Well Drilling Costs in Oklahoma
A complete private well system in Oklahoma typically costs $8,000–$25,000, depending on depth, geology, and equipment choices. Most domestic wells are 300–400 feet deep.
No Permit Fees
Unlike many states, Oklahoma does not require a state groundwater permit for domestic household wells (OWRB). This means no OWRB application fees or processing delays for typical home wells.
Cost Tip
Get quotes from 2-3 licensed drillers before deciding. Costs vary by depth and rock type. Hard rock sections (central/western OK) require more drilling time and increase costs.
Timeline: From Decision to Drinking Water
Expect 2–4 weeks from your first call to potable water (source). Oklahoma's streamlined process (no domestic well permit) is faster than many states.
Disinfection Requirement
Oklahoma regulations (OAC 785:35-7-1) require all new or repaired wells to be disinfected with at least 100 mg/L chlorine for 2+ hours before use (source).
Permits & Process
Do You Need a Permit?
Domestic Wells (No Permit)
Household wells and livestock irrigation ≤3 acres do NOT require an OWRB groundwater permit (source).
- No state permit fees
- No OWRB approval delays
- Driller files completion report
- Check county septic/building codes
Commercial Wells (Permit Required)
Public supply, irrigation >3 acres, industrial wells require OWRB "intent to drill" authorization (~5 business days) (source).
- OWRB permit required
- ~5 business day processing
- Driller typically handles paperwork
Step-by-Step Process (Domestic Wells)
- Hire a licensed well driller – Oklahoma law requires licensed drillers (OWRB licensing)
- Site preparation – Call Oklahoma 811 (free utility locating) before digging
- Well construction – Driller drills, cases, grouts, and disinfects per OAC 785:35-7-1
- Well development – Driller cleans out sediment and tests yield
- Pump installation – Connect electrical, plumbing, pressure tank
- Water testing – Test for bacteria and nitrates (homeowner's responsibility)
- Completion report – Driller files with OWRB (forms)
Who Does What?
Driller Handles:
- OWRB licensing compliance
- Drilling per OAC standards
- Casing, grouting, disinfection
- Filing completion report with OWRB
Homeowner Handles:
- Payment
- Water testing coordination
- County septic/building permits (if needed)
- Record keeping
Septic System Setbacks
Oklahoma's septic rules (OAC Title 252:641) require minimum separations from wells to septic tanks/drainfields (OSU Extension). Check with your county health department for specific setback requirements.
Water Quality
Important
Oklahoma does not mandate routine testing for private wells. However, testing is strongly recommended annually – it's your "only line of defense" for rural wells (OWON).
Recommended Testing
- Initial testing (new wells): Total coliform/E. coli, nitrate, basic minerals. Disinfect if bacteria present (source).
- Annual testing: Bacteria (coliform/E. coli) and nitrates at minimum (OWON)
- Every 3-5 years: Full mineral panel (hardness, iron, manganese, TDS)
- If in arsenic zone: Test for arsenic (central Oklahoma, especially Norman area)
- After events: Flooding, well repairs, nearby spills, taste/odor changes
Common Oklahoma Water Quality Issues
Bacteria (E. coli)
Most acute risk from surface runoff, septic systems, livestock. All new wells must be tested and disinfected (source).
Nitrates
Common in agricultural areas (western/central OK). Fertilizer and animal waste leach into shallow aquifers. Safe limit: 10 mg/L nitrate-N (source).
Hard Water / Salts
Western/central Oklahoma water is "high in salt and salinity" (OSU Extension). Eastern OK has softer water. Iron/manganese staining is common statewide.
Arsenic Alert Zone: Central Oklahoma
The Central Oklahoma (Garber-Wellington) aquifer around Norman/Cleveland County has naturally high arsenic. About half of Norman's city wells exceeded the 10 µg/L arsenic standard (some up to 232 µg/L) (USGS). If you're in central Oklahoma, test for arsenic annually.
Regional Water Quality "Hot Spots"
- Central Oklahoma (Norman area): High arsenic in deeper Garber-Wellington aquifer, nitrates in shallow wells (source)
- Northwest/Panhandle: High nitrates (agricultural/irrigated areas), hard water (Ogallala aquifer)
- Eastern Oklahoma: Generally soft, good-quality wells; few contaminants
- Western/Central: Hard/salty water, nitrates common (source)
Where to Test
Oklahoma Well Owner Network (OWON)
OSU Extension hosts free well-water screening events (E. coli, nitrates, pH, TDS) at county Extension offices (OWON). Check for upcoming events or request one.
