Estimated Costs to Drill a Water Well

Costs for Mobilization

• The driller tows the drilling equipment (drill rig) to the site with a large truck and sets the rig up. Some drillers own their own truck while others rent. The driller will charge for time and mileage spent driving to the site and for the cost of truck rental if needed, which will include an hourly charge for assisting workers. The mileage charge may vary depending upon current fuel costs and any road tolls that must be paid and will also include extra charges for mobilization into high-risk areas. Most drillers prorate the depreciation on their rig and include that in each job's charges.

Cost Per Foot of Drilling

• Cost per foot of drilling varies widely from location to location. For example, in the Carolinas the drilling costs run from $9.00 to $20.00 per foot. This per foot charge can include the price of the casing that lines the well and a well shoe (cap at the bottom of the shaft), or casing charges may be separate and may be approximately $6 to $7 per foot of 6-inch pipe and may be steel or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Local regulations may dictate the pipe composition.

Cost of Pump and Accessories

• The pump is the most expensive item and can range from $350 to $600. The many accessories necessary for a functioning water well also add to the overall price. These include PVC water line piping, which can vary from $.40 to $2.65 per foot depending on the inside diameter. The various fittings and couplings can be brass, PVC and steel and will vary in price depending upon their use.

Cost of Permits and Tests

• Filing for each state's required permits and registration of water wells adds costs to the well. For example, as of July 2006, the price of owing and registering a well in Colorado was $100. Testing requirements and fees vary by locale. In North Carolina residential well owners are not required to test their wells but are encouraged to do so, which is not the case in other states.