Once the well is drilled, you can’t just crack a cold one and call it a day. You have to test the water for bacteria, minerals, and contaminants. This costs about $100 to $400 and is mandatory in most places, because nobody wants to drink arsenic with their morning coffee. Surprising fact: about 15% of private wells in the U.S. have unsafe levels of contaminants. So, yes, you’re paying to avoid surprise poisoning.
If the test shows your water is harder than a calculus exam, you might need a water softener. That’s another $500 to $2,500 installed. And if you have iron or sulfur—which makes water smell like rotten eggs—add a filtration system for $1,000 more. Suddenly, tap water from the city sounds romantic.
Location, Location, Location (And Geology)
Where you live is the wild card. In the Midwest, where the water table is high, a well might cost $4,000. In rocky New England, drillers often charge a premium because they’re essentially poking holes in granite. I’ve heard stories of people paying $20,000 in the Rockies because every foot required dynamite and a chiropractor.
![How Much Does It Cost to Drill a Well? [2025 Data] - Get A Site Plan](https://getasiteplan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/well-drilling-price-range-per-foot-600x432.jpg)
How Much Does It Cost to Drill a Well? [2026 Data] - Get A Site Plan
Another fun surprise: abandoned wells. If you buy an old house with a disconnected well, you may have to fill it in before drilling a new one. That’s like paying to bury a ghost. Filling an abandoned well can cost $500 to $3,000, which is the opposite of a good time.
