Don’t forget the permits. In most places, you need a water right permit, which costs anywhere from $100 to $500. That’s the government’s way of saying, “Thanks for not just drilling willy-nilly and stealing the aquifer from your neighbor’s petunias.”
Then there’s the well casing—a steel or PVC pipe that lines the hole so it doesn’t collapse. That’s typically $10 to $20 per foot. It’s basically a very expensive drinking straw for your yard.
The “Bonuses” That Hurt Your Wallet
You might need a well cap to keep bugs, frogs, and the occasional curious raccoon out of your water supply. That’s another $50 to $200. I once saw a well cap that looked like a tiny manhole cover. It was adorable—and expensive.
And let’s talk about water testing. After drilling, you’ll want to test for bacteria, minerals, and toxins. That’s $100 to $400. It’s like a physical for your water—except the water doesn’t complain about the cold stethoscope.
