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Homeowner Guide

Minnesota Private Well Guide

Everything you need to know about drilling a private well in Minnesota. Costs, permits, water testing, and finding a licensed driller.

Updated: December 2025 Source: Minn. Stat. ch. 103I; Minn. R. ch. 4725

Cost
$5,000–$15,000
Timeline
2–6 weeks
Permits
$325 MDH notification
Drillers
Find in MN
Official Sources:MDH Well ManagementLicensed Driller DirectoryWell Testing InfoCounty Testing Programs
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Well Drilling Costs in Minnesota

About 1.2 million Minnesotans rely on private wells. A complete well system typically costs $5,000–$15,000 for a typical drilled home well (100–200 feet deep), with "a new well cost[ing] several thousand dollars" according to Minnesota Extension.

2025 Minnesota well drilling cost estimates
ComponentEstimated Cost (2025)Notes
Drilling (100–200 ft)$2,000–$7,000Varies by depth and geology (~$15–30/ft)
Well casing (steel or PVC)Included or $1–3/ftUsually included in drilling cost
Pump and motor$700–$1,500Size-dependent (submersible)
Pressure tank$300–$70020–40 gallon capacity
Plumbing & materials$300–$800Piping, valves, connections
Water testing (initial)$60–$150Bacteria, nitrate, arsenic (required)
MDH notification fee$325Required before drilling starts
Total Project$5,000–$15,000+Typical domestic well (100–200 ft)
Cost Tip
Costs can vary significantly by region. Deep bedrock drilling in northeast Minnesota may cost more. Get quotes from 2-3 licensed drillers before deciding.

Timeline: From Decision to Drinking Water

Expect 2–6 weeks from your first call to potable water, though schedules vary. Most projects finish in 3–4 weeks.

Typical Minnesota well drilling timeline
Step / ActionTypical DurationNotes
Decision & contractor search~1–2 weeksGet quotes from 2-3 licensed drillers
MDH notification filing0–2 business daysDriller files; $325 fee; work may begin immediately after receipt
Site preparation~1 dayMaintain setbacks (≥50 ft from septic, ≥10 ft from livestock)
Drilling & construction1–3 daysDrill borehole, install casing, grout, cap
Well disinfection<1 dayContractor chlorinates to eliminate bacteria
Water sampling~1–2 weeksSample sent to MDH-certified lab for bacteria, nitrate, arsenic
Pump/tank hookup~1–2 daysConnect system to household plumbing
Total (decision→clean water)2–6 weeksMost projects finish in 3–4 weeks
Lab Results Required
Minnesota rules require water tests (bacteria, nitrate, arsenic) before using the well for drinking. Homeowners typically must wait 7–10 days for lab results.

Permits & Process

Do You Need a Permit?

Yes. Before drilling, your contractor (or homeowner if self-drilling) must file a Well Construction Notification with MDH and pay a $325 fee. Work may begin once MDH receives the notification and fee.

MDH Notification Required

State law requires a licensed driller for almost all wells. The driller typically handles the notification.

  • Fee: $325
  • Processing: 0–2 business days (usually same day)
  • Exemption: Owner may drill for own house/farm (or drive-point wells)
Delegated Well Programs

In 10 counties and 2 cities, local health departments issue well permits instead of MDH.

  • Check with your county health department
  • May require local permit and fees
  • May perform field inspections

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Contact a licensed well contractor. State law requires a licensed driller for almost all wells.
  2. Submit MDH "well notification." Before drilling, file notification with MDH along with $325 fee.
  3. Site preparation. Maintain required isolation distances (e.g., ≥50 ft from sewer, ≥50 ft from drainfield, ≥10 ft from livestock).
  4. Drilling and construction. Contractor disinfects the well after construction.
  5. Water sampling. Minnesota rules require analysis for total coliform bacteria, nitrate (as N), and arsenic.
  6. Record-keeping. Driller completes a "Well and Boring Record" and submits to MDH.
Driller Handles:
  • MDH notification filing (permit and fee)
  • Following construction code (Minn. R. 4725)
  • Disinfecting the well
  • Collecting and submitting samples
  • Supplying owner with records and test results
Homeowner Handles:
  • Payment of costs
  • Keeping records (well record, test results)
  • Long-term testing and maintenance
  • Any well sealing or major repair must use a licensed driller

Water Quality

Important
Minnesota law requires every new well to be tested for total coliform bacteria, nitrate (as N), and arsenic before use.

Required Testing Schedule

Free Testing Programs
Dakota County provides free well-test kits covering coliform, nitrate, arsenic, etc.

Common Minnesota Water Quality Issues

Arsenic

Naturally occurring arsenic is widespread in MN bedrock. Hotspots in east-central, west-central MN. One-time testing required.

Nitrate

Agricultural fertilizer and livestock manure can elevate nitrate, especially in southern/southeast MN.

Iron/Manganese

Many MN aquifers contain high iron/manganese. Causes staining and metallic taste.

Maintenance & Troubleshooting

Annual Maintenance Checklist

DIY vs. Professional
Only licensed individuals may legally drill, alter, or seal wells. For anything structural, get a licensed well contractor.

Find a Licensed Driller

Search Licensed Drillers in Minnesota

Find Drillers Near You →
  1. Use MDH's Licensed Well Contractor Directory
  2. Confirm license status and specialties
  3. Get 2-3 written quotes

Resources & Contacts

MN Dept. of Health - Well Management

Private well regulations, permits, and forms

651-201-4600 or 800-383-9808Visit Website
MN Dept. of Health - Drinking Water Protection

Water quality rules and testing guidance

651-201-4700Visit Website
MN Dept. of Agriculture

Clean water grants, nitrate testing programs

651-201-6300Visit Website
MN Pollution Control Agency (MPCA)

Pollutant issues (PFAS, general water quality)

651-296-6300 or 800-657-3864Visit Website

Sources & References

View All Sources

Primary Regulatory Sources:

Water Quality Sources:

Frequently Asked Questions

A complete well system in Minnesota typically costs $5,000–$15,000 for a domestic well (100–200 ft deep). This includes drilling ($2,000–$7,000), pump ($700–$1,500), pressure tank ($300–$700), initial water tests ($60–$150), and the $325 MDH notification fee. Costs vary by depth and geology—deep bedrock drilling in northeast Minnesota may cost more.

Yes. Before drilling, you (or your contractor) must file a Well Construction Notification with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and pay a $325 fee. Work may begin once MDH receives the notification and fee. In counties with delegated well programs (10 counties + 2 cities), local health departments issue permits instead of MDH.

Expect 2–6 weeks from decision to potable water. MDH notification processing is usually 0–2 business days. Actual drilling takes 1–3 days. After construction, you must wait for lab test results (typically 7–10 days) before using the water for drinking. Most projects finish in 3–4 weeks.

Minnesota requires testing every new well for total coliform bacteria, nitrate (as N), and arsenic. After construction, MDH recommends annual testing for coliform and nitrate, and at least one test for arsenic, lead, and manganese. Many counties offer free or low-cost testing kits.

Yes. Arsenic occurs naturally in Minnesota bedrock and glacial deposits. Hotspots include parts of east-central and west-central Minnesota, where 10–30% of wells may exceed the 10 µg/L (ppb) standard. MDH requires one-time arsenic testing for all new wells because it is widespread and tasteless/odorless.

Are You a Licensed Driller?

Check out our compliance reference for Minnesota drilling regulations, licensing, and reporting requirements.

Minnesota Driller Compliance Guide →