Pierce County requires a hydrogeological study before you can build.We handle it so you don't have to.
Bush Geological Consulting helps property owners navigate this new requirement so your project stays on track.
The New Requirement
If your property is in a mapped aquifer recharge or wellhead protection area, you'll need a professional assessment before your permit moves forward.
As of January 1, 2026, Pierce County requires a hydrogeological assessment for any regulated development on properties located within designated aquifer recharge or wellhead protection areas.
This applies whether you are building a new home, adding a structure, or developing land.
The requirement is based on your property's location, not the size of what you are building.
If Pierce County's Critical Areas GIS mapping shows your parcel falls within one of these zones, the study is mandatory before your permit can proceed.
Pierce County Code Chapter 18E.50 governs aquifer recharge and wellhead protection areas. The regulation is enforced by Pierce County Planning and Public Works, with additional water-related requirements under the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department (TPCHD) Environmental Health Code Chapter 3.
Check if your property is in a mapped aquifer recharge areaWho You're Working With
You shouldn't have to become an expert in hydrogeology to build on your own property.
If you're here, chances are the county just told you that your project requires a hydrogeological assessment, and you're trying to figure out what that means, what it costs, and how long it's going to set you back.
Most of our clients are in the same position.
They're property owners with a building project in progress or in planning, and this new requirement showed up on the checklist unexpectedly.
That's exactly the situation Bush Geological Consulting was built for.
"Jeremy was great to work with! He was super responsive and got our project approved very quickly for our aquifer recharge issue with Pierce County. Definitely recommend if you need any help!"
Meredith Taylor
5-Star Google Review
Jeremy Bush is a Washington State Licensed Hydrogeologist who spent years working at the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, the same agency that reviews and approves these assessments today.
He understands what the county needs to see in a report because he used to be the one on the other side of the desk evaluating them.
That background means two things for you.
First, your report will be thorough enough to satisfy county review the first time, without delays or requests for additional information.
Second, if any questions come up during the permitting process, you have someone in your corner who speaks the county's language and knows how to resolve issues quickly.
Jeremy Bush
WA Licensed Hydrogeologist #2983
The goal is straightforward: get your project the sign-off it needs so you can keep building.
How It Works
From first contact to permit-ready report.
The process is designed to keep your project moving. Here is what to expect.
Submit Your Information
Fill out the form below with your property address, parcel number, and a brief description of your project. If you have a permit number, include that too.
Property and Project Review
Your property is assessed against county mapping data and regulatory requirements. You will receive a scope of work and cost estimate tailored to your specific situation.
Hydrogeological Assessment
On-site fieldwork and analysis are conducted. This includes evaluation of local geology, groundwater conditions, aquifer characteristics, and any applicable impervious area or wellhead protection standards.
Sealed Report Delivered
You receive a complete, professionally sealed hydrogeological report ready to submit to Pierce County as part of your building permit packet or environmental review documents.
Transparent Pricing
Most residential hydrogeological studies fall within a predictable range based on property and project complexity.
Simple, straightforward assessments start at the lower end. More complex projects involving multiple regulatory requirements or challenging site conditions will be quoted individually after an initial review of your property and project details.
You will always receive a clear cost estimate before any work begins.
Client Reviews
What property owners are saying
"In 2024 I hired Jeremy to design changes to an ancient septic system at an old waterfront cabin ... Jeremy understood the challenges and the approval system, and came up with a solution that met our needs and the county's requirements. His previous experience working for the health department was vital."
Ken Whitney
Google"Jeremy was very helpful and saved us thousands of dollars on our project. If you need if you need a highly qualified professional that is able to help you look at all of your options with a challenging project, Bush Geological Consulting should be on your short list."
Dan Walker
Google"Jeremy went way above and beyond what I asked of him and saved me over $1500.00 He is an honest businessman and I would highly recommend him for whatever you may need It is so refreshing to deal with a person so honest and professional and willing to go above and beyond any expectations to help a homeowner out"
Julieann Bachmeier
GoogleCommon Questions
What property owners ask most.
What We Can Do For You
Hydrogeological expertise for residential and commercial projects.
Bush Geological Consulting provides a range of hydrogeological services throughout Pierce, Thurston, Kitsap, Mason, and King Counties.
Aquifer Recharge Studies
Assessments required under PCC Chapter 18E.50 for properties in mapped aquifer recharge areas.
Wellhead Protection Reviews
Hydrogeological evaluations for development near public water supply wellhead protection zones.
Clustered Well Analysis
Critical analysis for properties relying on or adjacent to clustered well systems in Pierce County.
Impervious Area Assessment
Evaluation and planning for properties in Rural 10 zones subject to the 10% impervious area limit.
Well Siting & Setback Reduction
Analysis to support well placement decisions and setback reduction requests for residential and Group B wells.
Restrictive Covenant Review
Hydrogeological assessment supporting restrictive covenant requirements for water-related permitting.
For Builders & Contractors
Need a hydrogeologist for your client's project?
If you are a builder, engineer, or designer working on a project that requires a hydrogeological assessment, we can work directly with your client or coordinate through your team. Two-week turnaround, sealed reports ready for permit submission, and clear communication throughout the process.
Get Started
Request a Consultation
Tell us about your property and project. We typically respond within one business day.