Well Drilling Costs in New Jersey
A complete private well system in New Jersey typically costs $5,000–$20,000, depending on depth, geology, and equipment choices.
Cost Tip
Get quotes from 2-3 licensed drillers before deciding. Costs vary significantly by region and geology. Northern NJ (Highlands/Piedmont) has harder bedrock requiring more drilling time, while the Coastal Plain has softer formations that drill faster.
Timeline: From Decision to Drinking Water
Expect 3–6 weeks from your first call to potable water. NJDEP permit approval and water testing are typically the longest steps.
Permits & Process
Important
New Jersey requires an NJDEP well permit before any drilling begins. The property owner and licensed driller must jointly apply.
Permitting Process
- Pre-drill Evaluation: Contact a licensed well driller. The driller surveys the site and advises on well location. Local Board of Health must approve the proposed well location to meet setback requirements.
- NJDEP Permit: Property owner and licensed driller jointly submit an e-permit application through NJDEP's portal. Permit fee: $130 (standard wells) or$250 (high-capacity ≥70 gpm). Approval typically takes 1–2 weeks.
- Drilling: Driller performs work per NJ construction rules (N.J.A.C. 7:9D-2). After drilling, driller submits a Well Record (as-built log) within 90 days.
- Testing: Well is disinfected (shock-chlorinated) and flushed. A bacteriological sample (total coliform/E. coli) is collected and tested before use.
- Local Approval: Board of Health issues certification or Certificate of Occupancy after reviewing water test results. Many townships require this before occupancy.
Setback Requirements (N.J.A.C. 7:9D-2.7)
Minimum Distances:
- 50 ft from septic tanks
- 100 ft from drain fields
- 150 ft from seepage pits
- 150 ft from cesspools
- 25 ft from fuel storage tanks (non-potable wells)
Who Does What:
- Driller: Permitting, drilling, casing, grouting, well record
- Pump Installer: Pump, pressure tank, piping
- Homeowner: Payment, lab testing, record keeping
- Health Dept: Site approval, final certification
Call Before You Dig
New Jersey law requires calling NJ One Call (811) at least 4 days before drilling to mark underground utilities (gas, electric, water, telecom).
Water Quality
Private Well Testing Act (PWTA)
New Jersey law requires well water testing during property sales/rentals. The seller must test for coliform, nitrates, arsenic, lead, VOCs, and other contaminants before closing. While routine testing is not legally required, annual testing for bacteria and nitrates is strongly recommended.
Recommended Testing Schedule
- Annually: Total coliform bacteria, E. coli, nitrates
- Every 3-5 years: Full chemical analysis including metals
- In Piedmont counties: Annual arsenic testing (see warning below)
- After any event: Flooding, well repairs, nearby construction, taste/odor changes
- Property sale/rental: Full PWTA panel (legally required)
Common New Jersey Water Quality Issues
Arsenic
Naturally high in Piedmont region (Hunterdon, Somerset, Mercer, Warren counties). ~20% of wells exceed NJ's 5 µg/L standard. Long-term exposure is carcinogenic. Test annually if in affected areas.
Nitrates
>33% of shallow agricultural wells exceed 10 mg/L EPA limit. Common in Coastal Plain farming areas. Unsafe for infants and pregnant women. Often co-occurs with pesticides.
Iron/Manganese
Common in Highlands and northern counties. Causes rust-colored (iron) or black (manganese) staining. Aesthetic issue that can clog fixtures. Treatable with filters or water softeners.
Hardness & pH
Most NJ groundwater is hard (high calcium/magnesium). Pine Barrens wells have very soft, acidic water (pH 3.8–5.2) with brown color. Water softeners or neutralizers can address these issues.
Bacteria
Surface influences or faulty well seals can introduce coliform bacteria or harmful microbes. Test immediately after flooding, nearby septic work, or agricultural runoff events.
Arsenic Alert Zones
If your property is in the Piedmont region (Hunterton, Somerset, Mercer, Warren, Morris, Bergen, Essex, Passaic, Hudson counties), test for arsenic before using well water for drinking. NJ's arsenic standard is 5 µg/L (more stringent than federal 10 µg/L). Treatment options include ferric filtration systems (~$3,000 installed) or point-of-use RO units (~$400).
