Well Drilling Costs in Utah
A complete private well system in Utah typically costs $5,000–$15,000, depending on depth, geology, and equipment choices.
Cost Tip
Get quotes from 2-3 licensed drillers before deciding. Costs vary significantly by region and geology. Shallow wells in basin-fill valleys (Salt Lake, Weber) are typically cheaper than deep wells in bedrock areas (Colorado Plateau, Uinta Basin).
Timeline: From Decision to Drinking Water
Expect 2–4 months from your first call to potable water. Water right permit processing is often the longest step.
Permits & Process
Water Right Required
Utah law requires a valid water right before drilling. You cannot legally drill without first obtaining approval from the State Engineer (Utah Code §73-3-1).
Water Right Application ("Start Card")
All groundwater use in Utah requires appropriation. For a domestic well, you must:
- Apply to the Utah Division of Water Rights for groundwater appropriation
- Pay the application fee (~$150 for small domestic use)
- Wait for administrative review (4–8 weeks typical)
- Receive a "Start Card" (drilling permit) from the State Engineer
- Provide the Start Card to your licensed driller before work begins
Who Applies? The homeowner (water user) must apply for the water right. Your driller can assist with paperwork but cannot legally drill without the approved Start Card.
Local Requirements
- County Health Department: May require site inspection and setback compliance from septic systems (typically ≥100 ft from septic, ≥50 ft from manure piles)
- County Building Permits: Some counties require plumbing or building permits for pump houses
- Local Ordinances: Check with your county planning office for any additional requirements
Who Does What?
Driller Handles:
- Maintains current license
- Drilling & casing installation
- Annular sealing (grouting)
- Initial well disinfection
- Filing well construction report (log) within 30 days
Homeowner Handles:
- Water right application
- Payment
- Lab testing coordination
- Above-ground plumbing (if needed)
- Record keeping
Water Quality
Important
Private wells are not regulated by EPA. Testing is the homeowner\'s responsibility. The Utah Public Health Lab advises annual testing for nitrate, pH, TDS, and Total Coliform/E.coli.
Required Testing
- At new well: Most county health departments require at least coliform/E.coli test before use
- Annually (minimum): Total coliform bacteria, E. coli, nitrates, pH, TDS
- Every 3-5 years: Full chemical panel including metals (arsenic, iron, manganese)
- If in arsenic zone: Arsenic testing (critical in SW Utah, Great Salt Lake areas)
- If in agricultural area: Nitrate testing (Cache Valley, Sanpete Valley)
Common Utah Water Quality Issues
Arsenic
Naturally high in southwestern Utah (Juab, Garfield, Kane counties) and Great Salt Lake fringes. Wells in contact with halite/gypsum formations can mobilize arsenic. Test before drinking.
Nitrates
Elevated in agricultural valleys: Cache, Sanpete, Sevier, Utah Lake basin. Caused by fertilizers, livestock, and failing septic systems. Wells in Sanpete Co. have shown up to 39 mg/L (EPA limit: 10 mg/L).
Radon & Uranium
Utah bedrock contains uranium; radon gas can dissolve into groundwater. High in eastern Utah (Colorado Plateau) and high-altitude canyons. Radon concentrates in indoor air when released from well water.
Hard Water & Minerals
Almost all Utah well water is hard (high calcium/magnesium). Iron and manganese common in shallow aquifers. Water softeners are standard.
High TDS & Sulfate
Basin-fill aquifers near Great Salt Lake, Bonneville Salt Flats, and Sevier Desert can have very high dissolved solids. Water may be salty or have bitter sulfate taste (gypsum formations).
