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
Comparing against national numbers? See our national guide to the cost to drill a water well for per-foot rates, itemized components, and what quotes leave out.
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
Well water testing in New Hampshire
NHDES (New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services) handles private well water quality in New Hampshire. NHDES recommends a standard analysis (arsenic, bacteria, fluoride, iron, manganese, nitrate, radon, uranium, and more) every 3-5 years, plus annual bacteria and nitrate tests. About 1 in 5 NH wells has naturally elevated arsenic.
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.
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