NewSee the ground in 3DLook
Homeowner GuideColorado (CO)CRS 37-90-137

Colorado Private Well Guide

Everything you need to know about drilling a private well in Colorado. Costs, permits, water testing, and finding a licensed driller.

Updated: June 2026Source: CRS 37-90-137
Cost$10,000–$50,000Details ↓Timeline2–4 monthsDetails ↓PermitsState permit required (CRS 37-90-137)Check ↓DrillersFind in COFind →
Official sourcesDWR Well PermittingCDPHE Private WellsBoard of ExaminersWell Care Hotline

When You Need a Private Well

In Colorado, homes outside a municipal water service area must rely on a private well. About 20% of Coloradans use groundwater for home water.

Any new well (outside a "designated" groundwater basin) requires a permit under state law (CRS 37-90-137). Rural and semi-rural properties (or new subdivisions without piped service) typically drill wells.

Well Drilling Costs in Colorado

Want the full breakdown? See our Colorado well drilling cost guide for per-foot rates, itemized components, and what quotes leave out.

A complete private well system in Colorado typically costs $10,000–$50,000, depending on depth and geology.

2024-2025 Colorado well drilling cost estimates (sources: toolsadvisers.com, DWR)
ComponentTypical Cost RangeNotes
Drilling (per foot)$20–$80/ftDepends on depth and rock hardness
Total Drilling (rig work)$5,000–$30,000+Site mobilization, drilling labor
Casing & Screen$1,000–$5,000Steel casing pipe, well screen
Pump & Installation$2,000–$8,000Submersible pump, pressure tank, labor
Permits & Fees$500–$2,000State permit fees, local permits
Testing & Analysis$500–$1,500Sampling, lab tests
Total Project$10,000–$50,000+All-inclusive typical range
Cost Tip
Costs vary widely by depth and geology. Mountain wells in hard rock (granite, gneiss) cost more. Eastern Plains wells in sand/gravel are typically less expensive. Get quotes from 2-3 licensed drillers before deciding.

Timeline: From Decision to Drinking Water

Expect 2–4 months from your first call to potable water. The Colorado DWR notes permit review may take up to 49 days for a complete application.

Typical Colorado well drilling timeline
StepDurationNotes
Hire Driller & Prepare Permit1–2 weeksGather site info, water rights (CRS 37-90-137)
Permit Application≤49 daysState Engineer reviews complete applications
Drilling Scheduling2–4 weeksBusy seasons can extend scheduling
Actual Drilling1–3 daysShallow wells (100–300') take less time
Yield (Pump) Testing1–2 daysContractor performs flow/pump tests (GWS-31)
Pump Installation & Hookup1–2 weeksInstall pump, pressure tank, plumbing
Well Disinfection1 dayShock chlorinate and flush
Final Testing & Approval1–2 weeksBacteriological and water quality testing
Timeline Note
Drilling itself can be done in a few days, but scheduling, pump installation, and waiting for test results (often required by local health) typically stretch the project into months.

Permits & Process

Process Overview

  1. Site Evaluation: Confirm water rights/availability (double-check no available municipal water).
  2. Hire Licensed Contractor: Colorado requires a Board-licensed well driller and pump installer.
  3. Water Well Permit: Contractor or homeowner files a well permit application with the Colorado State Engineer (DWR). The first step is completing the correct form and paying fees (required by CRS 37-90-137).
  4. Permit Review: DWR processes applications in order; a complete residential application may require up to 49 days. You must post the permit at the well site during drilling.
  5. Notification of Start: Prior to drilling, the contractor must notify DWR's Well Inspection Program at least one day in advance.
  6. Drill the Well: Contractor drills per permit requirements and submits a Well Construction/Yield Report (GWS-31).
  7. Install Pump: After installation, a Pump Installation and Production Equipment Test Report (GWS-32) is submitted.
  8. Disinfection: The well is chlorinated/disinfected (owner can often do this with bleach).
  9. Water Quality Testing: After chlorination, water samples are taken. Bacteriological testing is typically required immediately.
  10. Inspection/Approval: Colorado does not send a state inspector to the site for private wells. Local authorities (county health or building) may require evidence of passing lab tests before occupancy.
  11. System Completion: Once tests pass, complete plumbing connections and enter water service.

Who Does What?

Driller Handles:
  • Technical and permitting paperwork
  • Well logs and reports (GWS-31, GWS-32)
  • Drilling per permit conditions
  • Initial disinfection
  • Yield testing
Homeowner Handles:
  • Securing the permit (signing water rights details)
  • Ensuring water is safe to drink
  • Coordinating lab testing
  • Record keeping
  • Compliance with permit conditions
Regulatory Codes
Well permit requirements are found in Colorado Revised Statutes Title 37, Art. 90 ("Underground Water") and Art. 91 (Well Drillers Licensing). Construction standards are in Colorado Code of Regulations (e.g. 2 CCR 402-2) enforced by the Board of Examiners.

Water Quality

Well water testing in Colorado

The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) handles private well water quality in Colorado. CDPHE recommends a baseline water quality test for wells with no testing history, then annual testing for coliform bacteria and nitrate. Uranium is a concern in granite areas along the Front Range foothills.

Not sure what to test for? See our national guide to well water testing or order a certified lab test kit shipped to your door.

Important
Private wells in Colorado are not regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Homeowners bear full responsibility for testing and treating their water.

