Private Well Basics
About half of all New Hampshire households rely on private wells for drinking water (source).
When You Need a Private Well
A private well is needed when your property is outside a municipal water service area or public water mains are not available. Town ordinances may require connection to municipal water if a main is within approximately 100 feet of your property.
Licensed Drillers Required
New Hampshire law (RSA 482-B) requires that only a licensed water well contractor may drill or construct a well. The NH Water Well Board (part of NHDES) regulates well construction and driller licensing.
Well Drilling Costs in New Hampshire
A complete private well system in New Hampshire typically costs $3,000–$15,000, with deeper wells potentially exceeding $20,000 (source).
Timeline: From Decision to Drinking Water
Expect 1–4 weeks from your first call to potable water. Most projects complete within 2–3 weeks (source).
Permits & Process
No State Drilling Permit Required
New Hampshire does not issue a special drilling permit for private domestic wells (source). Instead, the system works as follows:
- All drilling and construction compliance (RSA 482-B rules)
- Submit Well Completion Report to NHDES within 90 days
- Report must include owner name, GPS coordinates, depth, casing details, yield test, water levels
- Arrange local permits (building permit for plumbing/electrical)
- Ensure well meets setback distances (from septic, structures)
- Coordinate water testing with certified lab
- Pay all costs
Step-by-Step Process
- Hire a Licensed Driller: Verify their NH Water Well Board license
- Site Survey: Driller assesses geology and checks setbacks
- Drilling: Drill and install casing to required depth
- Well Development: Flush or hydrofracture to increase yield
- Pump Installation: Set pump and prepare for use
- Water Testing: Sample for bacteria, nitrates, arsenic (at minimum)
- Final Hookup: Licensed plumber connects to home plumbing
Water Quality & Testing
Recommended Testing Schedule
- Immediately after construction: Total coliform bacteria, E. coli, nitrate/nitrite
- Annually: Coliform/E. coli bacteria
- Every 1–3 years: Nitrate/nitrogen (especially near farms)
- Every 4–5 years: Arsenic, iron, manganese, pH, hardness
- As needed: VOCs, pesticides, radon (based on location)
Common New Hampshire Contaminants
Iron & Manganese
Widespread in many aquifers. Causes rusty/red staining and metallic taste. Treat with oxidizing filters or water softeners.
Radon
Common in NH well water due to granite geology. "Arsenic and radon are the two most common [serious] issues" (local driller).
Nitrates
Elevated in agricultural or septic-influenced areas (river valleys, farmland). Test especially if near farms or dense septic systems.
Low pH (Acidic Water)
Common in granite regions. Can corrode pipes. Treat with acid-neutralizing filters (calcite or soda ash).
Hardness
Common in areas with limestone. Leads to scale in plumbing. Treat with water softener.
Treatment Options
- Bacteria: Shock chlorinate well; UV or continuous chlorination
- Arsenic: Reverse osmosis or activated alumina/iron-oxide filters
- Iron/Manganese: Air-oxidizing filters or water softeners
- Hardness: Water softener (salt-based ion-exchange)
- Low pH: Acid-neutralizing filter (calcite/soda ash)
- Nitrates: Reverse osmosis or ion-exchange filters
- Radon: Aeration systems or granular activated carbon filters
NHDES offers a "Be Well Informed" online tool that helps interpret lab results and suggests treatment options.
Maintenance & Troubleshooting
Annual Maintenance Checklist
- Test water for coliform bacteria (minimally total coliform) (source)
- Re-test pH, hardness/TDS every 2–3 years
- Check pressure tank air pressure (typically ~38–40 psi)
- Replace sediment/carbon filters per manufacturer schedule
- Shock-disinfect well every 1–2 years (source)
- Inspect wellhead seal and cap; ensure drainage flows away
Warning Signs of Problems
- Sudden color change (rust, cloudiness) or odor
- Noticeably lower flow or shower sputters
- Pump cycling frequently on/off (short-cycling)
- Grinding or whining noise from pump
- Air spitting from faucets
- New rust or black staining on fixtures
- Positive bacteria test results
Find a Licensed Driller
New Hampshire law requires a licensed NH water well contractor for all well work (RSA 482-B).
Search Licensed Drillers in New Hampshire
Find Drillers Near YouHow to Verify a Driller
- Contact the NH Water Well Board at (603) 271-1974 to confirm license
- Check the NH Water Well Association member directory
- Ask to see the driller's NH license card
- Get 2–3 written quotes
- Ask for references from recent jobs
- Verify bonding and insurance
Resources & Contacts
Additional Certified Labs
Use a state-certified laboratory for drinking water tests. NHDES publishes a directory of EPA-approved labs (source).
- Southeastern Analytical (Peterborough)
- Pace Analytical (Nashua)
- Environmental Health Laboratory (NHDHHS) – (603) 271-8026 (arsenic/radon programs)
Key Regulatory References
- NH RSA 482-B – Water Well Board rules (licensing, well construction)
- RSA 482-B:10 – Well completion reports (90-day requirement)
- NH Admin Rules We 100–1000 – Water Well Board technical rules
Frequently Asked Questions
Are You a Licensed Driller?
Check out our compliance reference for New Hampshire drilling regulations, forms, and requirements.
New Hampshire Driller Guide