When Do You Need a Private Well?
A private well is needed whenever no municipal water service is available at your property line.
In Arkansas, public water systems must serve nearby homes if lines reach them. Local building codes often require new homes to connect to public mains if accessible. Wells are generally only used when:
- Your property is beyond the reach of city or rural water mains (common in rural areas)
- Extending a water line is impractical or prohibitively expensive
- You are developing new land outside utility service areas
💰 Well Drilling Costs in Arkansas
A complete private well system in Arkansas typically costs $4,000–$12,000+, depending on depth, geology, and equipment choices.
Pricing Example:
Local Arkansas drillers indicate ~$25/ft drilling + $1,500 flat casing fee. A $145 rig permit is required by state law (paid by driller).
Timeline: From Decision to Drinking Water
Expect 2–6 weeks from your first call to potable water. Scheduling a driller often takes 1–2 weeks; drilling itself is quick.
Permits & Process
Do You Need a Permit?
Good news: Arkansas has no state drilling permit for homeowners.
- The licensed driller must obtain a $145 "rig permit" from ANRC before drilling (not paid by homeowner)
- County building/plumbing permits ($50–$200) may apply for the connection to your home
- You must hire a licensed well contractor — unlicensed drilling is illegal
Step-by-Step Process
- Hire a licensed well contractor. Arkansas law requires all wells be drilled by a properly licensed contractor.
- Site evaluation. The driller visits to evaluate geology and measure minimum setbacks from septic systems (100 ft required).
- Obtain rig permit. The contractor submits a well-drilling permit to ANRC ($145 fee).
- Drilling and casing. Over 1–3 days, the driller drills to aquifer, installs steel casing to seal off surface contaminants, and completes the borehole.
- Disinfection. The well is chlorinated with bleach (shock chlorination) to kill microbes, then flushed.
- Water sampling. After chlorination, collect samples for bacteriological testing at the ADH lab.
- Construction report. The driller files a "Construction Report" with ANRC (homeowners don't handle this).
- Plumbing connection. After a clean test, the pump contractor connects the well to your home's plumbing. County inspectors may verify the hookup.
- Final approval. For a private well, there is no state certificate. Using the well simply requires a safe water test. Keep test results on file.
Water Quality & Testing
Required Testing
- Bacteriological (Coliform/E. coli): Test before use. ADH provides sample collection kits through local health units. The ADH lab only tests for coliform/E. coli (no chemical tests).
- Chemical Tests: Test for nitrates, arsenic, iron/manganese, hardness, and pH. Independent lab costs might be $15–$50 per basic test.
- Frequency: Test immediately upon completion. Best practice: yearly bacteria tests and every 1–3 years for chemicals. Also test after any flood, well repair, or water quality change.
Common Arkansas Water Quality Issues
Iron & Manganese
Very common in Arkansas (Ozarks and Delta). Causes reddish/brown staining and metallic taste. Most wells need filtration or oxidation treatment.
Hard Water
Arkansas's limestone geology yields hard water statewide. Causes scale buildup. Water softeners are frequently used.
Nitrates
Elevated in agricultural areas (NW Arkansas, Mississippi Alluvial Plain) due to fertilizer/septic. High nitrate (above 10 mg/L) is a health concern, especially for infants.
Arsenic
Certain areas (southeast Arkansas, Mississippi River Valley aquifer) have naturally high arsenic. Some private wells in parts of the Delta can exceed the 10 µg/L MCL.
Bacteria
Coliform risks occur if a well is shallow, improperly sealed, or damaged. Regular testing is needed.
Regional Problem Areas
Wells here often have high iron and moderate salt content (sulfates/chlorides). Parts of this region historically show elevated arsenic due to Red River Delta sediments.
Carbonate springs and karst aquifers produce very hard water with dissolved Ca/Mg. Iron and manganese are common. Intensive farming has raised nitrate levels in some recharge areas.
Treatment Options
- Bacterial Contamination: Shock chlorination (bleach). UV disinfection for continuous protection.
- Iron/Manganese: Aeration and oxidation filters (Greensand, Birm).
- Hardness: Salt-based water softener (ion exchange).
- Nitrates: Reverse osmosis (RO) or anion-exchange systems.
- Arsenic: RO or activated alumina filters.
- pH (Acidity): Calcite neutralizer tank to raise pH.
🔧 Maintenance & Troubleshooting
Annual Maintenance Checklist
- ☐Test water for bacteria (total coliform) once yearly
- ☐Test nitrates and problem contaminants every 1–3 years
- ☐Inspect wellhead and pressure tank (check tank air pressure)
- ☐Ensure cap/seal is gas-tight, no debris or bugs
- ☐Change sediment/charcoal filter cartridges (every 3–12 months)
- ☐Regenerate or refill water-softener salt monthly
- ☐Consider shock chlorination annually or after flooding
Warning Signs of Well Problems
- Falling pressure/flow: Worn pump, clogged screen, or aquifer drop
- No water: Power failure, pump burn-out, broken cable, or total aquifer drop
- Pump cycling rapidly: Pressure tank lost air cushion or there's a leak
- Discolored water or staining: High iron, pipe corrosion, or iron/manganese bacteria
- Bad tastes or odors: Hydrogen sulfide (rotten egg), contamination, or high TDS
- Bulging or leaking tank: Pressure tank needs repair
Call a licensed professional for: drilling, pump installation/repair, electrical work, or major yield issues.Unlicensed tinkering with a well violates state rules.
🔧 Find a Licensed Driller
Arkansas law strictly requires a licensed contractor and registered driller. Never hire an unlicensed driller — it's illegal and risks improper construction.
Search Licensed Drillers in Arkansas
Find Drillers Near You →How to Verify a Driller
- Visit the ANRC Water Well Construction site. It publishes updated lists of licensed contractors by county.
- Confirm the contractor's license number on the ANRC lists
- Verify the $20,000 bond requirement under state law
- Get 2-3 written quotes
- Ask for references from recent jobs
📞 Resources & Contacts
Certified Testing Laboratories
- University of Arkansas Water Quality Lab (AWRC) – Fayetteville. ADEQ-certified for trace metals, nitrates, hardness. Phone: 479-575-8680
- Arkansas Analytical, Inc. – Little Rock. Certified for drinking water analyses. Phone: 501-455-3233
- Eurofins Environmental Testing – Little Rock lab (contact via ADH listing)
- ADH Public Health Lab (Glen Baker) – Little Rock. Certified by EPA. Bacteriological samples only (total coliform/E. coli). Contact your local health unit.
Key Regulatory References
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Are You a Licensed Driller?
Check out our comprehensive compliance guide for Arkansas drilling regulations, licensing, forms, and regional geology.
Arkansas Driller Guide →📚 Sources & References
All facts in this guide are sourced from official Arkansas government agencies and certified laboratories:
- Arkansas Natural Resources Commission (ANRC) – Well construction regulations and driller licensing
- Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) – Water testing and public health laboratory
- Arkansas Water Resources Center (AWRC) – Certified lab testing
- USGS Arkansas Water Science Center – Groundwater quality studies
- Arkansas Code of Rules – Legal requirements (17 CAR Part 11, 20 CAR §141-105)
- Ark. Code §17-50-101 et seq. – Water Well Construction Act
- Local well drilling contractors (pricing estimates)