Affordable Water Well

TX

★ 4.8 (0 reviews)

Well drilling contractor

200 ft drilled well totaling $3,000–$8,000 for drilling alone . 2024–2025 Iowa well drilling cost estimates from DNR bid tabs and industry data Component Typical Cost (approx.) Notes Drilling (per foot) $15–$40/ft Average ~$20–$30 for 6" hole. 100–200 ft well = $3,000–$8,000 Casing & Grouting $25–$40/ft Steel or PVC casing; cement grout ~$20–$45/bag (30–100 bags needed) Well Screen/Filter $300–$800 Screened pipe or surface filters Submersible Pump $1,000–$3,000+ Depends on HP and depth. 1–3 HP typical for homes Pressure Tank & Switch $400–$1,000 Pressure tank (~$300–$800) + switch/valves (~$100–$200) Electrical/Wiring $500–$1,000 Wiring from well to house panel and controls Permits & Fees $50–$150+ County fee (varies) + $25 to DNR. Osceola County: contact DNR directly Water Testing $0–$100+ Initial test often grant-funded. Additional tests $30–$100 Development/Disinfection $0–$400 Shock chlorination. Grant-funded up to $400 or DIY ~$50 Total Project $5,000–$15,000 Shallow wells cheaper; deeper bedrock wells more expensive Cost Tip Get written quotes from 2–3 DNR-certified drillers before deciding. Costs vary by depth and geology. Drilling difficulties (rock, clay, depth) can raise costs significantly. Counties collect a $25 permit fee per well (part of state law 567 IAC 38.5(1)), plus local building permit fees may apply. Timeline: From Decision to Drinking Water Installing a new well typically takes several weeks to a few months , depending on permitting and scheduling. Expect 6–12 weeks total from your first call to potable water. Typical Iowa well drilling timeline Step/Phase Timeframe Details Initial research & permit application 2–6 weeks Contact county health dept; DNR forwards if needed Permit approval 2–4 weeks Average review ~3–4 weeks. Rarely denied unless site contaminated Hire driller & schedule 1–4 weeks Hire DNR-certified driller once permit issued. 1–4 week lead time Drilling & construction 1–3 days Drilling often 1 day per 100–200 ft. Casing, pump install, develop Well development & chlorination 0–1 day Cleaning, chlorinating, flushing Water quality testing 10–30 days County collects sample 10–30 days after completion Final hookup 0–1 day Once test clears, connect to house plumbing Total time to potable water 6–12 weeks Longer if permit review or scheduling delays occur Special Note: Osceola County Osceola County is special – DNR handles permits directly. Contact Daniel Watterson at 515-402-7981 or [email protected]. Permits & Process Iowa requires a construction permit from your local county health department before drilling any private well. 9-Step Well Installation Process 1. Contact County Health Department Early on, reach out to your local county environmental health office (county Public Health) to get the current Private Well Application form and fee schedule . Most Iowa counties have delegated authority; fees often include the $25 DNR portion . For example, Johnson County's 2025 permit form is available online . Inform the driller about required setbacks and any county-specific rules (some counties may require surveys or well logs). 2. Submit Permit Application & Fee Complete the application (often with a site map showing the proposed well location) and pay the fee. Each county sets its own additional fee (often $50–$150) but must send $25 of each permit to the Iowa DNR . The application is usually in the homeowner's name, though driller info goes on it. 3. County/DNR Review County staff will review for completeness and check the location against known contamination sources (septic systems, lagoons, livestock facilities, chemical storage, etc.). If the site is near a potential contaminant, the application is forwarded to Iowa DNR for extra review (add'l 3–4 week delay) . Do not proceed until you have the permit in hand . 4. Hire a Certified Well Contractor Iowa law requires a DNR-certified well driller (or pump installer, for work above the well) to construct or service any well. You can verify certification via the Iowa DNR Operator Certification database . Give them the approved permit and site info. 5. Prepare the Site Mark the approved well location and clear access for equipment. The driller will call Iowa One Call (811) if needed to locate underground utilities. Ensure livestock or pets are fenced away. 6. Drilling & Construction The driller sets up and drills to the required depth with appropriate casing and sanitary seal (grout). By Iowa code, the well must be located "free from known surface and subsurface contamination," properly cased, and certified by the driller. During drilling, county or DNR staff may inspect the progress. If they arrive, allow them to witness grouting per 567 IAC 49. 7. Well Completion & Pump Install Once the bore is drilled and cased, the driller installs a pump (submersible or jet) and connects the drop pipe. They also install a pressure tank, switch, and hookup plumbing. The well is disinfected (usually chlorinated) and developed (air-lifted) to remove fine material. 8. Final Inspection & Testing Iowa law requires the county collect a water sample 10–30 days after completion . Typically this is arranged by the county or driller. The sample (for total coliform/E. coli and nitrate) is sent to a certified lab. If the result is negative (safe), you may begin using the water. If positive, further chlorination or fixes are needed before re-testing. 9. County Records The driller must submit a well log to the county/DNR. Keep copies of the log and permits. The county issues a final well ID or permit certificate once all is done. Who Does What? Homeowner/Applicant Must: Select safe site Pay fees Ensure testing is done Contractor Must: Construction per state standards (567 IAC Ch. 49) Present for inspections Submit well log Note: State law (567 IAC 49.2(21)) specifically requires full-depth grout around the casing. Iowa prohibits unlicensed persons from drilling or servicing wells (567 IAC Ch. 82). Water Quality & Testing Testing Requirements By law, new private wells must be tested for bacterial contamination after construction. Iowa's rules require the county to sample for total coliform/E. coli (and often nitrate) 10–30 days post-drilling . Beyond that, no state mandate forces ongoing testing – it's the owner's responsibility. Recommended Testing Schedule Iowa DNR strongly recommends testing annually for total coliform b...

(515) 402-7981