Drilling Cost Per Foot
The biggest driver of well cost is simply how deep you have to drill. In sandy soil or productive glacial aquifers, you might find water at 80–150 feet. In arid western states, desert basin geology, or crystalline bedrock, you could drill 400–800 feet before hitting a reliable water zone.
Expect to pay $25–$40 per foot in soft sand and gravel, $35–$55 per foot in consolidated sedimentary rock or clay, and $55–$85+ per foot in granite, basalt, or other hard crystalline rock. A 300-foot well in granite can cost $12,000–$25,000 in drilling alone — before casing, pump, or permit costs.
Pump & Pressure System
For any well deeper than 25 feet, you'll need a submersible pump installed deep in the casing. Pump cost depends on horsepower and depth rating. A standard ½ HP pump for a 150-ft well costs $400–$800; a 1.5 HP unit for a 400-ft well runs $900–$2,000+. Installation and wiring adds $800–$1,500.
You'll also need a pressure tank ($500–$2,000), a pressure switch, check valves, and a pitless adapter to route water through the casing to your home. Budget $2,000–$7,000 for a complete pump-to-pressure-tank installation in most states.
Well Casing & Grouting
Most states require steel or PVC casing for the full depth of the well, plus an annular grout seal from surface to at least 20–50 feet deep (state-dependent). Casing prevents surface contamination from entering the water supply — it's not optional.
Steel casing costs $8–$18 per foot; PVC is $4–$12 per foot. For a 200-foot well, casing alone is $1,600–$3,600. Grouting adds another $300–$800 depending on depth and state requirements.
Permits & State Regulations
Every state requires a permit for a new water well, typically issued by the state environmental agency or department of natural resources. Permit fees range from $50 in low-cost states to $800–$2,000 in California, Massachusetts, and New York. Some counties layer their own fees on top of state permits.
Most permits require a licensed, state-certified well driller (not a general contractor) and a completion report filed with the state after drilling. Budget $400–$1,200 for permits, inspection, and the well completion report filing in most states.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drill a residential well?
▾
A straightforward well in soft to medium-hard formation typically takes 1–3 days of active drilling. Hard rock wells or very deep wells (400+ ft) may take 3–7 days. The full project including casing, pump installation, and wiring usually takes 1–2 weeks start to finish. Permit approval can add 1–4 weeks of lead time in heavily regulated states like California, Massachusetts, and New Jersey.
Do I need a permit to drill a water well on my own property?
▾
Yes, in virtually every U.S. state you are required to obtain a permit before drilling a new water well. Most states also require that the work be performed by a licensed, state-certified well driller — not a general contractor or property owner. A well completion report must be filed with the state after drilling. Penalties for unpermitted wells include fines and, in some states, mandatory decommissioning at the property owner's expense.
How deep does a well need to be to have clean water?
▾
Depth alone doesn't guarantee water quality — geology matters more. Contamination can occur at any depth if surface water is not properly excluded by casing and grouting. Most regulations require steel casing to at least 20–50 feet and a grout seal to keep surface contaminants out. Regardless of depth, always test a new well for bacteria, nitrates, pH, hardness, and any area-specific contaminants (arsenic in New England, radon in granitic regions, uranium in parts of the West) before relying on it for drinking water.
What is a good well yield (GPM) for a residential property?
▾
A yield of 3–5 gallons per minute (GPM) is generally considered adequate for a typical single-family home. A family of four needs roughly 100–150 gallons of water per day in normal use. Below 2 GPM, a storage tank may be needed to buffer peak demand. Your well driller will perform a yield test after drilling and report the results on the well completion record. Low-yield wells can sometimes be improved through hydrofracturing, which costs $1,500–$3,500 but can 2–10× the yield in hard rock formations.
How do I find a reputable well driller?
▾
Start by searching your state's licensing agency database to verify credentials — any reputable driller should be licensed in your state. The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) maintains a contractor directory of certified members. Ask neighbors who drilled recently for recommendations, and request 3+ written bids that specify: depth guarantee, per-foot rates, casing type and diameter, pump specifications, and what happens if water isn't found. Never hire a driller who doesn't pull permits or refuses to file a well completion report.
What if the driller doesn't hit water?
▾
This is called a "dry hole" and it's a real risk. Most contracts specify that you owe the driller for the footage drilled even if water isn't found. Make sure your contract clearly defines what constitutes a successful well (minimum yield, minimum depth), and whether the driller will attempt a second location if the first fails. In some states, drillers are required to provide a written estimate of expected depth based on local well records before drilling. Review nearby well completion reports (publicly available in most states) to understand what neighbors experienced.