Cost to Drill a Well in 2026

"How much does it cost to drill a well?" is the first question property owners ask when considering well installation. The honest answer: it varies significantly based on your location, required depth, geology, and system needs—but we can provide real pricing data to help you budget accurately. In San Diego and Riverside counties, complete turnkey well installation typically ranges from $20,000 to $50,000+, with most residential properties falling in the $28,000-$40,000 range. This comprehensive guide breaks down every cost component, explains what drives pricing differences, reveals potential hidden costs, and helps you understand exactly what you're paying for when drilling a well.

Quick Answer: Total Well Drilling Costs

Before diving into details, here's what you can expect for complete turnkey well installation in Southern California:

Well Drilling Cost Breakdown: Where Your Money Goes

1. Drilling Costs ($35-$75+ per foot)

Drilling costs are typically charged per foot and vary based on rock hardness. This is usually the single largest expense component:

• Soft sediment and sand: $35-$45 per foot
• Decomposed granite: $45-$60 per foot
• Hard granite bedrock: $60-$75+ per foot
• Extra-hard rock formations: $75-$100+ per foot

Example: A 400-foot well through mixed decomposed granite at $55/foot = $22,000 drilling cost alone. This covers the drilling operation, rock removal, and basic well construction—but not casing, pump, or other equipment.

2. Well Casing and Materials ($3,000-$8,000)

Steel well casing protects the well from collapse and contamination. Costs depend on well diameter, depth, and casing schedule (thickness):

• 6-inch diameter residential casing: $8-$12 per foot
• 8-inch diameter (higher capacity): $12-$18 per foot
• Sanitary seal and well cap: $300-$600
• Grout for annular seal: $400-$800

California requires sanitary seals to prevent surface contamination from entering wells. Your driller must install these per state standards and verify them during county inspections.

3. Submersible Pump System ($2,500-$6,000+)

The submersible pump is the heart of your water system. Pump costs vary dramatically based on required capacity and installation depth:

• Basic 1/2 HP residential pump: $1,200-$1,800
• Standard 3/4-1 HP residential pump: $1,600-$2,500
• High-capacity 1.5-2 HP pump: $2,500-$4,000
• Agricultural 3-5 HP pumps: $4,000-$8,000+
• Pump cable (per foot): $3-$6
• Drop pipe (per foot): $4-$8

Deep wells require more cable and pipe, adding $1,000-$3,000 to pump installation costs. Quality pumps from manufacturers like Grundfos, Franklin, or Goulds last 15-25 years with proper maintenance.

4. Pressure Tank and Control System ($800-$2,000)

Pressure tanks provide consistent water pressure and reduce pump cycling:

• Standard 80-gallon residential tank: $400-$700
• Large 120-gallon tank: $600-$900
• Commercial 200+ gallon tanks: $1,000-$2,000+
• Pressure control panel: $300-$600
• Pressure switches and sensors: $100-$300

5. Electrical Work ($1,500-$4,000)

Wells require dedicated electrical circuits and proper grounding:

• Electrical panel and disconnect: $400-$800
• Conduit and wiring to well: $600-$1,500
• Trenching for electrical (if needed): $500-$2,000
• Panel upgrade (if insufficient capacity): $1,500-$3,000

Deep wells with powerful pumps may require electrical panel upgrades if your existing service can't handle the load. This is a common additional cost for older properties.

6. Permits and Inspections ($500-$1,500)

All California wells require county permits and inspections:

• County well permit: $300-$800
• Well completion report filing: $150-$300
• Water quality testing: $150-$400
• Site inspection fees: $100-$300

Professional drillers include permit handling in their service—you shouldn't need to deal with county paperwork directly.

7. Site Work and Mobilization ($1,000-$3,000)

Getting equipment to your property and preparing the site:

• Rig mobilization/demobilization: $500-$1,200
• Site preparation and access: $300-$800
• Restoration after drilling: $200-$600
• Difficult access surcharge: $500-$2,000+

Steep hillsides, narrow access roads, or locations requiring specialized equipment increase mobilization costs.

What Affects Well Drilling Costs?

Required Depth: The Biggest Cost Driver

Since drilling is charged per foot, required depth directly determines base drilling costs. Depth varies dramatically across Southern California:

• Valley Center/Fallbrook valleys: 200-400 feet typical
• Ramona plateau areas: 250-500 feet
• East County mountains: 300-600+ feet
• Riverside valley areas: 300-500 feet
• Desert communities: 400-800+ feet

A 250-foot well costs $10,000-$15,000 less than a 500-foot well simply due to drilling depth—that's a 30-40% cost difference from depth alone.

Rock Type and Geology

Drilling through hard granite bedrock takes three times longer than drilling soft sediment, requiring more drill bit wear, fuel, and labor hours. This is why per-foot costs vary so dramatically.

San Diego's coastal areas have softer sedimentary rocks, while inland areas feature hard granite and volcanic formations. Ramona's volcanic geology drills differently than Valley Center's decomposed granite.

