Well Drilling Costs in Minnesota
Want the full breakdown? See our Minnesota well drilling cost guide for per-foot rates, itemized components, and what quotes leave out.
Many 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.
| Component | Estimated Cost (2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Drilling (100–200 ft) | $2,000–$7,000 | Varies by depth and geology (~$15–30/ft) |
| Well casing (steel or PVC) | Included or $1–3/ft | Usually included in drilling cost |
| Pump and motor | $700–$1,500 | Size-dependent (submersible) |
| Pressure tank | $300–$700 | 20–40 gallon capacity |
| Plumbing & materials | $300–$800 | Piping, valves, connections |
| Water testing (initial) | $60–$150 | Bacteria, nitrate, arsenic (required) |
| MDH notification fee | $325 | Required before drilling starts |
| Total Project | $5,000–$15,000+ | Typical domestic well (100–200 ft) |
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.
| Step / Action | Typical Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Decision & contractor search | ~1–2 weeks | Get quotes from 2-3 licensed drillers |
| MDH notification filing | 0–2 business days | Driller files; $325 fee; work may begin immediately after receipt |
| Site preparation | ~1 day | Maintain setbacks (50 ft from a septic tank or drainfield, and 50 ft from animal buildings/yards over one animal unit; 100 ft for sensitive wells) |
| Drilling & construction | 1–3 days | Drill borehole, install casing, grout, cap |
| Well disinfection | <1 day | Contractor chlorinates to eliminate bacteria |
| Water sampling | ~1–2 weeks | Sample sent to MDH-certified lab for bacteria, nitrate, arsenic |
| Pump/tank hookup | ~1–2 days | Connect system to household plumbing |
| Total (decision→clean water) | 2–6 weeks | Most projects finish in 3–4 weeks |
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.
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)
In 8 counties and 2 cities (Bloomington, Minneapolis, Blue Earth, Dakota, Goodhue, Le Sueur, Olmsted, Wabasha, Waseca and Winona), 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
- Contact a licensed well contractor. State law requires a licensed driller for almost all wells.
- Submit MDH "well notification." Before drilling, file notification with MDH along with $325 fee.
- Site preparation. Maintain required isolation distances (e.g., 50 ft from a buried sewer that "serves as a collector or municipal sewer" or "is open-jointed" (Minn. R. 4725.4450, subp. 1 E(12); "a buried sewer serving one building, or two or less single-family residences, constructed of cast iron or plastic pipe" to plumbing-code specifications is 20 ft under subp. 1 G(5), "except for: (a) a collector or municipal sewer; or (b) a sewer serving a facility such as a hospital, nursing home, mortuary, veterinary clinic, health care clinic, or similar facility handling infectious or pathological wastes"), 50 ft from a septic tank or drainfield, and 50 ft from animal buildings/yards over one animal unit (100 ft for sensitive wells)).
- Drilling and construction. Contractor disinfects the well after construction.
- Water sampling. Minnesota rules require analysis for total coliform bacteria, nitrate (as N), and arsenic.
- 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
Well water testing in Minnesota
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Well Management Section handles private well water quality in Minnesota. MDH recommends testing every year for coliform bacteria, every other year for nitrate, and at least once for arsenic, lead, and manganese.
Required testing: Minnesota law requires every newly constructed well to be tested for coliform bacteria, nitrate, and arsenic before use.
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.
Required Testing Schedule
- Coliform bacteria: Test annually.
- Nitrate: Test every year. Nitrate >10 mg/L causes health risks.
- Arsenic: Test once after construction (arsenic is naturally present in MN aquifers).
- Lead & Manganese: Test at least once, especially if infants are present.
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
- Test water annually for coliform bacteria and nitrate
- Inspect wellhead: ensure cap is secure and watertight
- Check pressure gauge and pressure tank
- Shock chlorinate after plumbing work, flooding, or contamination
- Keep records: Well and Boring Record, all test results, repair receipts
Find a Licensed Driller
Search Licensed Drillers in Minnesota
Find Drillers Near You →- Use MDH's Licensed Well Contractor Directory
- Confirm license status and specialties
- Get 2-3 written quotes
Resources & Contacts
MN Dept. of Health - Well Management
Private well regulations, permits, and forms
MN Dept. of Health - Drinking Water Protection
Water quality rules and testing guidance
MN Pollution Control Agency (MPCA)
Pollutant issues (PFAS, general water quality)
Sources & References
View All Sources
Primary Regulatory Sources:
- MN Dept. of Health - Well Partners
- UMN Extension - Drinking Water in Minnesota
- MDH Fee Schedule
- Constructing a New Water-Supply Well in Minnesota
Water Quality Sources:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to drill a well in Minnesota?
Do I need a permit to drill a well in Minnesota?
How long does it take to drill a well in Minnesota?
What water quality tests are required in Minnesota?
Is arsenic a problem in Minnesota wells?
Are You a Licensed Driller?
Check out our compliance reference for Minnesota drilling regulations, licensing, and reporting requirements.
Minnesota Driller Compliance Guide →