Well Drilling Costs in Wisconsin
A complete private well system in Wisconsin typically costs $7,000–$15,000, depending on depth, geology, and equipment choices.
Timeline: From Decision to Drinking Water
Expect 1–2 weeks from your first call to potable water. Wisconsin's process is faster than many states.
Permits & Process
Required Permits
Wisconsin law requires advance notification to the DNR before drilling any new private well (Wis. Stat. § 281.34):
Required for all private wells
- Fee: $50.50 (non-refundable)
- Obtain online via GoWild or at license agents
- Must get notification number BEFORE drilling
- Keep receipt on site during drilling
Many counties require sanitary or well permits
- Check with county health department
- Fees vary by county (typically $50-$200)
- May include site inspection
- Required in "delegated" counties
Who Does What?
Driller Handles:
- Licensed drilling (required by law)
- Proper casing and grouting per NR 812
- Well disinfection (100 mg/L chlorine)
- Mandatory coliform water sample
- Filing Well Construction Report (within 30 days)
Homeowner Handles:
- Obtaining DNR notification number
- Getting county permits (if required)
- Payment to driller
- Ongoing water testing (annual)
- Well maintenance and record keeping
Water Quality
Recommended Testing Schedule
- Annually: Total coliform bacteria and nitrates
- Every 5 years: Arsenic and lead (arsenic annually if in northeast WI)
- After any event: Flooding, well repairs, taste/odor changes, nearby contamination
- Before use if pregnant/infant: Test immediately
Common Wisconsin Water Quality Issues
Arsenic
Naturally occurring, most prevalent in northeast counties (Outagamie, Winnebago, Door). Roughly 10-15% of statewide wells exceed the 10 ppb standard. Long-term exposure is carcinogenic.
Nitrates
About 10% of private wells exceed the 10 mg/L limit. Common in farming regions (southern and central WI). High nitrates are dangerous for infants ("blue baby syndrome").
Bacteria
Coliform/E. coli detected in ~23% of wells at some point. Shallow or fractured-rock wells (eastern dolomite aquifer) are especially vulnerable to surface contamination.
Iron & Manganese
Nearly all Wisconsin wells have some iron/manganese. Causes reddish-brown or black staining, metallic taste. Not a health hazard but often requires treatment.
Hard Water
Most Wisconsin wells are moderately to very hard (high calcium/magnesium). Causes soap scum and mineral buildup. Water softeners are common.
Radon
Radon in water is a concern in northern granite areas (north of La Crosse to Green Bay line). High radon levels are a lung cancer risk when water is used indoors.
Free Testing Program (WellTAP)
Wisconsin's Well Testing Access Program (WellTAP) offers free lab tests through local health departments for eligible homeowners (low income, children/pregnant residents). Contact your county health department to qualify.
Maintenance & Troubleshooting
Annual Maintenance Checklist
- Test water for coliform bacteria and nitrates
- Visually inspect well cap and seal (must be intact and airtight)
- Check pressure tank and pressure switch operation
- Ensure area around well drains away (grading)
- Keep chemicals, feed, and debris away from wellhead
- Test arsenic/lead every 5 years (annually in arsenic zones)
Warning Signs of Well Problems
- Sudden drop in water pressure or flow
- Pump running continuously or short-cycling
- Cloudy, discolored, or foul-smelling water
- Rotten egg odor (hydrogen sulfide)
- Air sputtering from faucets (gurgling)
- New staining on fixtures (iron/manganese)
- Any positive bacteria test result
Find a Licensed Driller
Wisconsin law requires a licensed water well driller for all well drilling work (NR 812.10).
Search Licensed Drillers in Wisconsin
Find Drillers Near You →How to Verify a Driller
- Ask for their Wisconsin DNR license number
- Verify at the DNR Licensed Driller Directory
- Check for proper licensing (driller AND pump installer if doing both)
- Get 2-3 written quotes with detailed scope
- Ask for references from recent jobs in your area
- Confirm they will handle DNR reporting
Resources & Contacts
Key Regulatory References
- Wisconsin Admin. Code NR 812 – Well Construction and Pump Installation standards
- Wis. Stat. § 281.34 – Well construction notification requirement
- Wis. Stat. § 280.15 – Driller licensing requirements
Certified Testing Labs
Always use DNR-certified laboratories for water testing. Major labs include:
- UW–Stevens Point Water & Environmental Analysis Lab (WEAL)
- Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene
- Contact your county health department for local certified labs
Frequently Asked Questions
Are You a Licensed Driller?
Check out our compliance reference for Wisconsin drilling regulations, forms, and requirements.
Wisconsin Driller Compliance Guide →