In rural Iowa, properties outside city water districts rely on private wells. In Iowa, any water supply serving fewer than 15 connections (or less than 25 people/day) is a private supply. State rules (Iowa Code ch. 455B and Iowa Admin. Code 567 Ch. 49) require private wells to be properly permitted and constructed to protect Iowa's groundwater.
Well Drilling Costs in Iowa
A complete private well system in Iowa typically costs $5,000–$15,000, depending on depth, geology, and materials. Drilling costs average $15–$40 per foot, with a typical 100–200 ft drilled well totaling $3,000–$8,000 for drilling alone.
Timeline: From Decision to Drinking Water
Installing a new well typically takes several weeks to a few months, depending on permitting and scheduling. Expect 6–12 weeks total from your first call to potable water.
Permits & Process
Iowa requires a construction permit from your local county health department before drilling any private well.
9-Step Well Installation Process
Early on, reach out to your local county environmental health office (county Public Health) to get the current Private Well Application form and fee schedule. Most Iowa counties have delegated authority; fees often include the $25 DNR portion.
For example, Johnson County's 2025 permit form is available online.
Inform the driller about required setbacks and any county-specific rules (some counties may require surveys or well logs).
Complete the application (often with a site map showing the proposed well location) and pay the fee. Each county sets its own additional fee (often $50–$150) but must send $25 of each permit to the Iowa DNR.
The application is usually in the homeowner's name, though driller info goes on it.
County staff will review for completeness and check the location against known contamination sources (septic systems, lagoons, livestock facilities, chemical storage, etc.). If the site is near a potential contaminant, the application is forwarded to Iowa DNR for extra review (add'l 3–4 week delay).
Iowa law requires a DNR-certified well driller (or pump installer, for work above the well) to construct or service any well. You can verify certification via the Iowa DNR Operator Certification database.
Give them the approved permit and site info.
Mark the approved well location and clear access for equipment. The driller will call Iowa One Call (811) if needed to locate underground utilities.
Ensure livestock or pets are fenced away.
The driller sets up and drills to the required depth with appropriate casing and sanitary seal (grout). By Iowa code, the well must be located "free from known surface and subsurface contamination," properly cased, and certified by the driller.
During drilling, county or DNR staff may inspect the progress. If they arrive, allow them to witness grouting per 567 IAC 49.
Once the bore is drilled and cased, the driller installs a pump (submersible or jet) and connects the drop pipe. They also install a pressure tank, switch, and hookup plumbing.
The well is disinfected (usually chlorinated) and developed (air-lifted) to remove fine material.
Iowa law requires the county collect a water sample 10–30 days after completion. Typically this is arranged by the county or driller.
The sample (for total coliform/E. coli and nitrate) is sent to a certified lab. If the result is negative (safe), you may begin using the water.
If positive, further chlorination or fixes are needed before re-testing.
The driller must submit a well log to the county/DNR. Keep copies of the log and permits.
The county issues a final well ID or permit certificate once all is done.
- Select safe site
- Pay fees
- Ensure testing is done
- Construction per state standards (567 IAC Ch. 49)
- Present for inspections
- Submit well log
Note: State law (567 IAC 49.2(21)) specifically requires full-depth grout around the casing. Iowa prohibits unlicensed persons from drilling or servicing wells (567 IAC Ch. 82).
Water Quality & Testing
Recommended Testing Schedule
Iowa DNR strongly recommends testing annually for total coliform bacteria and nitrates, and testing for arsenic at least once every few years:
- At minimum (annually): Total coliform bacteria and nitrates
- Every 3–5 years: Arsenic and manganese
- After any event: Flooding, well repairs, taste/odor changes
Common Iowa Water Quality Issues
Bacteria (Coliform/E. coli)
Often from surface/runoff entering poorly sealed or shallow wells. Shallow alluvial or karst wells (e.g. in northeast Iowa's Silurian limestone region) are prone. Always test if well floods.
Nitrate
Very common statewide due to farm fertilizer and manure. Central and north-central Iowa (intensive corn/soybean areas) often see higher nitrates. Federal Safe Drinking Water Act sets 10 mg/L as the MCL. Check annually.
Arsenic
A natural element found in some Iowa aquifers. The Des Moines Lobe (north-central IA) glacial deposits are known for elevated arsenic. A survey found ~8% of Iowa wells exceeding 10 µg/L (EPA's public MCL). Test at least once (grants cover it).
Manganese
Also naturally occurring in many soils. The Iowa DNR recommends manganese testing every 3–5 years, since high levels can stain plumbing and affect taste. The Grants program often tests manganese as well.
Hardness & Iron
Few Iowa wells are "soft." Calcium/magnesium hardness (100–500+ ppm CaCO₃) is common, especially in carbonate-rock wells. Iron and/or sulfate (rotten-egg odor) are often issues in wells with residual sediments. These are nuisance factors (staining, taste) rather than health threats, but many wells need softening or filtration to address them.
Pesticides & VOCs
Iowa's croplands mean occasional well detections of herbicides (like atrazine) or volatile organics. These vary by location. If neighbors on rural water have well-only systems, test your well if concerned.
