Well Drilling Costs in Georgia
Comparing against national numbers? See our national guide to the cost to drill a water well for per-foot rates, itemized components, and what quotes leave out.
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
Well water testing in Georgia
The Georgia Department of Public Health with UGA Extension handles private well water quality in Georgia. Georgia recommends annual bacteria testing plus the W33C private well chemical screen (includes arsenic and lead) every 3 years through your county UGA Extension office (1-800-ASK-UGA1). About 1.7 million Georgians rely on private wells.
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.
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 →