Water Flow Requirements

Residential wells typically need 5-10 gallons per minute (GPM). Larger households, agricultural operations, or commercial properties need 20-50+ GPM, requiring:

• Larger diameter wells (8" vs 6")
• More powerful pumps (2-5 HP vs 3/4-1 HP)
• Heavier electrical service
• Larger pressure tanks and storage

High-capacity systems add $8,000-$15,000 to base costs compared to standard residential wells.

Site Access and Conditions

Drilling rigs weigh 20,000-40,000 pounds and require firm, level access. Challenging conditions increase costs:

• Steep hillsides: +$2,000-$5,000
• Narrow access roads: +$1,000-$3,000
• Remote locations: +$1,500-$4,000
• Rocky terrain requiring special equipment: +$2,000-$6,000

Time of Year

Well drilling demand peaks in spring and early summer when property owners prepare for dry season water needs. Some drillers offer winter/fall discounts of 5-10% during slower periods. However, availability matters more than seasonal pricing—get on the schedule early regardless of season.

Potential Hidden Costs to Watch For

How to Get Accurate Well Drilling Quotes

What to Ask for in Written Estimates

Professional well drillers provide detailed written estimates covering:

• Estimated depth range based on neighboring wells and geology
• Per-foot drilling costs for different rock types encountered
• Complete equipment specifications (pump model, casing diameter, tank size)
• All included services (permits, testing, installation, startup)
• Payment schedule (avoid companies demanding 50%+ upfront)
• Warranty terms for drilling work and equipment
• Timeline from permit to completion
• Contingencies for unexpected geology or deeper drilling needs

Information to Provide Drillers

Help drillers provide accurate estimates by sharing:

• Property address and assessor's parcel number
• Household size and estimated daily water usage
• Irrigation or agricultural water needs if applicable
• Distance from well location to house/electrical panel
• Access conditions and site photos if challenging
• Neighboring well information if known
• Septic system location (for setback compliance)

Red Flags in Well Drilling Quotes

• ❌ Quotes significantly lower than competitors (often indicates low-quality work or hidden fees later)
• ❌ No detailed equipment specifications or vague "standard pump" descriptions
• ❌ Refusing to provide written estimates or contracts
• ❌ Pressure to sign immediately with "special pricing today only"
• ❌ No discussion of potential complications or contingency pricing
• ❌ Large upfront deposits (50%+) before work begins
• ❌ No C-57 license verification provided

Well Drilling Cost vs. City Water Connection

In rural areas, comparing well drilling costs to city water connection costs helps determine the most economical option:

City Water Connection Costs

• Connection fees: $5,000-$15,000
• Water meter and backflow prevention: $2,000-$4,000
• Line extension (per foot): $50-$150+ if main is distant
• Impact fees (new development): $10,000-$30,000

If the nearest water main is 500+ feet away, connection costs often exceed $50,000-$100,000—making well drilling far more economical. Plus, wells eliminate monthly water bills.

Well Water: Long-Term Cost Savings

While wells have higher upfront costs, they eliminate monthly water bills. Average household water bills in Southern California run $60-$150/month ($720-$1,800 annually). A $35,000 well pays for itself within 20-25 years—and wells typically last 40+ years with proper maintenance.

For agricultural operations using thousands of gallons daily, wells become even more cost-effective. A vineyard or small farm paying $500-$2,000 monthly for water sees well payback in just 2-5 years.

Financing Well Drilling Projects

Several financing options exist for well drilling:

Home Equity Loans or Lines of Credit

HELOCs typically offer the lowest interest rates (6-9%) for well drilling projects. Wells add property value, making them attractive candidates for home equity financing.

Construction Loans

If drilling a well as part of new construction, roll costs into your construction loan. Lenders view wells as essential infrastructure improving property value.

Contractor Financing

Some well drilling companies offer payment plans, though interest rates may be higher than bank financing. Compare total costs carefully.

USDA Rural Development Loans

Properties in designated rural areas may qualify for USDA loans covering well drilling and water system improvements at favorable rates.

Ways to Reduce Well Drilling Costs

Get Multiple Detailed Quotes

Obtain at least 3-4 quotes from licensed C-57 drillers. Compare not just total prices but equipment quality, warranty terms, and what's included. The cheapest quote rarely provides the best value.

Schedule During Off-Peak Season

Fall and winter typically see lower demand. Some drillers offer 5-10% discounts during slower periods, and you'll get faster scheduling.

Handle Site Preparation Yourself

If capable, clear brush, level the drilling pad, and ensure clear access to reduce site prep charges. Verify with your driller what specifications they need.

Choose Standard Equipment

Unless you need high-capacity systems, standard residential pumps and 6-inch casing meet most household needs at lower costs than oversized equipment.

Minimize Electrical Runs

If possible, choose a well location minimizing trenching distance to your electrical panel. Every 100 feet of trenching and conduit costs $800-$2,000.

What NOT to Cheap Out On

Never compromise on:

• Licensed, insured drillers (unlicensed operators void all recourse)
• Quality pumps and equipment (cheap pumps fail quickly)
• Proper casing and sanitary seals (contamination is costly to fix)
• Adequate well depth for reliable water (shallow wells run dry)
• Complete water quality testing (untested water may be unsafe)

Frequently Asked Questions