Colorado Water Well
Drilling Cost
The average residential well in Colorado is 250 feet deep and costs $10,500 in 2026. Drilling rates range from $28 to $65 per foot, with total project costs varying based on depth, geology, and pump system.
Avg. Well Depth
250 ft
Cost / Foot
$28–$65
Total Project
$10,500
vs. National
40% above avg.
Colorado Well Drilling Cost by Depth
| Well Depth | Drilling Only | Complete System | Est. Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 ft | $2,800–$6,500 | $7,600–$11,300 | $9,000 |
| 150 ft | $4,200–$9,750 | $9,400–$14,950 | $11,500 |
| 200 ft | $5,600–$13,000 | $11,200–$18,600 | $14,000 |
| 300 ft | $8,400–$19,500 | $14,800–$25,900 | $19,000 |
| 400 ft | $11,200–$26,000 | $18,400–$33,200 | $24,000 |
| 500 ft | $14,000–$32,500 | $22,000–$40,500 | $29,000 |
*Drilling only = drilling labor per foot. Complete system includes casing, pump, pressure tank, electrical, and permits. Costs are Colorado estimates for 2026.
Colorado Well System Component Costs
| Service | Low | High | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Well Casing — PVC (250 ft) | $1,500 | $2,750 | $2,000 |
| Well Casing — Steel (250 ft) | $7,500 | $32,500 | $16,250 |
| Submersible Pump | $300 | $2,000 | $1,000 |
| Pressure Tank | $500 | $2,000 | $1,100 |
| Electrical Hookup | $1,000 | $3,000 | $1,800 |
| Permits | $200 | $600 | Varies |
| Water Quality Testing | $50 | $500 | $200 |
*Component costs based on Colorado average well depth of 250 ft. Steel casing is typically required for bedrock wells; PVC is used in unconsolidated formations.
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Itemized Cost Estimate
This estimate is 76% above the Colorado average of $10,500
Estimates are approximate. Actual costs depend on site conditions and contractor pricing.
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Colorado Geology & Aquifers
Colorado's Front Range sits atop the Denver Basin aquifer system with interbedded sandstone and shale layers. The Eastern Plains overlie the Ogallala Formation's sand and gravel, while the Western Slope taps fractured crystalline rock and sedimentary formations.
Understanding your local geology is important because rock type directly affects drilling cost. Hard crystalline rock (granite, gneiss) costs more to penetrate than soft sedimentary formations (sandstone, limestone) or unconsolidated deposits (sand, gravel). Your well driller can estimate costs based on nearby well logs.
Primary Aquifer
Denver Basin Aquifer System / Ogallala (High Plains) Aquifer
Water table depth: 50-400 feet along the Front Range; 100-500 feet on the Eastern Plains; highly variable in mountain regions
Best Drilling Season
April through October in most areas; mountain locations limited to June through September
Population on well water: Approximately 18% of Colorado households rely on domestic wells, primarily in unincorporated areas along the Front Range and in mountain communities
Why Well Depth Varies in Colorado
Wells in Colorado range from 50 to 700 feet deep. The wide range is driven by regional differences in geology, water table depth, and aquifer type. A well in one part of the state may cost significantly more or less than another area just 50 miles away.
50 ft
Shallowest typical wells
Usually in areas with high water tables, sandy soils, or alluvial aquifers near rivers
250 ft
State average depth
Typical residential well for most Colorado locations
700 ft
Deepest typical wells
Usually in arid areas, mountain terrain, or where shallow aquifers are depleted
Colorado Well Drilling Permits & Regulations
Colorado requires all water well contractors to be licensed by the State Board of Examiners of Water Well Construction and Pump Installation Contractors. No homeowner exemption exists.
Permit Authority
- Authority
- Colorado Division of Water Resources (State Engineer's Office); every well requires a permit before drilling
- Permit Cost
- $200-$600
Water Rights
- Doctrine
- Prior Appropriation; Colorado is the strictest Prior Appropriation state — all groundwater use requires a decree or permit, and exempt well status has been significantly restricted
Well Water Quality in Colorado
Well water quality in Colorado varies by location and aquifer type. Testing your water at least annually is recommended, and a comprehensive test should be done before using a new well.
Common Water Quality Issues
uranium
Treatment: reverse osmosis or ion exchange system
radon
Treatment: aeration or granular activated carbon system
arsenic
Treatment: reverse osmosis or adsorption media filter
iron
Treatment: iron filter or oxidation system
manganese
Treatment: oxidation filter or greensand system
selenium
Treatment: appropriate treatment system
Testing Recommendations
- Before first use: Full panel including bacteria, nitrates, pH, and state-specific contaminants ($150–$500)
- Annually: Bacteria (coliform) and nitrate testing at minimum ($50–$100)
- After flooding or repairs: Bacteria test to confirm well integrity ($25–$50)
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Well Drilling Costs by City in Colorado
Well drilling costs vary by location within Colorado. Select a city for local pricing details.
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