Well Drilling Costs in Pennsylvania
A complete private well system in Pennsylvania typically costs $5,000–$12,000, depending on depth, geology, and equipment choices. Drilling costs in PA average around $5,500 for a typical household well.
Timeline: From Decision to Drinking Water
Expect 4–8 weeks from your first call to potable water. Most of this time is water testing and lab turnaround.
Permits & Process
What About County Requirements?
While the state doesn't require permits, many counties do have well approval programs. For example:
Chester County Example:
- Within 90 days, owner must submit a Well/Pump Completion Form
- Include bacteriological/chemical lab results
- Provide septic final-approval date
- County inspection of well site and treatment equipment required
Check with your county or municipal health department for specific requirements. Other counties have similar rules based on PA Chapter 501 regulations.
Step-by-Step Process
- Hire a licensed driller. All commercial drillers must be licensed under Act 610 of 1956. Homeowners drilling their own land do not need a license, but most hire professionals.
- Contract & Notice. The driller files a "Notice of Intention to Drill" with DCNR within 24 hours of contract signing.
- Drilling day. The driller drills the hole, installs casing, and seals the annulus. Wells are disinfected (shock chlorination) after construction.
- Pump & tank installation. Install submersible pump, pressure tank, and controls.
- Recordkeeping. Driller must record well construction data on PA Well Record (Form WWI) and provide copies to you and DCNR.
- Water testing. Test for at minimum total coliform bacteria and nitrates. Use a PA-DEP certified laboratory.
- Approval to drink. Only drink from the well when it passes bacteria and chemical tests.
Driller Handles:
- Licensing requirements
- Filing Notice of Intent with DCNR
- Drilling & casing
- Initial disinfection
- Filing well record (Form WWI)
Homeowner Handles:
- Payment
- Coordinating water testing
- Submitting forms to county (if required)
- Record keeping
- Ongoing maintenance
Water Quality
Recommended Testing Schedule
| Test | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Total coliform bacteria | Every year |
| Nitrates | Every year |
| pH, Total dissolved solids | Every 3 years |
| Arsenic (if in known areas) | At drilling, then every 3 years |
| After any event | Flooding, repairs, taste/odor changes |
Source: Penn State Extension Best Management Practices
Common Pennsylvania Water Quality Issues
Microbial Contamination
Total coliform and E. coli are very common in private wells. DEP warns to flush/boil water when coliform is found. Shock-chlorinate well and retest.
Iron & Manganese
Most common nuisance contaminants in PA. In one study, 44 of 75 well owners reported iron staining and 35 reported sulfur odor. Causes rust-colored water and plumbing clogs.
Arsenic
In north-central and northeastern PA (Tioga, Bradford, Wayne counties), 10 of 143 wells exceeded 10 µg/L. Test if in these regions.
Nitrates
Agricultural areas (Susquehanna Valley, Lake Erie Plain, SE PA) often have elevated nitrate from fertilizer/manure. High levels (>10 mg/L) are a health concern.
Radon
Radon is commonly found in PA wells. A colorless, odorless gas that can cause lung cancer. Consider testing and aeration/carbon removal if high.
PFAS (Forever Chemicals)
PA DEP set state MCLs for PFOA (14 ppt) and PFOS (18 ppt) in 2023. Private wells not legally covered, but test if near military/firefighting/industrial sites.
Treatment Options
- Microbes: UV light or chlorination. Shock-chlorinate after construction.
- Iron/Manganese: Oxidizing filter (air injection or chlorination + sediment filter)
- Sulfur/H₂S: Aeration or catalytic carbon filter
- Hardness: Water softener (ion exchange)
- Arsenic/Nitrates: Reverse osmosis (RO) system or specialty media filters
- Radon: Granulated activated carbon (GAC) or aeration unit
DEP recommends NSF/ANSI certified devices. Check the NSF database for certified treatment units by contaminant.
Maintenance & Troubleshooting
Annual Maintenance Checklist
- Test water for coliform bacteria and nitrates
- Walk around well, ensure area is clear of debris/chemicals
- Check well cap is firmly attached and insect-tight
- Check pressure tank operation (typical 30-50 psi)
- Replace sediment/carbon filters per manufacturer schedule
- Consider shock chlorination after repairs or bacteria detection
- Professional inspection every 10 years
Warning Signs of Well Problems
- Red/orange water or staining (iron); black staining (manganese)
- Rotten-egg smell (hydrogen sulfide gas)
- Cloudy or discolored water (high TDS or suspended materials)
- Sudden pressure loss or pump short-cycling
- Low water flow or yield
- Appliance clogging or rust buildup
Find a Licensed Driller
Pennsylvania law requires a licensed water well driller for all commercial drilling work.
Search Licensed Drillers in Pennsylvania
Find Drillers Near You →How to Verify a Driller
- Ask for their DCNR license number
- Verify at Pennsylvania Licensed Water Well Drillers Database
- Get 2-3 written quotes
- Ask for references from recent jobs
- Confirm they will file all required paperwork (Notice of Intent, Form WWI)
For help, contact DCNR at 717-702-2017.
Resources & Contacts
Regional DEP Offices (for free bacteria test kits)
| Region | Counties (examples) | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast | Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia | 484-250-5106 |
| Northeast | Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, Wyoming | 570-826-2511 |
| Southcentral | Adams, Franklin, York | 717-705-4700 |
| Northcentral | Bradford, Columbia, Lycoming | 570-327-3636 |
| Southwest | Allegheny, Beaver, Greene, Washington | 412-442-4209 |
| Northwest | Armstrong, Butler, Erie | 814-332-6945 |
Source: DEP Water Testing page
Key Regulatory References
- 17 Pa. Code Chapter 47 – Drilling Water Wells (regulations)
- 32 P.S. §645.1 et seq. – Water Well Drillers' License Act (Act 610 of 1956)
- PA Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) – Safe drinking water standards (guidance for private wells)
Frequently Asked Questions
Are You a Licensed Driller?
Check out our compliance reference for Pennsylvania drilling regulations, forms, and requirements.
Pennsylvania Driller Compliance Guide →Sources & References
This guide is based on official Pennsylvania state resources and university research: