Publisher’s update, 27 October 2026: Source-cited corrections were prepared with Codex. Specialist human review is pending; the original contributor’s byline is retained.
Budget a garden well from a site-specific quotation
Ask a qualified local well contractor to assess geology, expected yield, access, permitted use and water quality. Request itemised costs for drilling, casing and sealing, pump, electrical supply, pipework, testing, permits, unsuccessful boreholes and eventual abandonment. Depth alone cannot predict the bill, and irrigation demand does not establish drinking-water safety.
Check the relevant water authority before drilling or abstracting water. Licensing, setbacks and construction requirements vary. EPA recommends a certified well driller and annual testing; additional tests depend on local contamination risks. Never omit casing or assume that boiling removes chemical contamination. Obtain a suitable irrigation and backflow plan for any connection to an existing supply.
Sources checked 27 October 2026: EPA: protect your private well.
Sometimes, you might consider digging a well in your backyard to reduce reliance on the municipal water supply.
Read on to discover how much it will cost to dig a well in your backyard.
Factors affecting the cost of digging a well
Several factors determine the cost of digging a well, including depth, permits, soil type, region, etc.
Well depth
The width and depth of your well are the most significant cost factors.
Permits
Luckily – Well-digging companies help in obtaining permits. Some counties have different licenses for residential and irrigation wells.
You might require additional permits, such as plumbing and electrical wiring in other regions.
Distance to house
The distance between your well and your house affects the cost of digging a well.
You use shorter electrical wires and water pipes if it’s close, resulting in lower expenses.
Region
Groundwater levels vary by region; the water table is close to the surface in some areas and deep in others.
Shallow wells are a standard fixture in areas with a shallow water table, and digging costs are cheaper.
Also, some climates have rocky and dry soils that make it more difficult to dig a well. Machines use more fuel to break through the ground, resulting in higher costs.
Soil type and condition
Soil type and condition also affect the cost of drilling wells.
For example, drilling through soft-textured soil with little rock is cheaper than the rocky and heavily compacted ground.
Well water testing cost
After drilling, you must test the water before you start using it.
Some contaminants in underground water include:
- arsenic
- bacteria
- copper
- lead
- iron
- methane
- sulfur
- and radioactive materials
Besides checking for pollutants, lab testing recommends improving water safety.
Components of a well
Digging a hole in the water table is the first step; you need the following equipment to make a well functional.
Well pump
A well pump draws water from the ground and delivers it to your home.
It’s arguably the most crucial component of finished water well. This is why you need to service it regularly.
Shallow well pumps
They are usually placed on the surface and covered with housing.
Convertible jet well pumps
Like shallow well pumps, they are placed on the surface.
Deep submersible well pump
Well Casing Pipe
A well casing pipe supports the well’s wall and prevents loose rock and dirt from collapsing your system or contaminating your water.
Electrical components
Your well needs electrical components to regulate pressure and the amount of water flow.
Irrigation well
Irrigation wells are helpful to farmers who don’t have a connection to water supply lines and live in dry areas.
Why You Need a Well Drilling Company
It’s impossible to tell how deep you need to drill to reach underground water.
After that, however, they can give a rough estimate based on previous projects in their portfolio.
If the contractor doesn’t find water, they’ll move to another location. You’ll need to cover the cost of drilling both sites.
Before hiring a contractor, check if they have National Ground Water Association certification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a well dry up?
A well dries when water levels drop below the pump’s intake.
What is the cost of maintaining a well?
After inspection and servicing, your contractor will provide a report showing well health and recommendations on keeping your water safe.
Wrapping Up
There’s no denying that wells are an expensive investment.