- No state permit for typical private domestic wells using no more than 12.5 acre-feet/year (ND DEQ)
- Commercial well work requires a certified contractor in charge; own-premises, own-use work is exempt under NDCC 61-03-27 (ND DWR)
- No state-mandated water testing, but strongly recommended every 1–3 years (NDSU Extension)
- Contractor files Well Driller's Report (SFN 60273) with ND Dept. of Water Resources (NDWR)
Well Drilling Costs in North Dakota
Want the full breakdown? See our North Dakota well drilling cost guide for per-foot rates, itemized components, and what quotes leave out.
A complete private well system in North Dakota typically costs $5,000–$15,000, depending on depth, geology, and equipment. Typical drilling costs run $20–$50 per foot.
| Component | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Drilling & Casing | $20–$50/ft | Typical $5,000–$15,000 total. Depth and geology vary widely. |
| Submersible Pump + Motor | $800–$3,000 | Depends on horsepower and depth |
| Pump Installation (pitless) | $500–$1,500 | Includes bore cap/pitless adapter |
| Pressure Tank + Switch | $400–$800 | Standard residential tank |
| Well Cap & Materials | ~$200 | Brass cap, vents |
| Water Quality Tests | $25–$100/test | Coliform ($27), nitrates, arsenic, metals |
| Permits/Reports | $0–$100 | Well Driller's Report filing (minimal fees) |
Timeline: From Decision to Drinking Water
Expect 4–8 weeks from your first call to potable water. No state permit delays, but drilling season and contractor availability matter.
| Step | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hire Licensed Contractor | 1–2 weeks | Verify license with ND Department of Water Resources |
| Site Evaluation | 1 day | Driller evaluates location, geology, contamination sources |
| Drilling & Construction | 1–2 days | Drill, install casing, screen, cement grout annulus |
| Pump Installation | 1 day | Set pump, install pitless adapter, connect piping |
| Disinfection & Development | 1 day | Shock chlorinate, purge sediments |
| Water Testing | 1–2 weeks | Collect samples after chlorination, wait for lab results |
| Final Plumbing Connection | 1 day | Connect to home plumbing, set pressure |
Permits & Process
Do You Need a Permit?
North Dakota does not require a state-wide location permit for private domestic wells (ND DEQ).
- Faster timeline (no permit wait)
- Licensed contractor handles documentation
- Check local county/city requirements
For commercial work, state law requires a certified water well contractor in charge; own-premises, own-use work is exempt under NDCC 61-03-27 (ND DWR).
- For hired work, verify the contractor in charge is certified by ND DWR
- Contractor files Well Driller's Report (SFN 60273)
- Own-premises, own-use construction is exempt; hired work needs a certified contractor in charge
Step-by-Step Process
- Hire a licensed contractor. Contact the ND Dept. of Water Resources or Department of Water Resources to find licensed drillers.
- Site evaluation. The driller visits to locate a suitable drill site (considering geology and contamination sources).
- Local approvals. While ND has no statewide permit, the driller will obtain any required local permits (varies by county/municipality).
- Drilling & construction. The crew drills the hole and installs casing/screen per ND Admin. Code 33.1-18-01 (water well construction rules). Cement grout is placed in the annulus.
- Pump installation. A submersible pump and wiring are installed; a pitless adapter allows underground discharge. Pressure tank and control switch are mounted (usually in basement).
- Disinfection. The driller sanitizes the well with chlorine and "develops" it (purging fine sediments).
- Documentation. The driller files the Well Driller's Report (SFN 60273) with ND Dept. of Water Resources to document depth, construction details, static water level, geologic log, etc.
- Final plumbing tie-in. The home's plumbing is connected, and system pressure is set.
- Water testing. Before drinking, have the well tested for safety (see below).
Water Quality
Well water testing in North Dakota
North Dakota HHS and the Department of Environmental Quality handles private well water quality in North Dakota. North Dakota recommends annual bacteria testing (state lab kits run about $27) and periodic nitrate and arsenic tests through DEQ-certified labs.
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
- Every 1–3 years: Coliform bacteria (total coliform/E. coli) and nitrates
- Every 3–5 years: Arsenic, iron, manganese, hardness, and other minerals
- New wells: Test immediately after chlorination
- After any event: Water quality changes (taste, color, smell), flooding, well repairs, contamination events in your area
Common North Dakota Water Quality Issues
Elevated in agricultural areas (Red River Valley, eastern ND). EPA limit: 10 mg/L. High nitrates cause "blue baby syndrome." (ND DEQ)
Regions: Red River Valley, intensively farmed areas
Treatment: Reverse osmosis (RO) or ion-exchange
Naturally occurring in deep aquifers. Many western/central ND wells exceed 10 µg/L EPA limit. Long-term exposure is carcinogenic. (NDSU Extension)
Regions: Western & central ND (deep glacial/bedrock aquifers)
Treatment: Anion-exchange filter, oxide-coated media, or RO
Shallow wells or older dug wells may show bacteria if poorly sealed. Any positive test requires treatment. (NDSU Extension)
Regions: Statewide (shallow wells)
Treatment: UV disinfection, continuous chlorinator, shock chlorination
Common statewide. Iron >0.3 mg/L, manganese >0.05 mg/L cause staining and metallic taste. Not acute health hazards. (NDSU Extension)
Regions: Statewide
Treatment: Water softener, oxidizing filter, iron-specific media
ND water is typically "hard" (high calcium/magnesium). Causes scale and soap issues but not unsafe.
