Is it illegal to drill wells privately?

It is illegal to dig wells without permission. The relevant laws and regulations are as follows:

Article 69 of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Water Resources commits one of the following acts, the water administrative department of the people's government at or above the county level or the river basin management institution shall, according to its functions and powers, order it to stop the illegal act, take remedial measures within a time limit and impose a fine of more than 2, yuan but less than 1, yuan; If the circumstances are serious, its water intake permit shall be revoked:

(1) taking water without approval;

(2) failing to take water in accordance with the conditions stipulated in the approved water intake permit.

Regulations on the Administration of Water Permit and Collection of Water Resources Fees

Article 7 The water permit system shall be implemented in the exploitation of groundwater resources. Water users apply to the municipal water administrative department for a water permit, apply for a water permit, and pay the water resource fee according to law. The municipal water administrative department shall solicit the opinions of the municipal construction department on the application for taking groundwater in the urban planning area. New construction, renovation and expansion projects need to take groundwater, and relevant environmental protection approval procedures should be fulfilled.

article 8 in the exploitation of groundwater resources, the water resources demonstration system shall be implemented, and the exploitation shall be within the proven exploitable limit. Units and individuals who use groundwater shall submit the Water Resources Demonstration Report prepared by the qualified units for water resources demonstration of corresponding construction projects, and the municipal water administrative department shall organize relevant experts to review the Water Resources Demonstration Report and examine and approve it according to the opinions of experts.

Reference source Baidu Encyclopedia-Regulations on the Administration of Water Permit and Water Resources Fee Collection