Key Takeaways
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost to Drill a Well Per Foot (Drilling Only) | $15 – $25 |
| Cost to Drill a Well Per Foot (Complete Install) | $25 – $61 |
| Average Total Cost | $3,750 – $15,300 |
| Depth Affecting Cost | Costs increase with well depth; see tables below for estimates |
Cost Per Foot (Drilling Only)
Drilling a well can cost between $15 and $25 per foot, which covers just the drilling process and nothing else. This is one of the main variables that affects the overall cost of the project.
Cost Per Foot (Complete Install)
For a complete installation, which includes casing, wiring, and the pump, costs can range from $25 to $61 per foot. This provides a more comprehensive view of the expenses involved in making a well operational.
Average Total Cost to Drill a Well
The average total cost to drill a well, considering all factors such as depth, type of casing, and additional installations, ranges from $3,750 to $15,300.
Cost to Drill a Well
The cost of drilling a well varies based on the depth and the type of casing used. Below is a detailed table showcasing the well drilling costs.
Cost To Drill A Well Overview
| Depth In Feet | 4″ Diameter PVC Casing | 6″ Diameter Steel Casing | 8″ Diameter Steel Casing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | $1,775 | $3,060 | $4,200 |
| 100 | $3,550 | $6,120 | $8,400 |
| 150 | $5,325 | $9,180 | $12,600 |
| 200 | $7,100 | $12,240 | $16,800 |
| 250 | $8,875 | $15,300 | $21,000 |
| 300 | $10,650 | $18,360 | $25,200 |
| 350 | $12,425 | $21,420 | $29,400 |
| 400 | $14,200 | $24,480 | $33,600 |
Average Cost of Drilling a Water Well
| Item | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| National Average Cost | $9,180 |
| Minimum Cost | $1,775 |
| Maximum Cost | $30,000 |
| Average Range | $3,750 to $15,300 |
Cost to Drill a Well Per Square Foot
The cost per foot varies depending on the type of well being drilled.
Well Drilling Cost Per Foot
| Type | Average Cost Per Foot |
|---|---|
| Digging A 3″–4″ Well To 25′ | $10 – $25 |
| 4″ Residential Water Well | $25 – $40 |
| 6″ Residential Water Well | $30 – $65 |
| 8″ Residential Water Well | $60 – $100 |
| Irrigation or Agricultural Well | $50 – $100 |
| Artesian Well | $35 – $85 |
| Geothermal Well | $5 – $40 |
Residential Water Well Cost
| Item | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Drilling Only | $15 – $25 per foot |
| Well Pump | $400 – $2,500 |
| Well Casing Pipe | $250 – $2,500 |
| Electrical Wiring & Control Box | $500 – $1,500 |
| Pressure Storage Tank & Switch | $300 – $2,500 |
| Water Treatment & Purification System | $500 – $3,000 |
| Water Quality Testing | $50 – $650 |
| Permit | $350 – $700 |
| Water Heater | $800 – $1,800 |
Cost To Drill A Shallow Well
Shallow wells are generally less expensive and can range between $1,775 to $9,100 depending on the depth and soil conditions.
Irrigation or Agricultural Well Cost
| Item | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Residential Drilling + Pump | $9,000 – $15,000 |
| Commercial Drilling + Pump | $50,000 – $100,000 |
| Electrical Wiring | $25 – $50 per foot + $500 – $1,000 per pole every 200 feet |
| Pressure Storage Tank | $300 – $2,500 |
| Permit | $564 |
Geothermal Well Drilling Cost
Geothermal wells cost between $5 and $40 per foot, which is lower compared to other types of wells, due to relatively simpler casing requirements and shallower depths needed.
Artesian Well Cost
Artesian wells, pressure-driven and requiring specific geological conditions, can cost between $35 and $85 per foot.
Sand Point Well Cost
Sand point wells are ideal for shallow setups and incur lower costs. Refer to the breakdown below for individual components.
Sand Point Well Cost
| Item | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Sand Point Kit | $225 – $500 |
| Steel Down Pipe | $100 – $150 |
| Jet Pump & Pressure Tank Combo | $200 – $600 + $439 to install |
| Hand Pump & Small Tank Combo | $100 – $300 + $146 to install |
| Sand Point | $35 |
| Well Cap / Seal | $20 – $40 |
Downsides to Sand Point Wells
- Limited to shallow groundwater.