Regional Hotspots
Arsenic Zones: SW Utah (Juab, Garfield, Kane), Great Salt Lake fringes
Nitrate Zones: Cache Valley, Sanpete/Sevier Valleys, Utah Lake basin
Radon Zones: Eastern Utah (Colorado Plateau), uranium-bearing formations
High Salinity: Great Salt Lake basin, west desert, Sevier Desert
Nitrate Zones: Cache Valley, Sanpete/Sevier Valleys, Utah Lake basin
Radon Zones: Eastern Utah (Colorado Plateau), uranium-bearing formations
High Salinity: Great Salt Lake basin, west desert, Sevier Desert
Treatment Options
- Bacteria: UV sterilizer or shock chlorination
- Nitrate: Reverse osmosis (RO) or ion-exchange filters
- Arsenic: Iron-oxide media filters or point-of-use RO
- Radon: Aeration system or granular activated carbon (GAC)
- Hardness: Water softener (cation exchange)
- Iron/Manganese: Oxidizing filters (Birm) or air-injection
- High TDS: RO system for drinking water
Maintenance & Troubleshooting
Annual Maintenance Checklist
- Test water for bacteria, nitrates, pH, TDS (minimum)
- Check pressure tank air charge (2 psi below cut-in pressure)
- Inspect wellhead seal, cap, and casing stick-up (≥18 inches)
- Replace sediment/carbon filters per manufacturer
- Shock chlorination every 2–3 years or after flooding
Warning Signs of Well Problems
- Sudden taste/smell changes (metallic, chlorine, rotten egg)
- Cloudy or discolored water
- Pressure changes or pump short-cycling
- Reduced flow or well yield
- Visible sediment or sand in water
DIY vs. Professional
You can handle: basic testing, pressure checks, filter changes, shock chlorination. Hire a licensed professional for: drilling, pump installation/repair, major system work, persistent contamination. Utah law requires licensed drillers for well construction and major repairs (Utah Code §73-3-25).
Find a Licensed Driller
Utah law requires a licensed water well driller for all well drilling work.
Search Licensed Drillers in Utah
Find Drillers Near You →How to Verify a Driller
- Ask for their Utah Water Well Driller license number
- Call Division of Water Rights: (801) 538-7240 or email waterrights@utah.gov
- Check the Division's licensed driller list
- Verify license is current (2-year renewal cycle, expires June 30)
- Get 2-3 written quotes
- Ask for references from recent jobs
Resources & Contacts
Key Regulatory References
- Utah Code Title 73, Chapter 3 – Water Rights (appropriation required)
- Utah Code §73-3-25 – Licensed drillers required
- Utah Admin. Code R655-4 – Water well construction standards
Testing Labs
- Utah Public Health Laboratory: (801) 965-2400 – State-certified lab (TNI-accredited)
- Local Health Department Labs: Many offer low-cost basic testing (bacteria, nitrates)
- Commercial Labs: Eurofins, ALS (verify Utah certification)
- USU Extension: Lists certified labs by region
Frequently Asked Questions
A complete well system in Utah typically costs $5,000–$15,000. Drilling costs average $20–$50 per foot, with additional costs for pump ($1,000–$3,000), pressure tank ($800–$1,500), water testing ($50–$300), and water right application (~$150). Shallow wells (≤100 ft) are cheaper; deep wells (>200 ft) cost more.
Yes. Utah law requires a valid water right before drilling (Utah Code §73-3-1). You must apply for groundwater appropriation to the State Engineer's office, which issues a "Start Card" (drilling permit) upon approval. The application fee is approximately $150 for domestic wells. Licensed drillers must have the Start Card on-site before drilling.
The complete process from planning to potable water typically takes 2–4 months. Water right permit processing takes 4–8 weeks. Drilling itself takes 2–5 days, but pump installation and water testing add another 1–2 weeks. Overall timeline depends on permit processing speed.
Yes, arsenic occurs naturally in some Utah aquifers. Hotspots include southwestern Utah (Juab, Garfield, Kane counties) and areas near the Great Salt Lake. Nitrates are also elevated in agricultural valleys like Cache Valley and Sanpete Valley. Testing is strongly recommended, especially in these regions.
Utah law requires licensed drillers for all well work (Utah Code §73-3-25). You can search the Division of Water Rights website for licensed drillers, call (801) 538-7240, or email waterrights@utah.gov. Always verify the driller's license is current before hiring.
Are You a Licensed Driller?
Check out our compliance reference for Utah drilling regulations, forms, and requirements.
Utah Driller Compliance Guide →