Can I Dig a Well on My Property? What to Know Before Breaking Ground
Dig into the legalities of drilling a well on private property
Drilling a well often requires permits or licensed contractors, depending on your state.
A well needs to be at least 10 feet away from other buildings.
Well regulations include keeping 100 feet between a well and septic system.
Well water requires annual testing.
Drilling a well costs $3,000–$9,000 on average.
Considering a big move from a city apartment to a countryside home is exciting, but it leaves many people wondering about their connection to water. Can you have a well on your property? If so, can you dig the well, or do you have to hire someone? The rules and regulations on drilling wells can seem muddled, so follow this guide to clear up the facts and learn what you need in order to drill (or dig) a well on your private property.
Can You Have a Well on Private Property?
Yes, you can have a well on your own property, but the regulations on where you can drill a well and who is allowed to complete this job vary from state to state. Many states have requirements on how much water you can use from the well, and there are also requirements on how far a well needs to be from building foundations, decks or patios, property lines, and septic tanks.
For example, a well needs to be at least 50 to 100 feet away from a septic tank or drain field and at least 10 feet away from houses, other buildings, and property lines. You should check with your local building department to determine specific requirements for your city and state.
Is It Legal to Drill Your Own Well?
In many states, it is illegal to drill your own well without proper licensing. Again, the requirements for drilling or digging a well vary by state. Some states require all wells, regardless of whether they are dug, driven, or drilled, to be handled by a pro. Other states have no requirements whatsoever for drilling your own well, and many states offer a mix where some types of wells require licensed pros while others don’t.
Always consult with your local building department to determine state requirements on who’s allowed to drill wells in your area. When in doubt, call a professional well driller near you.
Can You Have a Well in Urban Areas?
Oftentimes, you can’t drill a well in towns and cities because the municipality already offers a water system that connects to each property, and drilling a well could tap city-owned water supplies.
However, some municipalities allow you to drill a well as long as you secure the appropriate permits, hire a licensed contractor, position the well away from property lines and buildings, and don’t use too much water, which could limit water supplies for your community. Another requirement for well owners is to keep up with well water testing, which you need to do once per year to check for contamination.
Planning to Drill a Well
Before you start digging up the backyard or priming a deep well pump, there are several steps you have to take before you can add a well to your property. If you don’t plan accordingly, you could face expensive fines for breaking local building regulations.
Get Permits
Not every city or state requires permits to drill a well, but most do. Always check with the local building department to see if you need to file some paperwork. Building permits cost $200 to $500 for drilling a well.
Check Licensing Requirements
Many states require licenses for contractors to drill a well on a property. Some states may not require licenses for digging a well by hand or driving a well but do require licenses for drilling a well. Others may only allow pros licensed by a specific state department to drill, drive, or dig wells on public or private land.
Hire a Pro
The legalities of drilling or digging a well can be confusing, so rather than attempting to DIY, we recommend leaving this job to the pros. Not only will pros be able to drill a properly functioning, reliable well that’s up to code, but they can also apply for the right permits and pay any necessary fees for you before they start the work.
Cost to Drill a Well
Drilling a well costs $3,000 to $9,000, depending on the type of well, the method used to install it, and the well’s depth. A 50-foot well costs $1,800 to $3,100, and a 200-foot well costs $7,100 to $12,300. Digging is the least expensive method, with costs starting at $2,500. Drilling is the most expensive well-making method, with costs starting at $5,500.
Having a well means that a household’s water supply, including water that comes through faucets, showerheads, and appliances, is supplied through a private source rather than from a city. The well pulls fresh water from an underground water supply, such as an aquifer, and the well pump pushes the water from the well to your household.
The disadvantages of having a well include more maintenance, like annual testing and inspections, and high up-front costs to drill a well. Well water is also vulnerable to contamination, which is why keeping up with testing is important if you own a well. When it comes to well water versus city water, well water does offer more independence and is a reliable water source.
A well lasts at least 25 years, after which the natural sediment and minerals in the soil and water can build up and affect the well. Parts of the well, particularly the well pump, tend to wear out faster and require replacement after 15 to 20 years. Once the well reaches the end of its life span, you can hire a pro to seal it before drilling a new well in another location.
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