- More susceptible to contamination.
- Might require more frequent maintenance.
Cost to Redrill a Well Deeper
Redrilling a well can vary widely based on depth and ground conditions. Expect to pay $25 – $65 per foot for deepening a well, not including additional casing or any required permits.
New Water Well Installation Costs
Water Well Drilling Process
The process involves several steps, typically taking a couple of days to a week, depending on the specific conditions and requirements. Below is an overview of the steps.
- Site Preparation: Clearing and leveling the drilling site.
- Drilling: Executing the drilling process until water is reached.
- Casing: Installing the required casing to prevent collapse.
- Pump Installation: Setting up the water pump and connecting it.
- Wiring and Plumbings: Installing electrical systems and plumbing fixtures.
- Water Testing: Ensuring the water is safe for consumption.
Cost to Drill a Well Breakdown
| Item | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Drilling | $15 – $25 per foot |
| Pump System | $300 – $2,000 |
| Add Electric Line | $500 – $1,500 |
| Water Treatment | $638 |
| Permit | $564 |
| Lab Water Testing | $395 |
| Pressure Tank | $309 |
| Submersible Pump | $308 |
| Cycle Stop Valve | $187 |
| Control Box | $71 |
| Pressure Switch | $47 |
| Well Cap / Seal | $18 |
| Control Panel Wiring Kit | $6 |
Well Water Pump
Costs for well water pumps vary depending on the type and depth of the well.
Well Water Pumps
| Type | Average Cost | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Shallow Well Jet Pump | $400 – $1,000 | For wells 25′ deep or less, placed outside the well. |
| Deep Submersible Well Pump | $1,000 – $2,500 | Submersed inside wells 90′ – 300′ deep. |
| Convertible Jet Well Pump | $400 – $1,200 | For shallow and deep wells up to 90′ deep. |
Well Casing Cost
Well casing is essential for maintaining the well’s structure and purity of the water. Costs differ based on the material used.
Well Casing Cost
| Type | Average Cost Per Foot |
|---|---|
| PVC | $6 – $10 |
| Galvanized Steel Pipe | $33 – $54 |
| Stainless Steel Pipe | $57 – $129 |
Cost To Drill a Well and Septic System
Installing both a well and a septic system can range from $30,000 to $60,000 depending on geographic and site-specific conditions.
Well Caps and Seals Cost
Well caps and seals are relatively low-cost components, essential for ensuring the well is sealed off from contamination and other external factors.
Well Water Storage Tank Cost
Storage tanks are necessary for maintaining a consistent water supply and providing pressure. Average costs range from $700 to $4,000 depending on capacity and materials used.
Cost Factors To Dig A Well
Shallow vs. Deep Well Depth
The depth of the well significantly impacts the overall cost. Below is a comparison of shallow and deep wells.
Shallow vs. Deep Well
| Shallow Well | Deep Well |
|---|---|
| Average 25′ to 50′ deep | Average 100′ to 300′ and deeper |
| Dug well 3′ to 10′ diameter, sand point wells use 1-1/4″ pipe inside the well casing | Typically 4″ to 6″ diameter, uses 2″ or greater pipe inside the well casing |
| Can go dry during a drought | Doesn’t go dry, a deeper and wider well increases well yield |
| Can be contaminated with E. coli or chloroform | Uncontaminated if installed according to regulations |
Ground Conditions
Different ground conditions affect well drilling costs significantly. Below is a cost estimate based on ground conditions.
Well Drilling Cost Estimate By Ground Conditions
| Condition | Cost Difference |
|---|---|
| Easy | -34% |
| Moderate | -16.22% |
| Partial Rock | +92.34% |
| Dense Rock | +155.38% |
Well Drilling Costs By State
Well drilling costs can vary based on the state due to geological and regulatory factors.
