Well Drilling Costs in Wyoming
A complete private well system in Wyoming typically costs $10,000–$25,000, 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. Some Wyoming contractors offer "first 100 ft fixed price" packages, then charge per-foot rates for deeper drilling. Mountain areas often have harder rock requiring more time.
Timeline: From Decision to Drinking Water
Expect 3–6 weeks from your first call to potable water. SEO permitting is usually quick (1–2 weeks for domestic wells).
Permits & Process
Permit Required
Wyoming law (W.S. 41-3-930) requires a water rights permit from the State Engineer's Office before drilling any groundwater well. This applies to all wells, including domestic and stock wells.
Step-by-Step Process
- Engage a licensed driller. Wyoming law (W.S. 33-42-101) requires licensed water-well contractors for all drilling work.
- File Form U.W.5. Submit an Application for Permit to Appropriate Groundwater to the State Engineer's Office. Your driller can help with this.
- Wait for approval. Domestic/stock well permits typically take 1–2 weeks to process.
- Call 811 for utility locates. Required before drilling begins.
- Drilling begins. Contractor drills to Wyoming's 2011 Water Well Minimum Construction Standards (casing, grouting, sealing).
- Install pump and equipment. Submersible pump, pressure tank, pitless adapter, and plumbing connections.
- Disinfect the well. Chlorination per SEO standards, flush thoroughly.
- File Statement of Completion (Form U.W.6). Driller or owner must file within 60 days of completion.
- Test water quality. Collect samples and have them analyzed by a certified lab.
Who Does What?
Driller Handles:
- Assisting with permit paperwork
- Drilling to state standards
- Installing casing and grouting
- Initial disinfection
- Filing Statement of Completion (U.W.6)
Homeowner Handles:
- Submitting Form U.W.5 (or authorizing driller)
- Payment
- Water quality testing coordination
- Above-ground plumbing connections
- Record keeping
Online System
Wyoming offers an e-Permit system at seoweb.wyo.gov/e-Permit for submitting applications and completion statements online.
Water Quality
Important
Wyoming does not mandate water testing for private wells by law. However, Wyoming DEQ strongly recommends regular testing. Many contaminants are invisible, tasteless, and odorless.
Recommended Testing Schedule
- Annually: Bacteria (coliform/E. coli) and nitrates
- Every 3-5 years: Full chemical analysis (arsenic, metals, sulfate, TDS)
- After any event: Flooding, pump servicing, water taste/odor/color changes
- Before real estate transactions: Full water quality panel
Common Wyoming Water Quality Issues
Bacteria & Nitrates
Most common on agricultural plains. Caused by livestock waste, septic leakage, or surface runoff. Test annually for coliform, E. coli, and nitrates.
Arsenic
Found naturally in some Wyoming aquifers, especially in the Laramie Range foothills and Intermontane basins. Can exceed 10 µg/L EPA standard. Test every 3–5 years.
Hard Water & Minerals
Typical statewide. High calcium/magnesium causes scale. Some areas have elevated selenium, uranium, or radon. Iron/manganese staining is common.
Testing Costs
- Basic bacteria + nitrates: ~$150–$200
- Full chemical panel: ~$250–$400
- Certified labs: Use EPA Region 8-certified labs (see Wyoming Dept. of Health or county health departments)
Testing Resources
Teton County Health Department offers free/low-cost testing kits (307-732-8490). Other county health departments may have similar programs. The Wyoming Public Health Lab in Cheyenne also provides certified drinking water analysis (307-777-6925).
Maintenance & Troubleshooting
Annual Maintenance Checklist
- Test water for bacteria and nitrates
- Inspect wellhead cap and seal for cracks/damage
- Check pressure tank gauge (30-50 psi typical)
- Keep area around well clean (no livestock, chemicals within 100 ft)
- Shock chlorinate if recommended or after contamination
Warning Signs of Well Problems
- Sudden drop in water pressure or flow rate
- Pump running continuously or cycling frequently
- Cloudy, discolored, or odorous water
- Air sputtering from faucets
- New staining on fixtures (iron/manganese)
- Oil or gas odor in water
DIY vs. Professional
You can handle basic inspections, water testing, and filter changes yourself. Major repairs (pump replacement, casing work, depth changes) must be done by a licensed contractor per Wyoming law (W.S. 33-42-101).
Find a Licensed Driller
Wyoming law requires a licensed water well contractor for all well drilling and pump installation work.
Search Licensed Drillers in Wyoming
Find Drillers Near You →How to Verify a Driller
- Ask for their Wyoming license number
- Verify at Wyoming Contractor Search
- Check license is current (3-year renewal cycle)
- Get 2-3 written quotes for comparison
- Ask for references from recent jobs
Unlicensed Work
Only licensed contractors may drill or install pumps in Wyoming (W.S. 33-42-101). Unlicensed work is illegal and may void your water rights permit or cause groundwater contamination issues.
Resources & Contacts
Key Regulatory References
- W.S. 41-3-930 – Groundwater appropriation permits required
- W.S. 33-42-101 et seq. – Licensed drillers required
- Wyoming Water Well Minimum Construction Standards (2011) – State Engineer's construction rules
Frequently Asked Questions
A complete private well system in Wyoming typically costs $10,000–$25,000. Drilling costs average $15–$35 per foot (typical depth ~250 ft = $8,000–$15,000), plus pump ($1,000–$2,500), pressure tank ($500–$1,000), testing ($150–$400), and SEO permit fee (~$200–$300).
Yes. Wyoming law (W.S. 41-3-930) requires a water rights permit from the State Engineer's Office before drilling any groundwater well. You must file Form U.W.5 (Application for Permit to Appropriate Groundwater) before drilling begins. Processing typically takes 1–2 weeks for domestic/stock wells.
The complete process from planning to potable water typically takes 3–6 weeks. SEO permit approval takes 1–2 weeks, drilling takes 3–5 days, and water testing adds another 1–2 weeks. After completion, you have 60 days to file the Statement of Completion (Form U.W.6).
Wyoming does not mandate water testing for private wells by law, but it is strongly recommended by Wyoming DEQ. At minimum, test annually for bacteria (coliform/E. coli) and nitrates. Test for arsenic, metals, and other contaminants every 3–5 years or after any water quality change.
Wyoming law (W.S. 33-42-101) requires licensed contractors for all well drilling and pump installation work. Search the Wyoming Water Well Contractors Licensing Board database at wwcbcontractorsearch.wyo.gov to verify driller licenses. The SEO cannot recommend specific companies but maintains the contractor search system.
Are You a Licensed Driller?
Check out our compliance reference for Wyoming drilling regulations, forms, and requirements.
Wyoming Driller Compliance Guide →