Everything you need to know before you drill a well.Costs, permits, depth data — and licensed drillers when you’re ready.
Independent research on residential water wells — costs, permits, water quality, and maintenance. Every guide is sourced from state records and industry data, not generated filler. Licensed drillers are here when you’re ready.
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Independent research on
every part of your well.
Well Drilling Guide covers every aspect of private water wells — from planning and permits to water quality and maintenance. Researched from state records, industry data, and licensed-driller interviews.
Planning Your Well
From site evaluation to working water — every step of a new-well project.
Drilling & Pump Costs
What to budget for drilling, pumps, testing, and the expenses most guides miss.
Water Quality
Testing, contaminants, and the treatment that actually works for each problem.
Problems & Repairs
Pump failures, pressure drops, dry wells — diagnose before you spend.
Maintenance
Annual checks, shock chlorination, and the lifespan of every component.
Regulations & Permits
Permits, licensing, setbacks, and what the rules are where you live.
Start with the facts —
then find the right driller.
Every guide is researched from state records, industry data, and licensed-driller interviews — not generated filler.
How a Water Well Is Drilled: From Site Visit to Drinkable Water
Drilling a residential water well usually takes about one to five working days once the rig is operating.…
Cost to Drill a Well on Vacant Land: The Expenses Buyers Miss
Quick answer: The cost to drill a well on land is rarely just the drilling bill. On a…
Drilling a Water Well in Alberta: Authorizations, Water-Well Reports & Costs
For an ordinary household well in Alberta, the homeowner does not apply for a Water Act licence or…
Drilling a Water Well in Ontario: Regulation 903, Licence Classes, Records & Costs
Drilling a well in Ontario means working within Ontario Regulation 903, not merely choosing a drilling company and…
Drilling a Water Well in North Carolina: Permits, Setbacks, Costs & Testing
Drilling a well in North Carolina requires more than hiring a drilling rig and choosing a convenient spot.…
Drilling a Water Well in Michigan: Permits, Construction Rules, Costs & Logs
Yes, you need local approval before drilling a well in Michigan. For a normal residential project, the county…
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Your location and what you need — a new well, a pump, testing, or a loop field.
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How deep is your water —
and what will it cost?
Most U.S. residential water wells cost about $5,500–$9,000 installed — roughly $15–$30 per foot, with wells typically 100–500 feet deep. Depth, geology, and where you live all move the price.
See the full Cost GuideCosts, permits & regulations by location.
Drillers near you.
Common questions.
How much does it cost to drill a water well?
Most U.S. residential water wells cost about $5,500–$9,000 installed — roughly $15–$30 per foot. Depth is the biggest factor: typical wells run 100–500 feet deep, so a deeper well in hard rock costs more than a shallow one in soft ground.
How do I know a well driller is licensed?
Most U.S. states and Canadian provinces require water-well drillers to hold a license or registration. You can verify a contractor through your state or provincial well-driller or water-resources board — our state licensing guides link to each one.
How deep do most residential wells need to be?
Most residential water wells are 100–500 feet deep, but depth depends entirely on local geology — not a formula. Your driller can’t guarantee depth before drilling. Our well depth guide explains what determines it.
Can I drill a well without a permit?
A few states don’t require a permit for domestic wells, but most do — and some require testing before the water can be used. Your driller usually handles the application. Our permit guide covers the rules state by state.
What areas do you cover?
Licensed water-well drillers across the United States and Canada — for new wells, pump repair, water testing, well rehabilitation, geothermal loop fields, and irrigation wells.
Researched and maintained by the Well Drilling Guide editorial team · aligned with NGWA water-well standards · Contact us