When You Need a Private Well in Idaho
In Idaho's rural and suburban areas, a private well is needed whenever municipal water isn't available. Homeowners typically drill a well if their property lies beyond the reach of a public water line or if connecting to a distant system is cost-prohibitive. Note that some cities or subdivisions may require new homes to hook to a nearby water main if it exists.
If no public supply is available or required, a domestic (household) well must be permitted and drilled by a licensed driller per Idaho Code §42-235.
Well Drilling Costs in Idaho
Well costs vary widely with depth, geology, and parts used. A typical 100-200 ft domestic well system costs $2,000–$10,000+.
Timeline: From Decision to Drinking Water
In practice, installing a home well often takes 4–8 weeks, depending on permit timing, weather, and site conditions.
Permits & Process
Do You Need a Permit?
Yes. Under Idaho Code §42-235, before drilling the driller or homeowner must get a drilling permit from IDWR.
- Domestic well permit fee: $75
- Irrigation/commercial wells: $200 permit fee
- Processing time: Often 1–3 weeks once application submitted
- Who applies: Licensed driller typically handles application
- Required before: Any drilling work begins
Step-by-Step Process
- Consult drilling contractor: Hire a state-licensed driller who will evaluate site feasibility and needed depth
- Water right check: Domestic wells (<13,000 gal/year) are often exempt, but verify if any water-right claim is needed
- Obtain IDWR permit: Before drilling, apply for permit (driller typically handles)
- Site preparation: Drill crew preps site, installs rig, stakes well location per IDAPA 58.01.08.510 setbacks
- Drill and construct well: Driller drills borehole, sets casing and seal grout meeting IDAPA 37.03.09 standards, installs sanitary well cap ≥18" above ground
- Submit well logs: After completion, driller files Well Driller's Report and Notification of Seal with IDWR
- Pump installation: Pump and related system installed by driller or pump contractor
- System startup: Well is disinfected (chlorinated), flushed, and test-pumped
- Water testing: Collect samples for bacteria and nitrates at minimum
Who Does What?
Driller Handles:
- Licensing requirements (Idaho Code §42-238, IDAPA 37.03.10)
- Permit application submission
- Drilling, casing, grouting
- Initial disinfection
- Filing well report with IDWR
Homeowner Handles:
- Payment of fees
- Site access coordination
- Lab testing coordination
- Record keeping
- Treatment system if needed
Water Quality
Recommended Testing Schedule
- Annually: Bacteria (total coliform and E. coli) and nitrates
- Every 3-5 years: Comprehensive chemical/metal scan (arsenic, uranium, fluoride, etc.)
- After any event: Flooding, well repairs, taste/odor changes
Lab fees: $20 coliform, $21-$23 nitrate/arsenic (typical; homeowner pays).
Common Idaho Water Quality Issues
Nitrate
Most widespread threat from ag fertilizers, manure, septic systems. Ubiquitous in agricultural regions, especially Snake River Plain nitrate priority areas.
Arsenic
Naturally-occurring from volcanic/mineral-bearing rocks. Common in many areas; private well owners often find 5-20 ppb levels. Test before use.
Uranium & Other
Present in some aquifers. Also iron/manganese (red-brown staining), hardness (scale), and intermittent bacterial contamination.
Treatment Options
The remedy depends on the contaminant. DEQ and EPA recommend NSF-certified systems:
- Nitrate & Arsenic: Reverse-osmosis, distillation, or ion-exchange systems.RO units widely used to reduce arsenic.
- Iron/Manganese: Manganese greensand or aeration/filtration filters
- Bacteria: Shock-chlorinate the well or install UV disinfection/chlorinator on water line
- Hard Water: Water softener (ion exchange)
- Organic chemicals: Activated carbon filters
Until treatment is installed, boiling or using bottled water is advisable whenever test results exceed safe limits.
Maintenance & Troubleshooting
Routine Maintenance
Idaho DHW recommends regularly inspecting the wellhead and surroundings:
- Ensure sanitary cap and casing intact (≥18" above ground), surface runoff slopes away
- Check that valves prevent backflow
- Keep fertilizers, animal pens, septic fields well away from well
- Test water for bacteria/nitrates every 6-12 months
- Inspect pressure tank annually (check air charge/condition)
- Replace filters as recommended; most submersible pumps last 10-20 years
Warning Signs of Well Problems
Common red flags:
- Water becomes cloudy, discolored (rusty/brown), has foul taste/odor (sulfur "rotten egg")
- Low water flow or pressure, pump constantly cycling on/off, sudden loss of water
- Repeated positive bacteria tests
- Unexplained plumbing corrosion or sudden hardness changes
- Any unexplained change in water temperature, taste, odor, or sediment
Find a Licensed Driller
Only a licensed driller may perform well work per Idaho Code §42-238 and IDAPA 37.03.10.
Search Licensed Drillers in Idaho
Find Drillers Near You →How to Verify a Driller
- Ask for their IDWR license number
- Search IDWR's Licensed Well Drillers directory (by county)
- Get 2-3 written quotes
- Ask for references from recent jobs
- Confirm driller will handle permit application
Resources & Contacts
Additional Contacts
- Southwest District Health (Nampa/Twin Falls): 208-455-5400 (Covers Canyon, Owyhee, Elmore, etc. - testing services and guidance)
- DEQ Regional Offices: Boise 208-373-0426, Coeur d'Alene 208-666-4620, Idaho Falls 208-528-2629, Pocatello 208-236-6160, Twin Falls 208-736-2190
Key Regulatory References
- Idaho Code §42-235 – Drilling permits, $75 domestic fee
- Idaho Code §42-238 – Driller licenses, $200 fee
- IDAPA 37.03.09 – Well Construction Standards
- IDAPA 37.03.10 – Driller Licensing Rules
Certified Testing Labs
Have water samples analyzed only at state-certified labs. The Idaho Bureau of Laboratories (Caldwell, 208-334-2235) is the state lab. Several private labs are accredited as well, such as Analytical Laboratories (Boise, 208-342-5515). Homeowners can also submit samples via their local health district courier to the state lab.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are You a Licensed Driller?
Check out our compliance reference for Idaho drilling regulations, forms, and requirements.
Idaho Driller Compliance Guide →Sources & References
All information on this page is sourced from official Idaho government agencies:
- Idaho Department of Health and Welfare - Drinking Water and Private Wells
- Idaho Department of Water Resources - Wells
- Idaho Code §42-235 - Drilling Permits
- Idaho Code §42-238 - Well Drillers' Licenses
- Idaho DEQ - Groundwater Quality
- Central District Health - Well Guidance and Water Quality
- IDAPA 37.03.09 - Well Construction Standards Rules
- IDWR Licensed Well Drillers Directory