KLAMATH FALLS – There is a new apprenticeship program soon to launch at Klamath Community
College: Well drilling. Domestic water wells in southern Oregon are running dry due to the ongoing drought. As the water table recedes, the need for well drilling operators is on the rise. KCC is answering that need with the purchase of a new, $845,525 drilling rig thanks to funding from the Oregon governor’s office and the Oregon Water Resources Department. “Water Resources approached me a couple of years back when I started as director for the KCC apprenticeship program,” said Mark Griffith. Assistant watermaster for the Klamath basin, Caleb Puszkiewicz, who tracks dry well reports for the state, said that since 2021, there have been a total of 1,280 dry wells reported in the basin, the majority of which are domestic wells. So far this year, 44 dry wells have been reported and last year 255 dry wells were reported, he said. KCC was awarded $975,000 through emergency funding from the state. The remainder of the money after the truck’s purchase will be use to outfit it with needed equipment. “We hope the program becomes a hub to serve the entire state,” Griffith said. Apprentices would take classes online from KCC and get hands-on experience in the field with drilling companies in their communities. The apprenticeship program partners with the welding program, as well drillers need to be able to weld pipes for well casings to prevent aquifer and well contamination. Some students who want to be in the new program are already taking their welding classes at KCC. Griffith is in the process of hiring a geologist as an instructor. Students need to understand basic geology as well as aquifers. Students must clock at least 15 visits working on a drilling site. Once they pass the exams, they are licensed by the Water Resources Department.
