Well Drilling Costs in Rhode Island
A complete private well system in Rhode Island typically costs $6,000–$15,000, depending on depth and geology.
Well-drilling costs vary by depth, geology, and contractor. Nationally, drilling averages ~$15-30 per foot. In RI, expect $3,000–12,000 depending on depth. A 150-foot well might cost ~$5,300; a 300-foot well ~$10,700.
Timeline: From Decision to Drinking Water
From the decision to drill until safe drinking water often takes 4–8 weeks.
Permits & Process
Rhode Island law generally forbids drilling a new well if public water is available. The RI Plumbing Code states that "new wells can only be installed in areas that are not already served by a public water system." If municipal water mains reach the property, homeowners are expected to connect to the public system.
Step-by-Step Process
- Verify need/local rules: Confirm no available public water. Check local building/zoning for special requirements.
- Find a licensed contractor: Hire a RI-licensed "Well-Drilling Contractor" (verify license with DBR)
- Site evaluation: Driller surveys topography, setbacks from septic/property lines/hazards, estimates depth
- Obtain permits: Apply for "water-well permit" from local building official if required by town
- Drilling: Contractor drills, installs casing/screen, develops and disinfects the well
- Install pump/tank: Pump and control box lowered, pressure tank mounted, electrical connected
- Water sampling: Samples collected for lab analysis while connected to the plumbing it will serve
- Regulatory filings: Within 10 days of drilling, driller files Well Installation Report with RIDOH, owner, and local building official
- Review & occupancy: Building department reviews test results before issuing certificate
Who Does What?
Driller Responsibilities:
- Ensure compliance with state standards (setbacks, sanitation)
- Perform drilling work safely
- Disinfect the well
- Obtain any local permits needed
- File completion report within 10 days
Homeowner Responsibilities:
- Hiring a licensed contractor
- Securing local approvals
- Ordering/paying for required water tests
- Maintaining records
- Disclosure during property sale
Water Quality
Rhode Island requires mandatory water quality testing whenever a new well is drilled or before sale/transfer of a home. Private wells are required by law to be tested when installed or before home sales.
Required Testing (Table 1 Panel)
DOH regulations (216‐RICR‐50‐05‐2 Table 1) specify a standard test panel:
- Total Coliform (and E. coli)
- Nitrate & Nitrite
- Chloride, Fluoride
- Iron, Lead, Manganese
- pH, Alkalinity, Hardness
- Specific Conductance, Sulfate, Total Dissolved Solids
- Turbidity
- Full VOC panel (regulated volatile organic compounds)
- MTBE (methyl tert-butyl ether)
Cost: Private testing laboratories charge per-test or per-sample fees. Homeowners pay for all private well tests using certified labs.
Recommended Ongoing Testing
- Annually: Test for bacteria and nitrates
- Every 3–5 years: Test for minerals (iron, hardness, etc.)
- Special areas: Arsenic or PFAS testing if near known contamination sources (check RIDOH online map tool)
Common Rhode Island Water Quality Issues
Saltwater Intrusion
Coastal South County wells are contaminated by salt in Charlestown, South Kingstown, and Westerly, often hundreds of yards inland. Salt in well water is a growing problem.
High Iron/Manganese
Many RI wells (especially in glacial till or bedrock) yield "hard" water that is rusty-brown and causes staining. Oxidizing filters or aeration systems can treat.
Low pH (Acidic)
Very soft/acidic water can corrode pipes, releasing copper and lead. Calcite or soda ash neutralizing filters raise pH.
Nitrates
Occasionally elevated in wells near agricultural areas or old septic fields (particularly rural eastern RI). Nitrates pose a risk to infants. Treat with reverse osmosis.
Arsenic
Some areas (old orchard lands with chromated copper arsenate use) warrant arsenic testing. While not universally high, arsenic >10 µg/L has been detected in some RI wells.
VOCs/PFAS
Leaking underground tanks, dry cleaners, landfills or military/firefighter foam sites have led to VOCs or PFAS in a few areas.DOH recommends PFAS testing near known contamination sources.
Maintenance & Troubleshooting
Routine Maintenance Schedule
- Annual water testing: At minimum, test nitrate/nitrite and coliform bacteria every year
- Every 3–5 years: Test for minerals, metals (iron, manganese, hardness)
- Visual inspection: Check wellcap/cover is secured and vermin-free. Ensure well is >18″ above grade
- System maintenance: Change filtration media and UV lamps per manufacturer schedule
- Shock treatment: Periodically (especially when tests show coliform or after servicing pump), disinfect well by chlorinating per DOH guidelines
Warning Signs of Problems
- Brown/red water or orange staining on fixtures (iron)
- Black/green stains (manganese, copper corrosion)
- "Rotten egg" smell (sulfur gas)
- Bleach-like or metallic taste
- Cloudiness or sediment
- Reduced flow or sputtering taps
- Pump running continuously or rapid cycling
Always hire a licensed well contractor for drilling, modification, or abandonment. Contact RIDOH's Private Well Program (401-222-6867) or URI's Water Quality program for concerns beyond routine clean-up.
Find a Licensed Driller
Rhode Island requires a licensed well-drilling contractor for all well work.
Search Licensed Drillers in Rhode Island
Find Drillers Near You →How to Verify a Driller
- Ask for their RI DBR license number
- Verify at RI Contractors' Board License Lookup
- Check NGWA's RI directory for additional contractors
- Confirm they have liability insurance
- Get 2-3 written quotes
- Ask for references from recent jobs
Resources & Contacts
Certified Testing Laboratories
RIDOH-certified labs for drinking water testing include:
- Ball Laboratory, Inc. (Cranston)
- ESS Laboratory (Cranston/W. Warwick)
- Eurofins Environmental (N. Kingstown)
- Rhode Island State Health Lab (Providence) – 401-222-2788
- R.I. Analytical Laboratories (Warwick)
- New England Testing (W. Warwick)
Key Regulatory References
- R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 46-13.2 – Drilling of Wells (well completion report filing)
- 216‐RICR‐50‐05‐2 – Private Drinking Water Systems (Table 1 testing requirements)
- 440-RICR-10-00-6 – Well Drillers licensing standards
Sources & References
This guide is based on official sources including:
- Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) – Private Wells program
- Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM)
- Rhode Island Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board (DBR)
- R.I. Code of Regulations (216-RICR-50-05-2, 440-RICR-10-00-6)
- R.I. General Laws Chapter 46-13.2
- University of Rhode Island Water Quality Program
- National cost data (Bob Vila, Angi)
All regulatory citations link to official government sources for verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
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