Oregon Water Well Statistics 2026: 45 Facts & Data You Need to Know
Oregon Water Well Overview
Source: Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD)
Key Oregon Well Facts
- 975,000+ Oregonians rely on private wells for drinking water
- 23% of Oregon's population uses private well water
- Groundwater provides 30% of Oregon's total water supply
- 9,500+ new wells drilled annually
- 420 licensed well drillers in Oregon
- Exempt well allowance: Up to 15,000 gallons/day domestic use
Major Aquifers
| Aquifer | Location | Avg Depth | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia River Basalt | NE/Central OR | 385 ft | Variable |
| Willamette Valley alluvial | Willamette Valley | 165 ft | Good |
| High Cascades volcanic | Cascade Range | 285 ft | Excellent |
| Coast Range | Coastal OR | 125 ft | Variable |
| Deschutes Basin | Central OR | 245 ft | Declining |
| Basin-fill (various) | Eastern OR | 345 ft | Variable |
Wells by County
| County | Est. Wells | Primary Aquifer | Avg Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clackamas | 42,000 | Basalt/Alluvial | 225 ft |
| Marion | 35,000 | Willamette alluvial | 165 ft |
| Washington | 31,500 | Basalt | 245 ft |
| Lane | 28,000 | Willamette alluvial | 145 ft |
| Deschutes | 24,500 | Deschutes Basin | 265 ft |
| Jackson | 22,750 | Bear Creek Basin | 185 ft |
| Yamhill | 19,250 | Basalt/Alluvial | 195 ft |
| Linn | 17,500 | Willamette alluvial | 135 ft |
| Douglas | 15,750 | Various | 215 ft |
| Josephine | 14,000 | Alluvial/Fractured | 175 ft |
Well Drilling Costs (2026)
| Region | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portland Metro | $14,000 | $22,000 | $38,000 |
| Willamette Valley | $10,000 | $16,000 | $28,000 |
| Central Oregon (Bend) | $15,000 | $24,000 | $40,000 |
| Southern Oregon | $12,000 | $18,000 | $32,000 |
| Coast | $8,000 | $14,000 | $24,000 |
| Eastern Oregon | $14,000 | $22,000 | $38,000 |
Cost per Foot
- Alluvial/sand: $18-32/foot
- Basalt: $25-45/foot
- Hard rock: $35-55/foot
Water Quality Statistics
| Parameter | % Affected | Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Iron (>0.3 mg/L) | 22% | Coastal, Willamette |
| Hardness (>180 mg/L) | 25% | Eastern OR, basalt |
| Arsenic | 5% | Select volcanic areas |
| Nitrate (>5 mg/L) | 8% | Agricultural areas |
| Bacteria (coliform) | 12% | Shallow wells |
| Radon | 15% | Granite/volcanic |
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 Oregon?
Oregon has approximately 350,000 registered water wells. Clackamas County has the most with about 42,000.
What is the average well depth in Oregon?
Average is 200-350 feet. Willamette Valley averages 150-300 feet; eastern Oregon 250-450 feet.
How much does it cost to drill a well in Oregon?
A complete residential well costs $12,000-$28,000. Portland metro typically $15,000-$25,000.
Do you need a permit for a well in Oregon?
Oregon has an exempt well allowance for domestic use up to 15,000 gallons/day. All wells must be drilled by licensed drillers and reported to OWRD.
Need Well Service Information?
Southern California Well Service serves San Diego and Riverside Counties.
California service: (760) 440-8520
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