- No state permit required for private domestic wells (ND DEQ)
- Must use licensed contractor per NDCC 43-35-11 (ND Board)
- 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
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.
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.
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
State law requires licensed water well contractors per NDCC 43-35-11 (ND Board).
- Driller must be certified by ND Board
- Contractor files Well Driller's Report (SFN 60273)
- Homeowners may drill own well but most hire pros
Step-by-Step Process
- Hire a licensed contractor. Contact the ND Dept. of Water Resources or State Board of Water Well Contractors 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
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.
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 licensed water well contractor for all well drilling work (NDCC 43-35-11).
Search Licensed Drillers in North Dakota
Find Drillers Near You →How to Verify a Driller
- Ask for their ND Board certification number
- Verify at the ND Dept. of Water Resources website (searchable licensed driller list)
- Or call the ND Board of Water Well Contractors at 701-328-2754
- Get 2-3 written quotes
- Ask for references from recent jobs
Resources & Contacts
Key Regulatory References
- NDCC 43-35-11 – Licensed drillers required
- 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
Are You a Licensed Driller?
Check out our compliance reference for North Dakota drilling regulations, forms, and requirements.
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