The Basics
In Kentucky, homes outside city or public water system service must use private wells or cisterns. About one-third of Kentuckians rely on wells.
- All drilling must be done by a Kentucky-certified driller
- Homeowners may not drill wells themselves
- Private wells are unregulated by EPA/state for water quality
Kentucky has no state permit fee or application for private domestic wells.
- No statewide well permit process
- Compliance through driller certification and record-keeping
- Local building/plumbing permits may apply
Well Drilling Costs in Kentucky
A complete private well system in Kentucky typically costs $5,000–$15,000+, depending on depth, geology, and equipment choices. A typical 100-foot well in Pulaski County costs about $2,700.
Timeline: From Decision to Drinking Water
Expect 2–4 weeks from your first call to potable water. Weather and driller workload can affect scheduling.
Permits & Process
Process Steps
- Hire Certified Driller: Use the Kentucky Division of Water's driller directory or map to find a certified driller. (Or call 502-564-3410 for recommendations.)
- Site Evaluation: Driller checks depth-to-water, geology, and setback from septic (per 401 KAR 6:310 minimum distance requirements).
- Drill & Construct: Driller bores the well, installs casing and annular seal to protect aquifer. Well is disinfected, then flushed.
- Pump Installation: Pump and pressure tank are installed and wired. (Equipment over 20 HP requires licensed electrician.)
- Water Testing: Within 30 days, water must be tested for E. coli/coliform (Kentucky law 401 KAR 6:310 §9(6)). Driller or homeowner submits lab form (DOW6050) to the state.
- Documentation: Driller submits Uniform Well Construction Record electronically, tags the well, and mails copies (well record, lab results, owner guide) to homeowner within 60 days.
Who Does What?
Driller Handles:
- All drilling and well construction
- Casing installation and grouting
- Initial disinfection
- Water sample collection
- Filing well record (within 60 days)
- Providing owner with Well Owner's Guide (DOW6020)
Homeowner Handles:
- Payment for services
- Providing site access
- Electricity hookup (power to pump)
- Above-ground plumbing
- Ongoing maintenance and testing
- Record keeping
Water Quality
Required Testing
- After drilling: E. coli within 30 days (driller collects sample)
- Annually: Bacteria and nitrates recommended
- If needed: Other parameters based on local geology
Common Kentucky Water Quality Issues
Hardness
Most Kentucky wells are very hard due to limestone geology. Causes scale buildup and soap problems. Water softeners are common solutions.
Iron & Manganese
Iron is "one of the most abundant elements" in rocks and a very common well-water problem.Manganese causes black particles and clogs plumbing.
Hydrogen Sulfide
"Rotten egg" smell indicates biological H₂S from decaying organic matter or sulfide minerals. Common in shallow or flooded wells.
Arsenic
Naturally-occurring arsenic can leach into wells in coal-bearing or shale areas (notably Eastern Kentucky). Test if in Appalachian/coal regions.
Nitrates
Agricultural areas contribute high nitrates in groundwater. Common in Western/central KY farms and livestock areas.
Regional Patterns
Western/Central Kentucky: Intensive farming often shows higher nitrate and runoff contaminants.
Eastern Kentucky: Coal regions tend toward iron, manganese, and possible arsenic or sulfates from mining.
Bluegrass/Limestone valleys: Consistently produce very hard, high-alkalinity water.
Treatment Options
- Bacteria: Shock-chlorination (bleach) of the well. For ongoing problems, UV disinfection or continuous chlorinator.
- Hardness: Ion-exchange water softener (salt-based) to remove Ca/Mg.
- Iron/Manganese: Aeration + filtration (greensand or catalytic carbon), or chemical injection (chlorine/permanganate) + filtration.
- Hydrogen Sulfide: Aeration/venting, activated carbon filters, or oxidizing filter (manganese greensand).
- Nitrates/Arsenic: Reverse osmosis or specialized adsorption media. Dedicated arsenic media (adsorptive iron oxide filters) also used.
Maintenance & Problems
Routine Maintenance
The CDC and KY regulators advise an annual "well checkup":
- Test water (bacteria/nitrate)
- Inspect wellhead seal, well cap, pressure tank, pump operation
- Flush sediment filters on schedule
- Keep detailed records of testing
- If flooding or contamination occurs, disinfect and re-test before use
- Pump septic tanks regularly (every 3–5 years)
Warning Signs of Problems
- Cloudy/muddy water: If water becomes turbid (especially after rain), surface water may be entering via cracks or sinkholes.
- Persistent bacteria: If coliform/E. coli remain after proper disinfection, contamination likely (failed casing or nearby pollution).
- Unusual tastes/odors: Metallic taste or brown staining suggests iron. Rotten-egg smell indicates hydrogen sulfide.
- Low yield or pressure drops: Sudden decline in flow or pressure can signal pump failure, low aquifer, or severe clogging.
- Visible rust or deposits: Orange/brown water indicates iron; black deposits indicate manganese.
- Health symptoms: GI illness, especially after heavy rains, may indicate microbial contamination.
DIY vs. Professional
Find a Certified Driller
Kentucky law requires a certified water well driller for all well drilling work.
Search Certified Drillers in Kentucky
Find Drillers Near You →How to Find a Driller
- Use the Cabinet's Driller Map/Directory
- Call the Division of Water at 502-564-3410 or the Groundwater Section for recommendations
- Get 2-3 written quotes
- Ask for references from recent jobs
- Verify certification with DOW
Resources & Contacts
County Health Departments
Local health agencies handle septic permits and may offer basic water testing. Example: Lincoln Trail District Health Department offers coliform testing ($50 fee) for private wells. Check with your county health department for local testing options.
Certified Testing Labs
Water must be tested in a Kentucky-certified lab. Labs accredited for microbiology and chemistry can analyze well-water samples.
Key Regulatory References
- 401 KAR 6:310 – Water supply well construction practices and standards
- 902 KAR 10:085 – Septic system clearances (well-to-septic distance)
Frequently Asked Questions
Are You a Certified Driller?
Check out our compliance reference for Kentucky drilling regulations, forms, and requirements.
Kentucky Driller Compliance Guide →Sources & References
All information in this guide is sourced from official Kentucky government agencies and verified research:
- Water Well Information - Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet
- 401 KAR 6:310 - Water supply well construction practices and standards
- Buying & Selling – Key Players Real Estate (cost estimates)
- Well Records Submission and Forms - Kentucky EEC
- Frequently Asked Questions About Groundwater and Water Wells in Kentucky
- Groundwater Quality in Kentucky: Iron - KGS
- Groundwater Quality in Kentucky: Manganese - KGS
- Groundwater-Quality Analyte Descriptions - KGS
- Well Water Safety | Drinking Water | CDC
- Private Water Testing - Lincoln Trail District Health Department
- Drinking Water Lab Certification Program - Kentucky EEC