Virginia Private Well Guide for Homeowners (2025)

Well Drilling Costs in Virginia

A complete private well system in Virginia typically costs $5,000–$15,000, depending on depth, geology, and equipment choices.

2024-2025 Virginia well drilling cost estimates
Component	Typical Cost	Notes
Drilling (per foot)	$15–$30/ft	Varies by rock type and depth; harder rock costs more
Well Casing & Grouting	Included	NSF-approved materials; grout depth per well class
Pump + Installation	$1,000–$2,500	Submersible pump; depth and motor size dependent
Pressure Tank	$700–$1,500	Household size (20-40 gallon typical)
VDH Permit Fee	$300	Fixed state fee for well construction permit
Water Testing (bacteria)	$25–$50	Coliform/E. coli testing required; VELAP-certified lab
Site Work & Electrical	$500–$2,000	Variable; includes hookup to home plumbing
Total Project	$5,000–$15,000	Typical for 100–300 ft well; deeper wells higher

Cost Tip

Get quotes from 2-3 licensed drillers before deciding. Drilling costs vary significantly by geology: Piedmont and Blue Ridge hard rock costs more per foot than Coastal Plain sediments. Always verify the driller\'s DPOR certification before hiring.

Timeline: From Decision to Drinking Water

Expect 4–8 weeks from your first call to potable water. Permit review and lab testing are often the longest steps.

Typical Virginia well drilling timeline
Step	Duration	Notes
Permit Application & Review	2–6 weeks	Submit to local health department (VDH)
Drilling + Casing	1–3 days	Licensed driller; depth varies by region
Pump/Tank Install + Hookup	1–2 days	Install submersible pump and pressure tank
Chlorination & Development	1 day	Mandatory disinfection of well system
Lab Testing (bacteria)	1–2 weeks	VELAP-certified lab; wait for results
Final Approval by Health Dept	~1 week	Submit completion report (GW-2) after passing test

Permits & Process

Do You Need a Permit?

Yes. Virginia requires a construction permit from your local health department for virtually all new drinking-water wells. The permit ensures proper siting, construction standards, and water testing.

Virginia Well Permit Requirements

Permit fee: $300 (fixed statewide)
Issuing authority: Local health department (VDH district)
Processing time: 2–6 weeks
Required before: Drilling can begin
Licensed driller required: Only certified water well systems providers may perform work

Who Does What?

Driller Handles:

Licensed certification (DPOR)
Notify health dept before drilling
Drilling, casing, grouting
Chlorination/disinfection
Water sample collection
Filing completion report (GW-2)

Homeowner Handles:

Apply for VDH permit
Pay $300 permit fee
Coordinate lab testing (or driller does)
Pay lab fees ($25–$50)
Above-ground plumbing hookup
Ongoing maintenance and testing

Find Your Local Health Department

Contact your county or city health department to apply for a well permit. Use the VDH District Contact Directory to find your local office.

Water Quality

Required Testing

Virginia law requires all new private wells to be tested for coliform bacteria and E. coli before use (12VAC5-630). The sample must be analyzed by a VELAP-certified lab. Additional testing is strongly recommended.

Recommended Testing

At minimum (annually): Total coliform bacteria, E. coli, nitrates
Initial baseline: Arsenic, radon, heavy metals (iron, manganese, lead, copper)
Every 3-5 years: Full chemical analysis including pH, hardness, TDS
After any event: Flooding, well repairs, taste/odor changes

Common Virginia Water Quality Issues

Radon & Uranium

Common in Blue Ridge and Piedmont granite/shale aquifers. Radon is radioactive and carcinogenic. Test wells in these regions for gross alpha and radon.

Arsenic

Elevated in some areas, notably Triassic sandstone/gravel of the Culpeper Basin (north-central VA). Test at baseline and periodically if in known arsenic zones.

Bacteria

Surface contamination or septic leaks can introduce coliform. This is the #1 immediate health concern. Test annually for bacteria.

Iron/Manganese

Found statewide, especially in Shenandoah Valley and Piedmont. Causes orange/red or black staining. Usually a nuisance, not a health hazard.