Treatment Options
- Bacteria: Shock chlorination, continuous chlorinator, or UV disinfection
- Sediment: Spin-down or cartridge filters (1–5 μm)
- Iron/Manganese: Aeration + filtration, or water softener (ion-exchange)
- Hardness: Salt-based ion-exchange water softener
- Nitrates: Point-of-use reverse osmosis (RO) or distillation
- Arsenic: Granular ferric-oxide filters, activated alumina, or RO
- Acidic water: Calcite neutralizer to raise pH
Certified Testing Labs
Use NJDEP-certified drinking water laboratories for all testing. The DEP maintains a list of certified labs at their Office of Quality Assurance. You can also buy test kits through county health departments or watershed associations (e.g., Raritan Headwaters: 908-234-1852 x401).
Maintenance & Troubleshooting
Annual Maintenance Checklist
- Test water for total coliform bacteria and nitrates (minimum)
- Test for arsenic if in Piedmont region
- Check pressure tank air charge (typical 30-50 psi)
- Inspect wellhead seal and cap for cracks or corrosion
- Replace pre-filters and sediment cartridges per schedule
- Keep wellhead area clear of debris and chemicals
Warning Signs of Well Problems
- Loss of pressure/flow: Weak water, pulsing, or pump cycling rapidly (tank bladder issue)
- Discolored water: Brown/red (iron), black (manganese), cloudy (sediment or contamination)
- Odors/tastes: Rotten egg smell (H₂S), metallic taste (mineral corrosion), chlorine taste
- Staining: Rust-colored (iron) or green-blue (low pH/copper corrosion) on fixtures
- No water/dry well: Pump runs dry or won't pump (well went dry or pump lost prime)
- Unusual noises: Grinding, vibration, or air hissing from taps (equipment failure)
DIY vs. Professional
Homeowners can handle water testing, changing cartridge filters, and checking wellhead condition. However, major repairs (pump replacement, well deepening, structural repairs) require a licensed professional in NJ. DIY drilling is illegal.
After Flooding
Test water immediately after flooding or nearby septic/construction work. Shock chlorinate the well and retest before resuming drinking water use.
Find a Licensed Driller
New Jersey law requires a licensed water well driller and pump installerfor all well work. DIY drilling is illegal.
Search Licensed Drillers in New Jersey
Find Drillers Near You →How to Verify a Driller
- Ask for their NJ driller license number
- Search the NJ Ground Water Association directory by county
- Verify their license is current and matches their specialty (water wells)
- Get 2-3 written quotes comparing scope, equipment, and timeline
- Ask for references from recent jobs in your area
- Confirm they carry proper liability insurance
NJGWA Directory
The NJ Ground Water Association maintains a searchable directory of licensed drillers and pump installers by county. Always verify credentials before hiring.
Resources & Contacts
County Health Departments
County or municipal health departments enforce septic/well ordinances, issue local permits/certificates, and provide testing information. Contact your county health department for local requirements:
- NJ DOH Local Health Department Directory
- Example: Somerset County Environmental Health (908-231-7155) organizes well-testing events
Key Regulatory References
- N.J.A.C. 7:9D-1.11 – Well Permits
- N.J.A.C. 7:9D-2.7 – Minimum Distance Requirements (setbacks)
- N.J.S.A. 58:12A-26 et seq. – Private Well Testing Act
- NJDEP Arsenic Information – Piedmont region arsenic guidance
Frequently Asked Questions
A complete well system in New Jersey typically costs $5,000–$20,000, depending on depth and geology. Drilling costs average $25–$65 per foot, with additional costs for pump ($1,000–$2,500), pressure tank ($300–$500), and testing ($100–$250). The NJDEP permit fee is $130 for standard wells.
Yes, New Jersey requires an NJDEP well permit before drilling. The property owner and licensed driller must jointly apply via NJDEP e-permitting. The permit fee is $130 for most wells ($250 for high-capacity wells ≥70 gpm). Local health department approval may also be required.
The complete process from planning to potable water typically takes 3–6 weeks. NJDEP permit approval takes 1–2 weeks, drilling takes 1–3 days, and water testing adds about 1 week. Total timeline depends on permit review and lab turnaround times.
Yes, arsenic is a significant concern in the Piedmont region (Hunterdon, Somerset, Mercer, Warren counties). About 20% of wells in these areas exceed NJ's 5 µg/L standard. NJ law requires arsenic testing during real estate transactions, and annual testing is strongly recommended in affected areas.
New Jersey's Private Well Testing Act requires sellers to test well water for a broad panel of contaminants (coliform, nitrates, arsenic, lead, VOCs, etc.) before closing on a property sale or rental. Test results must be provided to buyers. While routine testing is not legally required, annual testing for bacteria and nitrates is strongly recommended.
Are You a Licensed Driller?
Check out our compliance reference for New Jersey drilling regulations, forms, and requirements.
New Jersey Driller Compliance Guide →