Well Drilling Costs in Hawaii
A complete private well system in Hawaii typically costs $15,000–$40,000 or more, depending on depth, geology, and location. Hard basalt rock (especially on Big Island and Maui inland) drives costs higher.
Timeline: From Decision to Drinking Water
Expect 1–4 months from your first call to potable water. CWRM permitting is often the longest step (up to 90 days).
Permits & Process
CWRM Well Construction Permit (Required)
Before drilling, you must apply for a Well Construction/Pump Installation Permit from the Commission on Water Resource Management (CWRM) per HRS §174C-84. No work may start before CWRM issues the permit.
Application Requirements:
- Owner or driller submits application form (available on CWRM website)
- Details: location map, purpose, well dimensions, expected yield
- Filing fee: $25
- CWRM forwards application to DOH for location review
- Review timeline: Within 90 days by law
County Permits
In parallel with CWRM permitting, secure any county building, electrical, or grading permits. Some counties require septic setback checks. Fees and rules vary by island:
- Honolulu (Oahu): Building permits + Board of Water Supply plan approval
- Hawaii County (Big Island): Well drilling registration/permits + water testing
- Maui County: DWS reviews well plans
- Kauai County: DWS reviews well plans
Who Does What?
Driller Handles:
- Technical permit application details
- Site selection (avoiding setbacks)
- Drilling & casing installation
- Pump installation & testing
- Well Completion Report (within 30 days)
Homeowner Handles:
- Permit application signing & fee payment
- Lab testing coordination & payment
- County building permits
- Record keeping (all permits/tests)
- Disclosure if selling property
Water Quality
Recommended Testing
- Initial testing: Total coliform, E. coli, nitrates/nitrites
- Additional (recommended): Arsenic, fluoride, iron/manganese, pH/hardness
- Annual testing: EPA advises testing every year
- After events: Test after heavy rains, repairs, geological activity, or quality changes
Common Hawaii Water Quality Issues
Microbial Contamination
Shallow groundwater or cracked lava can allow bacterial contamination (coliforms) from surface sources. Proper well sealing and regular chlorination essential.
Arsenic
Naturally occurring in soils and rocks. Historic arsenic-based pesticides (especially upcountry Maui, parts of Kauai). Lahaina/Kula fire ash showed hundreds of times normal arsenic levels.
Iron & Manganese
Often elevated, causing rusty/red or black staining (not usually health hazards but nuisance). Sulfate or hydrogen sulfide from geothermal activity can make water smell like rotten eggs.
Nitrates
Agricultural runoff or failing septic systems can raise nitrates. Former sugarcane lands on Maui and Big Island can be nitrate-impacted. High nitrates pose health risk to infants.
Saltwater Intrusion
Coastal wells drilled too deep or near shore can pull in brackish water, especially during storms. Well siting above sea level is critical to avoid salinity.
Legacy Pesticides
Historic pesticides (DBCP, TCP from pineapple/sugar cane) can show up at trace levels in agricultural zones. Consider testing if local history suggests.
Treatment Options
- Bacteria: UV sterilizers or chlorination systems; shock chlorination after drilling
- Iron/Manganese: Oxidizing filters (greensand, catalytic carbon, aeration)
- Sulfur Odor: Aeration tank or chemical oxidation (greensand/sand filter)
- Nitrates/Arsenic: Reverse osmosis (RO) or ion-exchange (anionic resin) systems
- Hardness: Conventional water softener (ion exchange)
- Organics (Chemicals): Activated carbon (GAC) filters or RO systems
Maintenance & Troubleshooting
Routine Maintenance Schedule
- Annual water test (coliform, nitrates, previously identified contaminants)
- Check pressure tank bladder (or air charge) yearly
- Replace sediment/carbon filter cartridges (every 6–12 months)
- Shock-chlorinate well every 3–5 years or after any plumbing work
- Keep wellhead area clear; ensure sanitary seal is intact
Warning Signs of Well Problems
- Sudden drop in flow or pressure (failing pump, clogged intake, lowered water table)
- Discolored water (brown/red: iron/sediment; black: manganese)
- Foul taste or smell (rotten egg: hydrogen sulfide; chemical: fuel/pesticide)
- Visible sediment (sand/silt: well screen failing)
- Air in faucets (banging/sputtering: pump sucking air)
- Constant pump run (tank bladder waterlogged or pump oversized)
Find a Licensed Driller
Hawaii requires licensed contractors: C-57 Well Contractor (drilling, casing, repair) or C-57a Pump Installation Contractor (pump installation).
Search Licensed Drillers in Hawaii
Find Drillers Near You →How to Find a Driller
- Contact CWRM: Call (808) 587-0214 or email dlnr.cwrm@hawaii.gov for referrals
- NGWA Directory: National Ground Water Association maintains a member directory
- Local References: Ask neighbors with wells or consult county agriculture/water offices
- Verify contractor is licensed in Hawaii and bonded
- Get 2-3 written bids detailing depth, equipment, and guarantees
Resources & Contacts
Key Regulatory References
- HRS Chapter 174C (State Water Code) – Including §174C-84 (permits) and §174C-85 (completion reports)
- HAR §13-168-13 – Well construction and pump installation standards
- DOH Safe Drinking Water Branch – Water quality standards and testing
Certified Testing Laboratories
Hawaii DOH certifies labs for drinking water analysis. Use certified labs for reliable results:
- Hawaii State Laboratories Division: DOH's own labs (EPA-certified)
- District Health Labs: Hilo, Kona, Waimea (Big Island); Lihue (Kauai); Kahului (Maui)
- Private Labs: Several NELAP-accredited labs in Honolulu (check DOH certified list)
Frequently Asked Questions
Are You a Licensed Driller?
Check out our compliance reference for Hawaii drilling regulations, forms, and requirements.
Hawaii Driller Compliance Guide →