Recommended Testing

At Commissioning
Test new wells for total coliform and E. coli, nitrates, and area-specific contaminants (arsenic, fluoride, uranium, etc.).
Ongoing
Test your well at least annually for bacteria (total coliform/E. coli) and do a comprehensive chem profile (including nitrate) every 2–3 years.
Who Pays
Testing fees are paid by the homeowner (or buyer in a real estate transaction).
Labs
Use CDPHE-certified drinking water labs.

Common Colorado Contaminants

Nitrates

Common on the Eastern Plains and irrigated valleys (from fertilizer, manure, septic). High nitrates (>10 mg/L) pose an infant health risk.

Arsenic

Found in parts of Western/SW Colorado and mining districts. Test new wells before use.

Radionuclides

Uranium/radium in some Front Range and Western Slope aquifers. Fluoride elevated in Four Corners area.

Iron/Manganese

Very common statewide – causes staining and metallic taste.

Hard Water

Nearly all CO wells are "hard" (dissolved calcium/magnesium). Water softeners are common solutions.

Treatment Options

Disinfection (for bacteria)
Shock-bleach the well (chlorination). Continuous chlorination or UV units if bacteria persist.
Point-of-Use Filters
Under-sink or pitcher systems (charcoal or reverse-osmosis) for drinking water only.
Point-of-Entry Systems
Whole-house units. For hardness, water softeners (ion exchange). For iron/manganese, oxidizing filters.
Arsenic/Nitrates
Reverse osmosis, distillation or specialized anion-exchange filters are most effective (RO or distillation removes >90% of nitrates and arsenic).

Maintenance & Troubleshooting

Annual Maintenance Checklist

  • Ensure wellhead and casing are intact (no cracks, no contaminants around top)
  • Check pressure tank gauge (tank pre-charge ~2 psi below pump cut-in)
  • Consider annual shock chlorination
  • Change UV lamp annually if used
  • Test water annually (bacteria/nitrate at minimum) and after any work on plumbing

Warning Signs

  • Sudden loss of pressure or pump cycling on/off rapidly
  • Strange smells (rotten egg = hydrogen sulfide), color (rusty/brown = iron), or taste (metallic)
  • Sputtering faucets or constant running pump
  • Muddy water after drilling rains
  • Visible cracks in well casing, missing cap, or sediment in tank
DIY vs. Professional
Minor issues (like adjusting tank pressure or re-priming a pump) can sometimes be DIY. But problems with the pump, electrical, or structural damage should be handled by a licensed contractor. When in doubt, call a professional.

Find a Licensed Driller

Colorado law requires Board-licensed well drillers and pump installers.

Search Licensed Drillers in Colorado

Find Drillers Near You

How to Verify a Driller

The Colorado Board of Examiners maintains a list of licensed contractors (quarterly updates). You must hire a contractor on that list.

  1. Ask for their Board license number
  2. Verify on DWR's "Licensed Contractor Lists"
  3. Get 2-3 written quotes
  4. Ask for references from recent jobs

Resources & Contacts

Colorado Division of Water Resources

Permits, water rights, well search

303-866-3581Visit Website
DWR Groundwater Info Line

General groundwater questions

303-866-3587
CDPHE Water Quality Control

Environmental lab certification, public water oversight

303-692-3500Visit Website
CO Water Systems Council Hotline

Free technical help for private well owners

888-395-1033

County Health Departments

Local health departments often assist private well owners. For example, the Northeast Colorado Health Department (Sterling area) provides free coliform testing and nitrate testing clinics. Check your county's public health website for well-water recommendations.

Certified Testing Laboratories

Water tests should be done at a CDPHE-certified drinking water lab.

Key Regulatory References

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to drill a well in Colorado?
A complete well system in Colorado typically costs $10,000–$50,000, depending on depth and geology. Drilling costs range from $20–$80 per foot, with additional costs for casing ($1,000–$5,000), pump ($2,000–$8,000), permits ($500–$2,000), and testing ($500–$1,500). Actual costs depend on well depth, rock hardness, and local labor rates.
Do I need a permit to drill a well in Colorado?
Yes. Any new well (outside a designated groundwater basin) requires a permit under state law (CRS 37-90-137). You must file a well permit application with the Colorado State Engineer (DWR). Complete residential application review may take up to 49 days.
How long does it take to drill a well in Colorado?
The complete process typically takes 2–4 months from application to finished well. Permit review can take up to 49 days. Drilling itself takes 1–3 days, but scheduling, pump installation, and water testing typically extend the project to several months.
What water quality issues are common in Colorado wells?
Common contaminants include nitrates (from fertilizer/septic), arsenic (Western/SW Colorado, mining districts), fluoride (Four Corners), uranium/radium (Front Range, Western Slope), iron/manganese (statewide), and hard water. Testing is strongly recommended as private wells are not regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
How do I find a licensed well driller in Colorado?
Colorado requires Board-licensed well drillers and pump installers. The Board of Examiners maintains a list of licensed contractors on the DWR website. Always verify the contractor is on the current licensed list before hiring.

Well guides for nearby states

Drilling near the state line, or comparing states? See our Utah well drilling guide and New Mexico well drilling guide, or browse the well guides for every state.

Are You a Licensed Driller?

Check out our compliance reference for Colorado drilling regulations, forms, and requirements.

Colorado Driller Compliance Guide

Ready to hire a well driller in Colorado?

Compare licensed water well drilling contractors serving Colorado with verified credentials, local experience, and contact details.

Find Colorado well drillersNational drilling directory

Well Owner Essentials

Core guides for keeping any private well safe and running well.

Not sure your water is safe? No utility tests a private well - order a certified at-home kit and get lab results by mail.

Test your well water