) is common

• Large embedded boulders may be encountered

• Productive aquifers may sit beneath clay layers
   

Reaching these deeper zones requires appropriate drilling equipment and experience working in Upper Skagit soil conditions.​

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3. Common Water Quality & System Issues in Lyman

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Iron & Manganese​​

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Groundwater in river-influenced areas often contains elevated iron and manganese. While not typically a health concern, these minerals can cause:

• Orange or black staining

• Metallic taste

• Iron bacteria buildup
   

We install air-injection oxidation (AIO) systems and other filtration solutions tailored to local water chemistry.

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Fine Sand & Silt

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In gravel aquifers, fine sediment can sometimes migrate into improperly developed wells. We use thorough well development techniques and appropriate screen selection to reduce pump wear and extend system life.

Floodplain Considerations

For properties within designated flood zones, elevated wellheads and sanitary seals help protect against surface contamination during high water events.​​​​​​

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4. Typical Well Specifications in Lyman

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Every property is unique, but many residential wells in the Lyman area fall within the following ranges:

• Depth: Approximately 80–180 feet

• Static Water Level: Often 15–50 feet below surface in lower elevations

• Yield: Frequently 15–30+ gallons per minute in productive gravel zones
   

Actual results vary based on exact location, elevation, and subsurface conditions.

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5. Emergency Pump Service in Lyman

Because we are based just minutes away in Sedro-Woolley, we respond quickly to Upper Skagit service calls.

Common Lyman service issues include:

• Pressure switch failures

• Control box burnout

• Sediment-related pump wear

• Aging pressure tanks
   

Our service trucks are stocked to resolve most pump problems in a single visit.

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