SC By SCWS Team | February 1, 2026 | 10 min read
How Much Does Well Rehabilitation Cost?
Is your well producing less water than it used to? Before you spend $30,000+ on a new well, consider rehabilitation. At $3,000 to $15,000, restoring an old well often costs a fraction of drilling new—and can bring your well back to original (or better) production. Here's when it makes sense and what you'll pay.
💵 Quick Price Summary
- • Basic redevelopment: $2,500 - $5,000
- • Chemical treatment: $4,000 - $8,000
- • Hydrofracking: $6,000 - $12,000
- • Combined approach: $8,000 - $15,000
- • vs. New well: Often saves $15,000 - $35,000!
Well Rehabilitation Cost Overview
Well rehabilitation—also called well redevelopment or restoration—uses various techniques to clean out deposits, remove obstructions, and improve water flow into your well. It's often the most cost-effective solution for wells that have gradually lost production capacity.
📊 Well Rehabilitation Costs by Method
Basic Redevelopment
Surging, airlifting, jetting
$2,500 - $5,000
Chemical Treatment
Acid, chlorination, surfactants
$4,000 - $8,000
Hydrofracking ⭐ Best for Bedrock
High-pressure fracturing
$6,000 - $12,000
Combined Approach
Multiple methods for best results
$8,000 - $15,000
Casing Repair/Relining
For structural damage
$5,000 - $20,000+
*Costs depend on well depth, condition, and treatment required
What Causes Wells to Need Rehabilitation?
Understanding why your well is declining helps determine the right treatment approach:
Mineral Encrustation
The most common cause of well decline. Minerals in groundwater (calcium, magnesium, iron) precipitate out and coat well screens and formation surfaces, blocking water flow. Most prevalent in hard water areas.
Biofouling (Iron Bacteria)
Naturally occurring bacteria that thrive on iron in groundwater create slimy deposits that clog screens and reduce flow. Often indicated by reddish-brown slime in toilet tanks or a musty odor.
Sand/Sediment Infiltration
Fine sand and sediment can migrate into the well over time, filling the screen and reducing effective well depth. May also indicate screen or casing deterioration.
Casing Corrosion
Older steel casings can corrode over decades, developing holes that allow surface water or sediment intrusion. May require relining or replacement.
Aquifer Decline
In some cases, the water table itself has dropped due to drought or regional over-pumping. Rehabilitation can't solve this—deepening or a new well may be needed.
Rehabilitation Methods and Costs
1. Mechanical Redevelopment ($2,500-$5,000)
The simplest and least expensive approach:
- Surging: Agitating water to loosen deposits
- Airlifting: Using compressed air to remove debris
- Jetting: High-pressure water to clean perforations
- Brushing: Physical scrubbing of casing and screen
Best for: Light to moderate mineral buildup, routine maintenance
2. Chemical Treatment ($4,000-$8,000)
Uses specialized chemicals to dissolve deposits:
- Acid treatment: Dissolves mineral scale (calcium, magnesium, iron)
- Chlorination: Kills iron bacteria and disinfects
- Surfactants: Break down biofilms and organic matter
- Sequestering agents: Prevent redeposition of dissolved minerals
Best for: Heavy mineral encrustation, biofouling, bacteria problems
3. Hydrofracking ($6,000-$12,000)
High-pressure water injection to fracture rock formation and improve flow:
- Creates new fractures in rock surrounding well
- Opens clogged natural fractures
- Increases water-bearing surface area
- Most effective in bedrock wells
Best for: Bedrock wells with declining yield, tight formations
4. Combined Approach ($8,000-$15,000)
Many wells benefit from multiple techniques used together:
- Camera inspection to diagnose problems
- Mechanical cleaning to remove loose debris
- Chemical treatment to dissolve stubborn deposits
- Hydrofracking to improve formation permeability
- Final development and testing
DIY vs Professional Rehabilitation
| Factor | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $200-$500 (shock chlorination only) | $3,000-$15,000 |
| Techniques Available | Chlorination only | Full range of methods |
| Diagnosis | Guesswork | Camera inspection, testing |
| Effectiveness | Limited (bacteria only) | Addresses root cause |
| Risk | Chemical mishandling | Insured, experienced |
DIY shock chlorination can address bacteria problems and is a reasonable first step. However, professional rehabilitation is needed for mineral deposits, structural issues, or significant yield decline.
Rehabilitation vs New Well: When to Choose Each
Consider Rehabilitation When:
- ✓ Well structure is sound (no casing damage)
- ✓ Aquifer still has adequate water
- ✓ Rehabilitation cost is less than 50% of new well cost
- ✓ Well is less than 30-40 years old
- ✓ Decline is gradual (not sudden)
Consider a New Well When:
- ✓ Casing is severely corroded or damaged
- ✓ Aquifer is depleted (regional water table decline)
- ✓ Well is very old (50+ years)
- ✓ Rehabilitation cost exceeds 50-60% of new well cost
- ✓ Previous rehabilitation attempts failed
- ✓ Well was poorly constructed originally
For comparison, see our guide on well drilling costs in San Diego.
What to Expect: The Rehabilitation Process
- Initial Assessment ($300-$600): Measure current flow rate, static water level, and evaluate symptoms
- Camera Inspection ($200-$500): Video survey reveals casing condition, screen blockage, and problem areas
- Water Quality Testing ($150-$400): Identify bacteria, mineral content, and contaminants
- Treatment Plan: Develop approach based on findings
- Treatment (1-3 days): Execute mechanical, chemical, or combined treatment
- Development: Pump well until water clears
- Final Testing: Verify improved flow rate and water quality
Expected Results
Successful rehabilitation typically produces:
- Flow rate improvement: 25-100%+ increase in many cases
- Water quality: Reduced sediment, clearer water, better taste
- Longevity: Results typically last 5-15 years
- Pump efficiency: Reduced strain on pump, lower energy costs
Note: Results vary based on well condition and aquifer characteristics. Your well professional should provide realistic expectations before treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to rehabilitate a well?
Well rehabilitation typically costs between $3,000 and $15,000, depending on well depth, the cause of decline, and treatment methods required. Simple cleaning and development may cost $3,000-$5,000, while chemical treatment or hydrofracking can run $8,000-$15,000+.
Is it better to rehabilitate or drill a new well?
Rehabilitation is typically worthwhile when the well structure is sound and the aquifer still has water. If rehabilitation costs exceed 50% of new well drilling costs, or if the well has structural damage or the aquifer is depleted, a new well is usually the better investment.
What causes a well to need rehabilitation?
Common causes include mineral encrustation on screens and perforations, biofouling from iron bacteria, sand or sediment infiltration, collapsed or corroded casing, and declining water table. Most wells experience gradual decline over 20-30 years.
How long does well rehabilitation last?
Successful well rehabilitation typically lasts 5-15 years, depending on the original cause of decline and ongoing water quality issues. Regular maintenance and periodic redevelopment can extend results. Some wells may need repeated treatment every 5-7 years.
Get Your Well Evaluated
Is your well producing less water than it used to? Let us assess whether rehabilitation can restore your well's performance. We'll provide honest recommendations and clear pricing—including whether a new well might be a better investment.