Well Drilling Costs in Tennessee
A complete private well system in Tennessee typically costs $4,000–$15,000, depending on depth, geology (rocky terrain increases costs), and equipment choices.
Timeline: From Decision to Drinking Water
Expect 2–6 weeks from your first call to potable water. Water testing and potential re-disinfection can extend the timeline.
Permits & Process
Notice of Intent Requirement
Tennessee law (TCA §69-10-111) requires a Notice of Intent before drilling any water well:
Before drilling begins, the well owner or driller must file a Notice of Intent with TDEC.
- Fee: $75 per well
- Who files: Usually handled by your driller
- Processing: Filed with TDEC Division of Water Resources
- Exemption: Fee waived in counties with local well regulations
Local Requirements
Some counties have additional requirements. For example:
- Shelby County (Memphis area): Requires local well construction permit via Pollution Control Office
- Other counties: May require building or septic permits
Well Construction Report
Within 60 days of completion, your licensed driller must file a Water Well Driller\'s Report (Form CN-0825) with TDEC. This includes:
- Owner name and well location
- Depth and lithology (formation descriptions)
- Casing sizes, materials, and depths
- Grouting/sealing information
- Yield and water quality observations
Who Does What?
Driller Handles:
- State licensing requirements
- Notice of Intent filing
- Drilling, casing, and grouting
- Well development and disinfection
- Filing completion report (CN-0825)
Homeowner Handles:
- Payment for services and fees
- Lab testing coordination
- Site access and preparation
- Record keeping (well report copy)
- Ongoing testing and maintenance
Water Quality
Recommended Testing Schedule
- Annually: Coliform bacteria (E. coli) and nitrates
- Every 2 years: Chemical contaminants (metals, minerals)
- After any event: Flooding, well repairs, taste/odor changes
- New wells: Test before first use
Common Tennessee Water Quality Issues
Hard Water
Most Tennessee wells are hard due to limestone geology. High calcium/magnesium causes scale buildup. Water softeners are common solutions.
Bacteria (Karst)
Karst limestone regions (Central Basin, Highland Rim) allow surface water to reach wells quickly. Test for coliform after heavy rains.
Iron & Manganese
Common throughout Tennessee. Causes rust stains on fixtures and metallic taste. Treatable with oxidation filters.
Nitrates
Elevated near agricultural areas (West/Middle TN). High risk near fertilizer application and livestock operations. Especially dangerous for infants.
Hydrogen Sulfide
"Rotten egg" odor from decomposing organic material. Common in some Tennessee aquifers. Treatable with aeration and filtration.
Arsenic
Found in some East Tennessee coalfield regions and parts of Middle Tennessee (e.g., around Clarksville). Test if in known arsenic areas.
Treatment Options
- Bacteria: Shock chlorination, UV sterilizers, continuous chlorination
- Hard water: Water softeners (ion-exchange)
- Iron/Manganese: Oxidation filters, greensand filters
- Sulfur (H₂S): Aeration + carbon filtration
- Nitrates/Arsenic: Reverse osmosis systems, specialized filters
Maintenance & Troubleshooting
Annual Maintenance Checklist
- Test water for coliform bacteria and nitrates
- Inspect wellhead seal and cap for damage
- Check pressure tank (typical: 30-50 psi)
- Slope ground away from wellhead to prevent pooling
- Replace water treatment filters/cartridges
- Shock chlorinate if bacteria detected
- Maintain septic system (pump every 3-5 years)
Warning Signs of Well Problems
- Sudden cloudiness, discoloration, or strong odor
- Reduced flow or frequent pump cycling
- Air sputtering from faucets
- Unexplained gastrointestinal illness in household members
- New staining on fixtures (rust, black)
- Pump running continuously or unusual noises
Find a Licensed Driller
Tennessee law requires a licensed water well driller for all well drilling work.
Search Licensed Drillers in Tennessee
Find Drillers Near You →How to Verify a Driller
- Ask for their Tennessee driller license number
- Check the Licensed Tennessee Well Drillers and Installers List
- Verify the license type matches the work (Water Well, Pump Installer, etc.)
- Get 2-3 written quotes with detailed breakdowns
- Ask for references from recent jobs in your area
Resources & Contacts
Key Regulatory References
- Tennessee Code Title 69, Chapter 10 – Water Well Act
- TCA §69-10-111 – Notice of Intent requirement
- Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0400-45-09-.10 – Well construction standards
Professional Associations
- Tennessee Water Well Association (TWWA) – State chapter of NGWA
- National Ground Water Association (NGWA) – National resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Are You a Licensed Driller?
Check out our compliance reference for Tennessee drilling regulations, forms, and requirements.
Tennessee Driller Compliance Guide →