Private Wells in Alabama
About 800,000 Alabama residents (≈20%) rely on private wells for drinking water (ADPH). Private wells are common in rural areas where municipal water service is unavailable or cost-prohibitive.
- No ongoing water bills (ACES)
- Independence from municipal supply
- One-time installation cost
- Only pay for pump electricity
- Hire licensed driller
- Pay installation costs
- Annual water testing
- Ongoing maintenance
Well Drilling Costs in Alabama
A complete private well system in Alabama typically costs $1,500–$20,000+, depending on depth and geology. Shallow wells (100-200 ft) are more affordable, while deep wells can exceed $20,000.
Timeline: From Decision to Drinking Water
Expect 2–8 weeks from your first call to potable water. Drilling itself takes only 1-3 days, but scheduling and testing add time.
Permits & Process
Step-by-Step Process
- Site & Contractor: Select well location (away from contamination) and hire a licensed water well driller (AL Code §22-24-8).
- Notify ADEM: Driller files ADEM Form 060, Notification of Intent to Drill a Water Well before drilling (ACES, ADEM Forms).
- Drill the Well: Driller drills, installs casing, seals annulus, and sets pump. Only licensed drillers may perform this work.
- Completion Report: Within 30 days of finishing, driller submits Well Completion Report to ADEM (AL Code §22-24-8).
- Health Notification: ADEM notifies local county health authorities within 7 days (AL Code §22-24-8). County may collect water sample or inspect site.
- System Hookup: Pump and pressure tank connected to household plumbing. Well is disinfected (shock chlorination).
- Final Testing: Water samples collected. Well is put into service once tests meet safe standards.
Homeowner handles: Payment, lab testing coordination, record keeping.
Permits & Responsibilities
Only the licensed driller is responsible for state-required filings. Homeowners do not need a separate drilling permit; the driller handles ADEM notification and reporting (AL Code §22-24-8, ADEM Forms).
Water Quality
Recommended Testing
- At minimum (after drilling): Total coliform bacteria, E. coli, nitrates
- Annual re-testing: Bacteria test (Auburn WRC)
- Every 3-5 years: Full chemical analysis (metals, pH, TDS)
- After any event: Flooding, chemical spills, septic system upset, taste/odor changes
Alabama Dept. of Public Health (ADPH) provides coliform testing via county health departments, which will supply sterilized bottles and arrange sample collection (ADPH). Results are typically available ~24 hours later.
Common Alabama Water Quality Issues
Hard Water
Very common in limestone/dolomite aquifers (North/Central AL). Causes scale buildup. Solution: water softener (ion exchange).
Iron/Manganese
High iron content causes rust-colored staining and metallic taste. Promotes iron bacteria (slime). Treatment: oxidation filters, sediment filters.
Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S)
Rotten-egg smell from sulfide-rich minerals. Treatment: activated carbon (weak), oxidation or air injection (stronger). Check if only in hot water (water heater anode) (Auburn WRC).
Nitrates
Elevated in Black Belt (central AL cropland) and agricultural areas from fertilizer/septic. High nitrates dangerous for infants. Test annually in farming areas. Treatment: RO or distillation.
Bacteria (Coliform)
Most common health risk. Surface runoff, septic seepage, or animal waste contamination. Test after heavy rains or septic failures. Treatment: shock chlorination, UV disinfection.
Arsenic
Usually low statewide, but certain areas (coal-bearing or phosphate rocks in north AL) can have elevated levels. Test if geology suggests risk. Treatment: RO or anion-exchange.
Treatment Options
- Sediment/Cloudiness: In-line sediment cartridge filters (1–5 micron)
- Iron/Manganese: Oxidizing filters (greensand, aeration) or chlorination + filtration
- Hardness: Ion-exchange water softener
- Arsenic, Nitrates, TDS: Reverse osmosis (RO) effective for most inorganics (ACES). Distillation also works.
- Volatile Organics/Radon: Granular activated carbon (GAC) removes VOCs, chlorine, radon (ACES)
- Microbes (Bacteria/Viruses): UV disinfection or chlorination. Shock chlorination for temporary disinfection (ACES)
Many homes use a treatment chain: sediment filter → softener → activated carbon → UV. For complex issues, consult a water treatment professional. See Alabama Cooperative Extension's Treatment Options for Well Owners.
Maintenance & Troubleshooting
Annual Maintenance Checklist
- Test water yearly (at least coliform + nitrates) (Auburn WRC)
- Clear vegetation/debris from wellhead; check cap is intact and sealed
- Check pressure tank air pressure and well pressure
- Ensure wiring to pump is secure
- Re-chlorinate well after any repair or flooding
- Maintain septic systems properly (pump every ~3–5 years)
- Keep log of all service, testing, and repairs
Warning Signs of Well Problems
- Reduced Flow/Pressure: Pump/well issues or drought conditions
- Cloudy/Murky Water: Iron bacteria blooms or surface infiltration
- Bad Taste/Odor: Rotten-egg smell (H₂S), chemical odor, metallic taste
- Rust Staining: Red/black stains signal iron or manganese
- Pump Behavior: Continuous running or frequent cycling (low yield or tank failure)
- Health Symptoms: GI illness—test water immediately for bacteria
Find a Licensed Driller
Alabama law requires a licensed water well driller for all well drilling work (AL Code §22-24-5).
Search Licensed Drillers in Alabama
Find Drillers Near You →How to Find & Verify a Driller
- Contact ADEM or ADPH for a list of licensed drillers
- Use directories like wellowner.org (ACES)
- Verify the driller's Alabama license (required by law)
- Get 2-3 written quotes
- Ask for references from recent jobs
Resources & Contacts
Certified Testing Labs
Use labs certified by ADEM's Drinking Water Lab Program (ADEM). Examples:
- Auburn Univ. Soil, Forage & Water Testing Lab: 334-844-3958 (Auburn WRC) – non-regulatory screening
- Guardian Systems: 205-699-6647 (Auburn WRC) – ADEM-certified lab
- County Health Departments: Contact your local county health office for bacteria testing
Key Regulatory References
- Alabama Code Title 22, Chapter 24 – Water Well Standards
- AL Code §22-24-8 – Drilling Requirements
- ADEM Water Forms – Form 060 and other well forms
Frequently Asked Questions
Are You a Licensed Driller?
Check out our compliance reference for Alabama drilling regulations, forms, and requirements.
Alabama Driller Compliance Guide →