OSU SWF Analytical Lab
Basic screening for ~$15 (nitrates, pH, TDS, etc.) (source). Contact: (405) 744-6630 or your county Extension office.
DEQ-Certified Labs
For official bacteria/arsenic tests, use an ODEQ-accredited lab. Contact DEQ (405-702-0100) for list of certified labs (source).
Treatment Options
- Bacteria: Shock chlorination, UV light purifiers
- Iron/Manganese: Air-injection filters, greensand filters, water softeners
- Hard water: Ion-exchange water softeners (salt-based)
- Nitrates: Reverse osmosis (RO) systems, ion-exchange resin
- Arsenic: RO systems, granular ferric hydroxide filters (point-of-use)
- Sulfur (H₂S odor): Aeration systems, catalytic carbon filters
Maintenance & Troubleshooting
Annual Maintenance Checklist
- Test water for bacteria and nitrates annually
- Check pressure tank air charge (~2 psi below pump cut-in)
- Inspect wellhead seal, cap, and vent pipes
- Replace sediment pre-filters (every 3–6 months)
- Shock-chlorinate if bacteria detected or after flooding
- Keep driller's logs, water test reports, service receipts
Warning Signs of Well Problems
- Sudden drop in water pressure or flow
- Pump running continuously or short-cycling
- Cloudy, discolored, or odorous water
- Air sputtering from faucets
- Growling or high-pitched pump noises
- Circuit breaker trips when pump runs
DIY vs. Professional
DIY: Changing small filters, adjusting pressure tank air, flushing chlorine, testing water, basic tightening of plumbing.
Call a Licensed Professional: Pump removal/replacement, electrical work, drilling/re-drilling, well rehabilitation, septic repairs. Oklahoma law requires licensed drillers for drilling and significant repairs (OWRB).
Call a Licensed Professional: Pump removal/replacement, electrical work, drilling/re-drilling, well rehabilitation, septic repairs. Oklahoma law requires licensed drillers for drilling and significant repairs (OWRB).
Find a Licensed Driller
Oklahoma law requires a licensed water well driller for all well drilling work (OWRB).
Search Licensed Drillers in Oklahoma
Find Drillers Near You →How to Verify a Driller
- Ask for their OWRB license number
- Verify with OWRB (405-530-8800) – the agency maintains licensed driller records
- Get 2-3 written quotes
- Ask for references from recent jobs
- Confirm they carry liability insurance
Finding Drillers
Contact the Oklahoma Rural Water Association (ORWA) at 405-672-8925 or your local OSU Extension office for area driller lists. The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) also has a contractor lookup at WellOwner.org.
Resources & Contacts
Key Regulatory References
- OAC 785:35-7-1 – Water Well Construction Standards
- OAC Title 785 – Groundwater Appropriation (no permit for domestic wells)
- OAC Title 252:641 – On-site Wastewater Treatment (septic setbacks from wells)
- OWRB Forms – Completion/Plugging Reports, Well Registration
Frequently Asked Questions
A complete well system in Oklahoma typically costs $8,000–$25,000, depending on depth and geology. Drilling costs average $15–$50 per foot, with additional costs for casing ($10–$30/ft), pump ($800–$2,500), pressure tank ($300–$1,000), and testing ($15–$150). Domestic wells require no state permit fees.
No state permit is required for domestic household wells in Oklahoma. Commercial or large irrigation wells (>3 acres) require an OWRB groundwater permit. Always check county building codes and septic requirements.
The complete process from planning to potable water typically takes 2–4 weeks. Drilling itself takes 1–3 days, with additional time for pump installation (1–2 days) and water testing (1–3 days). No OWRB permit delays for domestic wells.
Yes, elevated arsenic is found in parts of the Central Oklahoma (Garber-Wellington) aquifer around Norman/Cleveland County. About half of Norman's city wells exceeded the 10 µg/L arsenic standard. Testing is strongly recommended in central Oklahoma.
Oklahoma law requires licensed drillers for all well work. Contact the OWRB (405-530-8800) for licensed driller records, or check with the Oklahoma Rural Water Association (ORWA). Always verify the driller's OWRB license before hiring.
Are You a Licensed Driller?
Check out our compliance reference for Oklahoma drilling regulations, forms, and requirements.
Oklahoma Driller Compliance Guide →