When to Choose a Private Well
Many Kansans in rural areas rely on private wells, especially in rural areas where extending municipal or rural water service is impractical.
Public Water Benefits
- Lower initial hookup cost
- Guaranteed treatment and quality
- Meets strict state/federal standards
Private Well Considerations
Well Drilling Costs in Kansas
Want the full breakdown? See our Kansas well drilling cost guide for per-foot rates, itemized components, and what quotes leave out.
A complete private well system in Kansas typically costs $6,000–$20,000+, depending on depth, geology, and equipment choices.
| Component | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Drilling & Casing | $30–$50/ft | Typically $6,000–$15,000 total, varies with depth and rock hardness |
| Submersible Pump & Switch | $500–$1,500 | Based on horsepower and pump type |
| Pressure Tank | $300–$1,000 | Size/brand dependent |
| Plumbing & Electrical | $500–$2,000 | Installation labor to connect pump to home |
| Water Testing | $50–$200 | Coliform and nitrate minimum |
| Permits & Fees | $0–$100 | Examples: Johnson $65, Shawnee $75, Sedgwick $50; verify current county fee |
| Total Project | $6,000–$20,000+ | Wide range depends on site and depth |
Drilling Deeper
Local Kansas drillers note that drilling deeper can add $2,000–$4,000 extra due to hard ground conditions.
Note: These ranges are estimates from drillers and industry sources. The Kansas Geological Survey page Drilling a Water Well on Your Land covers cost tradeoffs but gives no dollar figures.
Timeline: From Decision to Drinking Water
Expect 4–8 weeks from your first call to potable water.
| Step | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Contractor Selection & Quote | ~1–2 weeks | Get quotes from licensed drillers |
| Permitting & Plan Review | ~1–4 weeks | Varies by county |
| Well Drilling & Casing | 1–5 days | Depending on depth |
| Pump, Electrical & Tank Install | 1–2 days | Install equipment |
| Disinfection & Lab Testing | ~1–2 weeks | For sample results |
| Total (decision → potable) | ~4–8 weeks | Typical timeline |
Permits & Process
Step-by-Step Process
- Research site potential - Consult Kansas Geological Survey (KGS) well logs via the WWC-5 database
- Hire a licensed Kansas well driller (see Resources)
- Driller helps site the well (respecting setbacks)
- Obtain county well permit if required - Example: Sedgwick County requires permit ($50) before drilling
- Prepare site for drill rig access
- Driller completes Kansas Water Well Completion (WWC-5) form and submits electronically to KDHE
- Install pump, switch, and pressure tank
- Shock-chlorinate well
- Collect water samples (bacteria and nitrates minimum)
- County sanitarian inspects well construction, reviews WWC-5, and approves well for use
Permits & Responsibilities
Driller Handles:
- KDHE contractor's license (K.S.A. 82a-1201 et seq.)
- County permit application (typically)
- Drilling & casing installation
- Initial disinfection
- Filing WWC-5 report
Homeowner Handles:
- Payment
- Lab testing coordination
- Record keeping
- Ongoing maintenance
- Annual water testing
Homeowner Drilling
A homeowner can drill their own well on their own property for their own use, but most counties require professional installation for safety and quality. K.S.A. 82a-1203(g)(1) excludes from the definition of water well contractor "An individual while in the act of constructing a water well on land which is owned by such individual and is used by such individual for domestic purposes at such individual's place of abode, but only when the well is constructed in compliance with prescribed minimum well standards as provided in this act". The owner files the well record with KDHE within 30 days at no fee (K.A.R. 28-30-4(a)(4)) and still has to follow county permit rules.
Water Quality
Well water testing in Kansas
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) handles private well water quality in Kansas. KDHE recommends annual testing for coliform bacteria and nitrate, adding lead if plumbing shows corrosion and pesticides when nitrate runs high near treated fields.
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.
Important
Kansas does not mandate specific tests by law for all private wells. KDHE can ask for a water sample from a newly built well (due within 30 days of the request, K.A.R. 28-30-4(d)), and some counties require tests on new wells (Sedgwick County: bacteria and nitrate at minimum). Testing is strongly recommended. EPA recommends yearly tests for coliform, nitrates, pH and other contaminants.
Recommended Testing
- At minimum (new wells): Total coliform bacteria and nitrates
- Annually: Coliform bacteria and nitrates
- After any event: Flooding, well repairs, taste/odor changes
- Special concerns: Test for arsenic if in known problem areas
Common Kansas Water Quality Issues
Nitrate
Most common contaminant in Kansas groundwater. About 30% of Kansas domestic wells exceed the 10 mg/L limit. Areas like south-central Kansas, with sandy soil, a shallow water table, shallow wells and irrigated farming, are the most susceptible.
Hardness / Minerals
Many wells produce hard water with high calcium, magnesium, iron or manganese. Common treatment: water softeners.
Arsenic
Naturally-occurring arsenic can be elevated in some Kansas areas. Test if in known problem zones.
Problem Areas by Region
Treatment Options
- Bacteriological (coliform): Shock chlorinate, UV disinfection, or continuous chlorinator
- Nitrate: Ion-exchange, reverse osmosis (RO), or distillation
- Arsenic: RO or special adsorptive filters (activated alumina, iron-oxide media)
- Hardness (Ca/Mg): Water softener (ion-exchange)
- Iron/Manganese: Greensand or catalytic carbon filters
- Hydrogen sulfide (rotten smell): Aeration or catalytic carbon filters
Always use EPA/NSF-certified treatment devices. Consult a water treatment professional for system design.