Regions: Statewide
Treatment: Water softener (ion-exchange)
NW ND (Bakken region) may have salinity, chloride, hydrocarbons from spills. Test for chloride, oil & grease, VOCs if near active wells. (ND DEQ)
Regions: NW ND (Bakken oil region)
Treatment: RO for salinity; activated carbon for organics
- Arsenic: Parts of western and central ND have naturally high arsenic in deep aquifers. EPA limit: 10 µg/L. Long-term exposure is carcinogenic (NDSU Extension).
- Nitrates: Agricultural areas (Red River Valley, eastern ND) often have elevated nitrates from fertilizers. EPA limit: 10 mg/L nitrate-N. High nitrates can cause "blue baby syndrome" (ND DEQ Groundwater Monitoring).
Water Testing Costs & Labs
Homeowners pay for all private well tests. The ND Dept. of Health and Human Services lab charges about $27 for a standard bacterial kit. Other tests (arsenic, nitrate, metals) may run $50–$100 each at certified labs.
| Laboratory | Location | Phone | Tests Offered |
|---|---|---|---|
| ND HHS Lab (Chemistry Div.) | Bismarck | 701-328-6272 | Metals, nitrate, anions |
| Minnesota Valley Testing Labs | Bismarck | 701-258-9720 | Nitrate, bacteria, broad chemistry |
| Astro-Chem Laboratories | Williston | 701-572-7355 | Bacteria, minerals, metals (arsenic) |
| Fargo-Cass Public Health Lab | Fargo | 701-298-6986 | Bacteria only |
| First District Health Unit Lab | Minot | 701-852-1376 | Bacteria, limited minerals |
Maintenance & Troubleshooting
Annual Maintenance Checklist
- Inspect well casing and cap (must extend >12″ above grade with sealed cap)
- Check pressure tank (monitor pump cycling; recharge if short-cycling)
- Test water for bacteria and nitrates (every 1–3 years)
- Shock chlorinate well and distribution system (every 1–3 years)
- Replace water softener/filter media as recommended
- Full chemical/mineral re-test (every 5 years)
Warning Signs of Well Problems
- Sudden changes in water quality (cloudy, rusty, sulfur smell)
- Low pressure or flow (pump failure, silted well, or pressure tank issue)
- Frequent pump cycling or electrical overloads (waterlogged tank)
- Grinding or unusual noises from the pump (wear or debris)
- Persistent foul odors after chlorination (contaminated aquifer)
- Visible corrosion or damage to plumbing fixtures
Find a Licensed Driller
North Dakota law requires a certified water well contractor in charge of commercial work; construction on your own premises for your own use is exempt (NDCC 61-03-27).
Search Licensed Drillers in North Dakota
Find Drillers Near You →How to Verify a Driller
- Ask for their ND DWR certification number
- Verify at the ND Dept. of Water Resources website (searchable licensed driller list)
- Or call the ND Department of Water Resources at 701-328-2754
- Get 2-3 written quotes
- Ask for references from recent jobs
Resources & Contacts
ND Dept. of Water Resources (DWR)
Water appropriation, well licensing, driller reports
ND Department of Water Resources
Licensed driller list, contractor licensing questions
ND Dept. of Environmental Quality (DEQ)
Water quality, well construction rules (NDAC 33.1-18)
ND Dept. of Health & Human Services (HHS) Lab
Private well water testing kits ($27 bacterial test)
Key Regulatory References
- NDCC 61-03-27 – Certified contractor required (chapter 43-35 was repealed by S.L. 2025, ch. 479)
- NDAC 33.1-18-01 – Water Well Construction Rules
- Well Driller's Report (SFN 60273) – Required form filed by contractor
Helpful Publications
- Protecting Your Water Source: What's the Condition of Your Water Well? (NDSU Extension)
- Drinking Water Quality: Testing and Interpreting Your Results (NDSU Extension)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to drill a well in North Dakota?
Do I need a permit to drill a well in North Dakota?
How long does it take to drill a well in North Dakota?
Is arsenic a problem in North Dakota wells?
How often should I test my well water in North Dakota?
Are You a Licensed Driller?
Check out our compliance reference for North Dakota drilling regulations, forms, and requirements.
North Dakota Driller Compliance Guide →