Idaho Water Well Statistics 2026: 45 Facts & Data You Need to Know
Idaho Water Well Overview
Source: Idaho Department of Water Resources
Key Idaho Well Facts
- 600,000+ Idahoans rely on private wells for drinking water
- 31% of Idaho's population uses private well water
- Groundwater provides 95% of Idaho's drinking water
- Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer: 100+ million AF storage
- 8,500+ new wells drilled annually
- 385 licensed well drillers in Idaho
- Domestic exempt limit: 13,000 gallons/day
Major Aquifers
| Aquifer | Location | Avg Depth | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Snake River Plain | Southern ID | 285 ft | Managed |
| Treasure Valley | Boise area | 385 ft | Variable |
| Spokane Valley-Rathdrum | N. Idaho | 125 ft | Excellent |
| Wood River Valley | Central ID | 185 ft | Good |
| Mountain Home | SW Idaho | 445 ft | Declining |
| Lewiston Basin | N. Idaho | 165 ft | Good |
Wells by County
| County | Est. Wells | Primary Aquifer | Avg Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ada (Boise) | 39,750 | Treasure Valley | 385 ft |
| Canyon | 29,150 | Treasure Valley | 345 ft |
| Twin Falls | 21,200 | Snake River Plain | 285 ft |
| Kootenai | 18,550 | Rathdrum Prairie | 125 ft |
| Bonneville | 15,900 | Snake River Plain | 265 ft |
| Bingham | 13,250 | Snake River Plain | 245 ft |
| Jerome | 10,600 | Snake River Plain | 285 ft |
| Cassia | 9,275 | Snake River Plain | 325 ft |
| Minidoka | 7,950 | Snake River Plain | 265 ft |
| Blaine | 6,625 | Wood River Valley | 185 ft |
Well Drilling Costs (2026)
| Region | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boise/Treasure Valley | $18,000 | $28,000 | $48,000 |
| Coeur d'Alene/N. Idaho | $10,000 | $16,000 | $28,000 |
| Twin Falls/Magic Valley | $14,000 | $22,000 | $38,000 |
| Idaho Falls/Eastern | $12,000 | $20,000 | $35,000 |
| Sun Valley Area | $15,000 | $24,000 | $42,000 |
Cost per Foot
- Alluvial (valley): $18-32/foot
- Basalt (Snake River Plain): $25-45/foot
- Hard rock: $40-65/foot
Water Quality Statistics
| Parameter | % Affected | Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness (>180 mg/L) | 40% | Snake River Plain |
| Nitrate (>5 mg/L) | 12% | Agricultural areas |
| Iron (>0.3 mg/L) | 15% | Various |
| Arsenic | 4% | Select areas |
| TDS (>500 mg/L) | 18% | Southern ID |
We service all major pump brands including Franklin Electric, Grundfos, Goulds (Xylem), and Sta-Rite (Pentair). Our trucks carry common parts and components for same-day repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many water wells are in Idaho?
Idaho has approximately 265,000 registered water wells. Ada County (Boise) has the most with about 39,750.
What is the average well depth in Idaho?
Average is 200-350 feet. Treasure Valley 300-500 feet; Snake River Plain 150-400 feet; N. Idaho 100-300 feet.
How much does it cost to drill a well in Idaho?
A complete residential well costs $12,000-$30,000. Boise area typically $20,000-$35,000.
Do you need a permit for a well in Idaho?
Idaho allows domestic exempt wells up to 13,000 gallons/day. A drilling permit is required from IDWR.
Need Well Service Information?
Southern California Well Service serves San Diego and Riverside Counties.
California service: (760) 440-8520
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