Well Drilling Costs in Oregon
Want the full breakdown? See our Oregon well drilling cost guide for per-foot rates, itemized components, and what quotes leave out.
A complete private well system in Oregon typically costs $10,000–$50,000, depending on depth, geology, and equipment choices. Industry surveys suggest completed wells often fall in this range.
| Component | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Drilling (per foot) | $15–$35/ft | Depends on depth and geology |
| Casing & Grouting | Included | Required by state standards |
| Pump + Installation | $1,000–$3,000 | Submersible pump system |
| Pressure Tank & Piping | $1,000–$2,000 | Electrical and connections |
| Water Testing | $100–$200 | Initial bacteria, nitrate, arsenic |
| Landowner Permit (if self-drilling) | $550 + $10,000 bond | Most hire licensed driller instead |
| Total Project | $10,000–$50,000+ | Wide range based on depth and difficulty |
The landowner well permit costs $550 plus a $10,000 bond if you drill yourself, though most homeowners hire a licensed driller.
Timeline: From Decision to Drinking Water
Expect 1–3 months from your first call to potable water. The driller submits an Oregon Water Resources start-card 3 days before drilling.
| Step | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Site Evaluation & Planning | 1–2 weeks | Hire licensed driller, site survey |
| Permitting & Start Notice | 1–2 weeks | Driller files Start Card (72 hours before drilling) |
| Drilling & Construction | 1–5 days | Drill, case, seal to state standards |
| Testing & Hookup | 1–2 weeks | Water sampling and lab results |
| Total Timeline | 1–3 months | Weather and approvals can extend this |
Permits & Process
Who Can Drill?
In Oregon, only a licensed water well constructor may drill a well for someone else. Drillers must be certified and bonded.
The driller handles:
- Licensing and bonding
- Start Card filing (72 hours before drilling)
- Drilling, casing, and sealing
- Well Report submission
If you drill yourself, you must obtain a Landowner Well Permit:
- $550 fee + $10,000 bond
- Must be obtained before drilling
- Expires in 6 months; a well report is due within 30 days of completion or permit expiry
- Still must meet all state standards
Water Rights
In Oregon, single or group domestic use of up to 15,000 gallons a day does not require a water-right permit (ORS 537.545). New wells must still be reported to OWRD on a Well Report, and the driller pays a one-time $300 recording fee and files a well map for an exempt use.
Inspections
OWRD now requires field inspection of roughly 30% of new wells. All submitted Well Reports undergo technical review within 120 days. If OWRD inspectors find deficiencies (improper sealing, etc.), the driller must correct them.
Water Quality
Well water testing in Oregon
The Oregon Health Authority Domestic Well Safety Program handles private well water quality in Oregon. OHA recommends annual testing for coliform bacteria and nitrate and periodic arsenic testing.
Required testing: Oregon’s Domestic Well Testing Act requires sellers to test well water for total coliform bacteria, nitrate, and arsenic at every real estate transaction and report results to OHA within 90 days.
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
At a minimum, test every year for total coliform/E. coli bacteria and nitrate, and every 3–5 years for arsenic.
- Annually: Total coliform bacteria, E. coli, nitrates
- Every 3-5 years: Arsenic
- Additional tests: Lead, uranium, manganese, pesticides (per local advice)
- At property sale: State law requires coliform/nitrate/arsenic sampling
Testing Costs
Homeowners pay for all tests (no free state testing). Typical costs: nitrate ~$20–$40, coliform ~$25–$40, arsenic ~$20–$45.
Common Oregon Water Quality Issues
Arsenic
Sweet Home/Linn County (~25% of wells exceed EPA limits), Tualatin Basin (NW Metro), Cottage Grove/Lane County, and parts of Eastern Oregon. Test annually if in these regions.
Nitrates
Lower Umatilla Basin has been a nitrate-contaminated Groundwater Management Area since 1990. High nitrate (>10 mg/L) is dangerous for infants.
Hard Water/Iron
Many Oregon aquifers (especially basaltic) produce hard water with iron or manganese. These cause staining or metallic taste but are treatable with filters and softeners.
Treatment Options
If testing reveals contaminants over health guidelines, treatment can correct most problems:
- Bacteria: Shock chlorination, UV sterilization, or continuous chlorine injection
- Arsenic: Activated alumina, iron-based filters, or reverse osmosis (~$3,000–$8,000 installed)
- Nitrate: Reverse osmosis or anion-exchange systems
- Iron/Manganese: Iron-removal filters or water softeners
Maintenance & Troubleshooting
Annual Maintenance Checklist
OHA advises keeping records of all tests and maintenance. Recommended tasks:
- Test water for bacteria, nitrates, and arsenic (as needed)
- Inspect wellhead and casing seal for damage
- Check pressure tank and pressure switch
- Replace cartridge filters regularly
- Disinfect system if bacterial problems occur
Warning Signs of Well Problems
- Cloudy or discolored water
- Unusual taste or odor (rotten egg, metallic, chlorine)
- Sputtering or noisy pumps
- Rapid drop in water pressure
- Repeated gastrointestinal illness in household
Find a Licensed Driller
Oregon law requires a licensed water well constructor for well drilling done for others . For your own well, ORS 537.753(4) says: "If a well is to be constructed, altered, abandoned or converted by a person that is not licensed under ORS 537.747 on property owned by that person, the person shall obtain a permit from the commission before beginning work."
Search Licensed Drillers in Oregon
Find Drillers Near You →How to Verify a Driller
- Ask for their OWRD license number
- Use the OWRD "Find a Well Constructor" search tool
- Verify insurance and bonding
- Get 2-3 written quotes
- Ask for references from recent jobs
Resources & Contacts
OHA Domestic Well Safety Program
Testing and health guidance
Key Regulatory References
- ORS 537.505–537.795 – Groundwater Act
- OAR 690-205 – Well construction rules
- OAR 690-205-0175 – Landowner well permit
Sources & References
All facts on this page are sourced from official Oregon government agencies:
- Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD)
- Oregon Health Authority - Domestic Well Safety
- Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)
- Oregon State University (arsenic research)
- Oregon Public Broadcasting (nitrate reporting)
Last research date: December 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to drill a well in Oregon?
Do I need a permit to drill a well in Oregon?
How long does it take to drill a well in Oregon?
Is arsenic a problem in Oregon wells?
How do I find a licensed well driller in Oregon?
Are You a Licensed Driller?
Check out our compliance reference for Oregon drilling regulations, forms, and requirements.
Oregon Driller Compliance Guide →