Treatment Options
- Bacteria: If wells test positive for coliform, the well should be shock-chlorinated (bleach flush) by a pro, and the water re-tested. Persistent bacterial issues may require continuous disinfection (UV light systems or chlorination feed).
- Nitrate: High nitrates are treated by reverse osmosis or distillation under the kitchen sink. These devices can remove >90% of nitrate. Bottled or hauled water is advised for infants if nitrates >10 mg/L.
- Arsenic: Removeable by reverse osmosis, distillation, or specialty filters (e.g. adsorptive media).
- Iron/Manganese: Common solutions include aeration or oxidizing filters (greensand or catalytic carbon media) to precipitate iron, followed by filtration. Ion-exchange softeners (salt-based) also remove some iron/manganese.
- Hardness: Standard water softeners are the go-to (salt-based or salt-free systems) to remove scale-forming minerals.
- Sulfur (H₂S): Aeration and activated carbon filters can remove rotten-egg odors.
- Other Chemicals (VOC/Pesticide): Granular activated carbon (GAC) whole-house filters or point-of-use filters under the sink are used for organic chemicals.
Maintenance & Troubleshooting
Annual Maintenance Checklist
- Annual checks: Inspect the well head area for cracks, grade for runoff, and ensure the well cap is secure (no holes or leaks). Check the pressure tank gauge (normal 30–50 psi range) and watch the pump cycle; rapid cycling means a failing tank or pressure switch. Note any changes in water taste, smell, or clarity.
- Water Testing: Test annually for coliform bacteria and nitrates (State Hygienic Lab or county). At least once every 3–5 years (more if land use changes) test for arsenic and manganese. After flooding or replacing equipment, re-test the water.
- Shock Chlorination: If coliform is ever found, or every 1–2 years as preventive maintenance, shock-chlorinate the well (usually by pro). Iowa's Grants program offers a $400 reimbursement for chlorination services.
- Pump & Pressure Tank: A certified pump installer should inspect/replace check valves, pressure switch settings, and tank as needed (every 10–15 years for tanks). Keep the area around the well and pressure tank dry and ventilated.
- Records: Keep your well log, pump data, and treatment receipts in a safe place. Note when tests or services were done.
Warning Signs of Well Problems
Call a professional if you observe any of these:
- Drop in Pressure/Yield: The pump runs more often or you have low water flow (could be pump wear, clogging, or dropping water table)
- Unusual Sounds: Loud or grinding noises from the pump, or air hammer sounds in pipes
- Sediment/Color Change: Rusty or muddy water (iron/seal failure)
- Odors/Tastes: Rotten eggs (sulfide), bleach odor (excess chlorine), metallic or oily taste
- Positive Bacteria Test: Never drink water if coliform/E. coli is detected; re-sample immediately
- Electrical Issues: Tripping breakers or burned smell near pump motor indicates wiring or pump failure
Find a Certified Driller
Iowa law requires a DNR-certified water well driller for all well drilling work. Use only Iowa DNR-certified well drillers/pump installers. Never hire an uncertified driller – it's illegal and puts your water at risk.
Search Certified Drillers in Iowa
Find Drillers Near YouHow to Verify a Driller
- Ask for their DNR certification number
- Verify at Iowa DNR Operator Certification Database (official link)
- Get 2–3 written quotes
- Ask for references from recent jobs
- Ensure they carry liability insurance
Resources & Contacts
County Health Role
Counties implement state rules. They issue permits, collect $25 to send to DNR, inspect wells, and handle water sampling. Local fees and procedures vary; for example, Linn County Public Health charges $45 for a well permit and assists with sample collection. Some rural/metro boards handle it under their Septic/Wells dept.
Key Resources
- Iowa DNR Private Well Program – Permits, FAQs, booklets
- DNR Certified Contractor Lookup
- DNR Lab Certification (LabCert) List
- Grants-to-Counties Program – Free testing, cost-share services
- Iowa One Call (locate utilities): Dial 811 before drilling
Useful Documents
- Iowa DNR "Private Well Information Booklet" (publication 542-8168) covers construction and quality basics
- Iowa State Hygienic Lab's Well Water Quality & Home Treatment Systems guide (free PDF) explains contaminants and treatment
- IWIS (Iowa Wells Information System) – Online well log database
Frequently Asked Questions
Are You a Licensed Driller?
Check out our compliance reference for Iowa drilling regulations, forms, and requirements.
Iowa Driller Compliance GuideSources & References
All facts in this guide are sourced from official Iowa government sources:
- Iowa DNR – Water Supply Wells
- Iowa DNR – Private Well Construction Permits
- Iowa DNR – Bid Tab (Drilling Costs)
- Iowa DNR – Private Wells Fee
- Iowa DNR – Well Testing
- Iowa DNR – Private Well Forms & Guidance
- Johnson County – Private Water Well Construction Application
- Iowa HHS – Private Well Water
- Iowa HHS – Private Well Grants Program
- PMC – Characterization of Arsenic in Iowa Drinking Water
- Iowa DNR – LabCert (List of Certified Labs)
- Linn County – Water Wells and Septic Systems