Well Drilling Costs By State
| State | Average Cost Per Foot |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $27 – $59 |
| Alaska | $34 – $75 |
| Arizona | $27 – $58 |
| Arkansas | $26 – $57 |
| California | $30 – $65 |
| Colorado | $28 – $62 |
| Connecticut | $30 – $66 |
| Delaware | $29 – $63 |
| District of Columbia | $31 – $69 |
| Florida | $26 – $58 |
| Georgia | $27 – $59 |
| Hawaii | $33 – $73 |
| Idaho | $25 – $55 |
| Illinois | $29 – $63 |
| Indiana | $27 – $59 |
| Iowa | $27 – $59 |
| Kansas | $28 – $61 |
| Kentucky | $27 – $59 |
| Louisiana | $28 – $61 |
| Maine | $27 – $58 |
| Maryland | $29 – $62 |
| Massachusetts | $31 – $69 |
| Michigan | $28 – $62 |
| Minnesota | $28 – $61 |
| Mississippi | $26 – $58 |
| Missouri | $27 – $59 |
| Montana | $27 – $59 |
| Nebraska | $26 – $56 |
| Nevada | $28 – $62 |
| New Hampshire | $28 – $61 |
| New Jersey | $30 – $67 |
| New Mexico | $26 – $56 |
| New York | $30 – $65 |
| North Carolina | $27 – $59 |
| North Dakota | $29 – $64 |
| Ohio | $28 – $61 |
| Oklahoma | $27 – $58 |
| Oregon | $27 – $59 |
| Pennsylvania | $28 – $61 |
| Rhode Island | $29 – $64 |
| South Carolina | $28 – $61 |
| South Dakota | $26 – $58 |
| Tennessee | $27 – $60 |
| Texas | $28 – $62 |
| Utah | $27 – $59 |
| Vermont | $27 – $58 |
| Virginia | $27 – $59 |
| Washington | $28 – $61 |
| West Virginia | $27 – $58 |
| Wisconsin | $28 – $61 |
| Wyoming | $28 – $61 |
Distance To House
The distance from the well to the house can also significantly affect the cost. Longer distances require more trenching, materials, and labor.
Well Permits
Obtaining a permit for drilling a well is mandatory and can vary in cost from $100 to $1,000 depending on local regulations.
Well Water Testing Cost
Testing well water is crucial for ensuring safety and potability. Below is an estimate of testing costs from various companies.
Well Water Testing Cost
| Company | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Clean Water Testing | $80 – $399 |
| Safe Home | $160 – $325 |
| Water Check | $120 – $230 |
| US Water Company | $95 – $369 |
| My Tap Score | $139 – $650 |
Private Well vs. Municipal Water System
Comparing the costs of using a private well versus a municipal water system can provide insight into long-term savings.
Private Water Well vs. Municipal Water
| Payment (Per Month) | Municipal Water | Water Well |
|---|---|---|
| Water (12,000 to 24,000 Gallons) | $20 – $40 | $0 |
| Electricity | $0 | $3.46 |
| Loan Cost (Over 15 Years, Optional) | $0 | $65 – $142 |
| Maintenance | $0 | $10 – $20 |
Well Drilling FAQs
Can I Put A Well On My Property?
Yes, you can, provided you gain the necessary permits and abide by local regulations.
How Deep to Drill for Water?
The depth needed varies based on your specific location’s water table. On average, residential wells are between 100 to 300 feet deep.
How Long Does It Take to Drill a Water Well?
The entire process, from hauling equipment to water testing, generally takes 3 to 7 days.
Time It Takes To Drill A Water Well
| Task | Days |
|---|---|
| Hauling & Setting Up Equipment | 1 |
| Drilling | 1 – 2 |
| Installing Pump System | 0.5 |
| Running Electricity | 0.5 |
| Water Testing | 1 – 3 |
How Much Does It Cost to Maintain a Well?
Maintenance costs vary, but you should budget $100 to $500 annually for routine maintenance and occasional repairs.
What Is a Good Static Water Level in a Well?
A static water level of 25 to 50 feet is typically considered good, although this can vary depending on local conditions.
How Long Does a Water Well Last?
A well can last 30 to 50 years, depending on the quality of construction, materials used, and regular maintenance.
Can a Well Dry Up?
Yes, wells can dry up, especially shallow wells during drought conditions.
Do You Have A Water Bill With Well Water?
No, utilizing well water eliminates monthly water bills, although you will incur electricity and maintenance expenses.
Hiring a Well Drilling Company
When hiring a well drilling company, it’s vital to assess their experience, references, and understanding of local geology.
Questions to Ask Well Drillers
- How many years of experience do you have?
- Can you provide references from previous clients?
- What is the estimated timeline for completing the well?
- What types of warranties or guarantees do you offer?
- Are you familiar with local and state regulations?
