Well Drilling Costs in Georgia
A complete private well system in Georgia typically costs $10,000–$30,000, depending on depth, geology, and equipment. Drilling costs average $20–$30 per foot, with a 200-ft well totaling ~$6,000–$16,000 for drilling alone. About 95% of rural Georgians rely on private wells.
Timeline: From Decision to Drinking Water
Expect 2–6 weeks from your first call to potable water. Drilling itself is fast (1–3 days for a typical 200-ft well), but scheduling, testing, and lab results add time.
Permits & Process
Do You Need a Permit?
Georgia does not require a state drilling permit for private wells. However, the licensed driller must file a Notice of Intent with the County Health Department before drilling begins (per O.C.G.A. §12-5-134).
- Filing Notice of Intent (no state fee)
- All construction to code (setbacks, grouting, etc.)
- Disinfection after construction
- Providing well log/report within 30 days
- Hiring licensed driller
- Providing site access
- Payment
- Water testing (collect samples, send to lab)
- Keeping records (well log, test results)
Setback Requirements
Georgia law requires specific minimum horizontal distances from contamination sources:
- 10 feet from sewer lines
- 50 feet from septic tanks
- 100 feet from septic leach fields or animal yards
- 150 feet from cesspools or seepage pits
Water Quality
Recommended Testing Schedule
- Annual: Total coliform bacteria and E. coli (~$25 per test)
- Every 3 years: Full chemical screen (W33 or W33C profile including arsenic/lead)
- After any event: Flooding, well repairs, taste/odor changes, or nearby contamination
- New wells: Test before first use for bacteria and comprehensive chemistry
Common Georgia Water Quality Issues
Arsenic
Naturally elevated in South Georgia's Coastal Plain and Gulf Trough. UGA tests found arsenic >10 ppb (EPA limit) in Camden, Irwin, Tift, Bibb, and Lowndes counties. Long-term exposure is carcinogenic. Whole-house iron-oxide filters remove arsenic effectively.
Iron/Manganese
Common statewide. Causes rusty stains and metallic taste.Georgia's limit is 0.3 mg/L for iron.Shock chlorination or greensand filters remove iron/manganese.
Nitrates
Elevated near farms and septic systems. Nitrate >10 mg/L is a health concern (especially for infants).Reverse osmosis or anion-exchange systems remove nitrates.
Hard Water
Most Georgia groundwater is "hard" (high calcium/magnesium). Causes scale buildup but is not a health hazard. Water softeners are common solutions.
Hydrogen Sulfide
Causes "rotten egg" odor. Low levels (<6 ppm) can be removed by iron filters; higher levels require chlorination + filtration.
Where to Get Testing
Use an accredited water-testing laboratory. The Georgia EPD provides a list of certified drinking water labs. UGA Agricultural and Environmental Services Lab offers private well testing services. Fees range from ~$25 for coliform testing to $100+ for comprehensive panels.
Maintenance & Troubleshooting
Annual Maintenance Checklist
- Test water for bacteria (coliform/E. coli)
- Perform full chemical analysis (W33C) every 3 years
- Inspect wellhead seal and concrete curb
- Check pressure tank and above-ground plumbing for leaks
- Shock-chlorinate well after any repair or if bacteria detected
- Keep wellhead area clean and free of chemicals/fuel
Warning Signs of Well Problems
- Sudden change in water quality (color, taste, odor)
- Loss of pressure or flow
- Pump running continuously or short-cycling
- Coliform-positive test or nitrates >10 mg/L
- Brown/red tint (iron), rotten-egg smell (H₂S), or petroleum odors
Find a Licensed Driller
Georgia law requires a licensed water-well contractor for all well drilling work.
Search Licensed Drillers in Georgia
Find Drillers Near You →How to Verify a Driller
- Ask for their Georgia EPD license number
- Verify on the GA EPD List of Licensed Water Well Contractors
- Check that they carry proper insurance/bonding
- Get 2-3 written quotes
- Ask for references from recent jobs in your area
Resources & Contacts
Key Regulatory References
- O.C.G.A. §12-5-134 – Well construction standards and Notice of Intent requirement
- Georgia Water Well Standards Act – Licensing and construction rules (O.C.G.A. §12-5-120 et seq.)
- UGA Extension Bulletin B939 – Water Quality and Common Treatments for Private Drinking Water Systems
Helpful Resources
- DPH Chlorination Instructions – Step-by-step guide for disinfecting wells
- UGA Extension: Improving the Condition of Your Drinking Water Well
- GA Dept. of Agriculture: Non-Public Water Supply Testing Guidance
Frequently Asked Questions
Are You a Licensed Driller?
Check out our compliance reference for Georgia drilling regulations, licensing, and reporting requirements.
Georgia Driller Compliance Guide →