Hard Water

Limestone areas (Valley and Ridge) often yield very hard water with high calcium/magnesium. Causes scale buildup in pipes and appliances.

Nitrates

Elevated in agricultural areas (Shenandoah Valley, Eastern Shore) from fertilizer or manure. High nitrates can cause "blue-baby" syndrome. Test annually in farm areas.

Radon Alert Zones

If your property is in the Blue Ridge, Piedmont, or Appalachian Plateau regions, test for radon and gross alpha radiation. Long-term radon exposure is carcinogenic. Treatment options include GAC filters or aeration systems.

Maintenance & Troubleshooting

Annual Maintenance Checklist

Test water for bacteria and nitrates
Check pressure tank air charge (30-50 psi typical)
Inspect wellhead seal and cap for damage
Replace sediment filters/cartridges
Consider shock chlorination (especially after flooding or repairs)
Test for arsenic, radon, or other regional contaminants (every 3-5 years)

Warning Signs of Well Problems

Sudden drop in pressure or flow
Pump running continuously or short-cycling
Cloudy, discolored, or odorous water
Air sputtering from faucets
New staining on fixtures (orange, black, or blue-green)
Rotten-egg smell (hydrogen sulfide) or salty/metallic taste

DIY vs. Professional

You can handle routine tasks like filter changes, chlorination, and simple water testing. Major repairs (pump replacement, casing damage, depth changes) require a licensed certified water well systems provider. Contact DPOR at (804) 367-8595 to verify credentials.

Find a Licensed Driller

Virginia law requires a certified water well systems provider for all well drilling work. Only DPOR-certified professionals may drill, install, or repair wells.

Search Licensed Drillers in Virginia

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How to Verify a Driller

Ask for their DPOR certification number (Trainee, Journeyman, or Master level)
Verify at DPOR License Verification or call (804) 367-8595
Check that they have appropriate insurance
Get 2-3 written quotes with detailed breakdowns
Ask for references from recent jobs in your area

Important

Only a Master-level certified provider must be on-site during well drilling or alteration work (as of July 1, 2012). Verify the on-site supervisor's credentials before work begins.

Resources & Contacts

Virginia Department of Health (Private Well Program)

Permits, regulations, and water quality guidance

804-864-7491 Visit Website

DPOR Water Well Licensing

Verify licensed water well systems providers

804-367-8595 WaterWasteOper@dpor.virginia.gov Visit Website

Local VDH Health Departments

District offices issue permits and conduct inspections

Visit Website

VELAP Water Testing Labs

Certified laboratories for water quality testing

Visit Website

Key Regulatory References

12VAC5-630 – Virginia Private Well Regulations
Code of Virginia §54.1-1129 – Licensed drillers required
Code of Virginia §54.1-1129.1 – Certification of water well systems providers

Frequently Asked Questions

A complete well system in Virginia typically costs $5,000–$15,000 for a household well, depending on depth and geology. Costs include drilling ($15–$30/ft), pump ($1,000–$2,500), pressure tank ($700–$1,500), VDH permit ($300), and water testing ($25–$50). Deeper wells in hard rock areas cost more.

Yes. Virginia requires a construction permit from your local health department (VDH) before drilling any private drinking-water well. The permit fee is $300 statewide. You must also use a certified water well systems provider (licensed driller) to perform the work.

The complete process from permit application to potable water typically takes 4–8 weeks. Permit review takes 2–6 weeks, drilling takes 1–3 days, and water testing takes 1–2 weeks. Total timeline depends on health department workload and lab turnaround.

Common issues include bacteria, radon (Blue Ridge/Piedmont), arsenic (Triassic basins, north-central VA), iron/manganese (Valley and Ridge, Piedmont), nitrates (agricultural areas), and hard water (limestone regions). Testing for bacteria is mandatory; testing for other contaminants is strongly recommended.

Virginia requires certified water well systems providers for all drilling work. Verify licenses through DPOR at (804) 367-8595 or online at dpor.virginia.gov. Use the VDH service provider map or contact your local health department for referrals.

Are You a Licensed Driller?

Check out our compliance reference for Virginia drilling regulations, forms, and requirements.

Virginia Driller Compliance Guide →