How much does a well cost?

New well drilling: $3,000-$15,000 (average: $5,000-$10,000). Per foot: $15-$60. Typical depth: 100-400 feet. Total cost includes: drilling, casing, pump, pressure tank, and connection to the house. Well pump replacement: $1,000-$3,000 installed. The biggest cost variables: depth (deeper = more expensive) and geology (rock drilling costs more than soil). Get 2-3 quotes from licensed well drillers. Check for local well permits ($50-$500).

How often should well water be tested?

Bacteria (coliform) and nitrates: annually. This is the minimum. Comprehensive panel (pH, hardness, iron, arsenic, lead, and other contaminants): every 3-5 years. Also test: after flooding or heavy rains, after well repairs or pump replacement, when you notice changes in taste, odor, or appearance, and when buying or selling a home. Cost: basic bacteria test: $30-$100. Comprehensive panel: $100-$500. Many state health departments offer free or reduced-cost testing. This is one of the most important and least expensive maintenance tasks for well owners.

Is well water safe to drink?

It depends on your specific well and location. Well water CAN be perfectly safe and even healthier than municipal water (no chlorine or fluoride). But it can also contain harmful contaminants. The only way to know: test it. Common contaminants: bacteria (from surface water intrusion), nitrates (from fertilizers and septic systems), arsenic (naturally occurring in many regions), and iron/manganese (harmless but affects taste). After testing: install appropriate treatment for any contaminants found. A basic UV + sediment filter system ($700-$2,000) addresses the most common concerns.

How long does a well last?

The well itself (casing and bore): 25-50+ years. Submersible pump: 8-15 years (average 10-12). Pressure tank: 10-20 years. Well cap and seal: 20-30 years. Signs your pump is failing: loss of water pressure, pump running constantly, sputtering water, high electric bills, and dirty or sandy water. Preventive maintenance: annual water testing, inspect the well cap and seal, check pressure tank air charge, and keep records of pump age and service history.

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Woodworking & Lumber

Well Water Guide: Testing, Treatment & Cost

Lumberama Editorial Team, Well Water & Water Quality Specialists Sep 24, 2026 12 min read

Well Water Basics

About 43 million Americans (13% of households) rely on private wells for drinking water. Unlike municipal water, well water is not regulated by the EPA. The homeowner is responsible for testing, treating, and maintaining the well and water quality. A typical residential well is 100-400 feet deep and uses a submersible pump to bring water to the surface.

Testing

What to test for: Bacteria (coliform and E. coli): the most important test. Annually. Nitrates: annually (especially near agriculture). pH level: affects taste and pipe corrosion. Hardness: affects appliances and skin. Iron and manganese: affects taste and staining. Arsenic: naturally occurring in some regions. Lead: from old plumbing. Radon: in water in some areas. Pesticides: near agricultural areas.

When to test: Annually for bacteria and nitrates. Every 3-5 years for a comprehensive panel. After any flooding, construction, or changes in taste/odor. When buying or selling a home.

Cost: Basic bacteria test: $30-$100. Comprehensive panel (15-20 contaminants): $100-$500. State health departments often offer free or low-cost testing.

Common Problems and Treatment

Hard water: Dissolved calcium and magnesium. Causes: scale buildup on fixtures and appliances, dry skin and hair, soap scum. Treatment: water softener ($1,000-$3,000 installed).

Iron/manganese: Causes: orange/brown staining on fixtures, metallic taste. Treatment: iron filter ($800-$2,000) or oxidation system ($1,500-$3,000).

Bacteria: Causes: unsafe to drink, illness risk. Treatment: UV disinfection ($500-$1,500), chlorination system ($500-$2,000), or shock chlorination (one-time: $100-$300).

Sulfur (rotten egg smell): Causes: hydrogen sulfide gas. Treatment: oxidation filter ($1,000-$3,000) or aeration system ($1,500-$3,000).

Low pH (acidic water): Causes: corrodes pipes, blue-green staining. Treatment: acid neutralizer ($800-$2,000).

Sediment: Causes: cloudy water, clogged fixtures. Treatment: sediment filter ($200-$500).

Costs

New well drilling: $3,000-$15,000 (average: $5,000-$10,000). Varies by depth, geology, and location. Per foot: $15-$60.

Well pump: Submersible pump: $500-$1,500 (replacement: $1,000-$3,000 installed). Jet pump (shallow wells): $300-$800 (replacement: $500-$1,500 installed).

Treatment systems: Water softener: $1,000-$3,000. Iron filter: $800-$2,000. UV disinfection: $500-$1,500. Whole-house filter: $300-$1,000. Reverse osmosis (drinking water): $200-$600.

Annual costs: Electricity (pump): $50-$200/year. Salt (softener): $50-$150/year. Filter replacement: $50-$200/year. Water testing: $30-$500/year.