Maintenance & Troubleshooting
Annual Maintenance Checklist
- Test water for coliform bacteria and nitrate (EPA recommendation)
- Check pressure tank gauge (typical cut-in/out ~30/50 psi)
- Inspect wellhead and casing for cracks or damage
- Drain tank and test air charge at least once a year
- Replace sediment pre-filters as needed
- Shock-disinfect if any bacterial test is positive or after repairs
Warning Signs of Well Problems
- Sudden loss of flow/pressure: May indicate pump failure or borehole issues
- Strange taste/odor/color: Black stains/musty odor may indicate coliform; rotten-egg smell (H₂S) suggests sulfate bacteria; metallic taste or reddish water hints at iron
- Burning eyes/GI illness: Often indicates bacterial contamination - get a test immediately
- Air bubbles/gurgling: May signal plugged vent or air leak
- Rusty pressure tank: Corrosion can cause pump cycling issues
DIY vs Professional
DIY Tasks
- Test your water annually (home kits or lab samples)
- Replace filters
- Disinfect with bleach (follow KDHE/extension guidelines)
- Monitor pressure tank operation
Call a Professional For:
- Pump repair/replacement
- Well must be deepened or re-drilled
- Casing is damaged
- Coliform bacteria repeat positive (beyond simple disinfection)
- Unexplained pressure drop persists
- Major modifications needed
Find a Licensed Driller
Kansas licenses water well contractors through KDHE. A landowner may build a well on their own land for domestic use at their home; everyone else needs a licensed contractor.
Search Licensed Drillers in Kansas
Find Drillers Near You →How to Verify a Driller
- Ask for their KDHE license number
- Verify at KDHE licensed contractors map
- Get 2-3 written quotes
- Ask for references from recent jobs
- Confirm they carry liability insurance
Resources & Contacts
Kansas Dept. of Health & Environment (KDHE)
Water Well Program - Licensing/regulation of contractors
Kansas Dept. of Agriculture - Water Resources
Water rights and groundwater districts
Key Resources
- Kansas Certified Labs (KLAP) - State-certified labs for coliform, nitrate, metals testing
- KDHE Guidance Documents for Well Owners - Online PDFs and practical tips
- KGS WWC-5 Database - Search existing well logs in your area
Key Regulatory References
- K.S.A. 82a-1201 et seq. - Groundwater Protection Act
- K.A.R. 28-30 - Water well licensing/construction rules
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to drill a well in Kansas?
A complete well system in Kansas typically costs $6,000–$20,000+, depending on depth and geology. Drilling costs average $30–$50 per foot (e.g., $6,000–$15,000), with additional costs for pump ($500–$1,500), pressure tank ($300–$1,000), and testing ($50–$200). Some counties charge permit fees (e.g., $50 in Sedgwick County).
Do I need a permit to drill a well in Kansas?
Kansas requires a KDHE-licensed water well contractor for well work, except that a landowner may build a well on their own land for domestic use at their home (K.S.A. 82a-1203). Many counties require a water well permit before drilling (examples: Johnson $65, Shawnee $75, Sedgwick $50), typically obtained by the contractor. Check with your local county sanitarian or environmental health office.
How long does it take to drill a well in Kansas?
The complete process from planning to potable water typically takes 4–8 weeks. Drilling itself takes 1–5 days, but permitting (1–4 weeks) and water testing/disinfection (1–2 weeks) add to the timeline.
Is nitrate a problem in Kansas wells?
Yes. About 30% of Kansas domestic wells exceed the 10 mg/L nitrate-N limit, especially in irrigated, sandy-soiled areas of south-central Kansas. Nitrate contamination from agricultural fertilizer is the most common groundwater quality issue in Kansas.
How do I find a licensed well driller in Kansas?
Kansas licenses water well contractors; a landowner may build a well on their own land for domestic use at their home. You can search the KDHE licensed contractors map, which provides a searchable directory of all licensed Kansas well drillers by region.
Are You a Licensed Driller?
Check out our compliance reference for Kansas drilling regulations, forms, and requirements.
Kansas Driller Compliance Guide →Sources & References
All facts in this guide are sourced from official Kansas state agencies and verified research:
- K-State Agronomy - Private Wells in Kansas: Safe Location and Maintenance Guidelines
- Kansas Geological Survey - Drilling a Water Well on Your Land
- KWCH News - Well Services Digging Deeper (2024)
- EPA - Protect Your Home's Water
- Sedgwick County - Water Well Permits
- KDHE - Water Well Program
- KGS - Water Well Completion Records (WWC5)
- Kansas Statutes - K.S.A. 82a-1205
- Kansas Administrative Regulations - K.A.R. 28-30
- KDHE - Private Well Resource Map
- KDHE - Testing of Private Water Wells
- KGS - Nitrate in Kansas Groundwater
- KDHE - Arsenic Information
- KDHE - Northwest Kansas Mineralization Study
- KDHE - Southwest Kansas Mineralization Study
- Kansas Dept. of Agriculture - Water Resources Contacts
- KDHE - Map of Well Contractors & Services