Iowa Water Well
Drilling Cost
The average residential well in Iowa is 175 feet deep and costs $7,000 in 2026. Drilling rates range from $28 to $58 per foot, with total project costs varying based on depth, geology, and pump system.
Avg. Well Depth
175 ft
Cost / Foot
$28–$58
Total Project
$7,000
vs. National
Near average
Iowa Well Drilling Cost by Depth
| Well Depth | Drilling Only | Complete System | Est. Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 ft | $2,800–$5,800 | $7,600–$10,600 | $8,800 |
| 150 ft | $4,200–$8,700 | $9,400–$13,900 | $11,200 |
| 200 ft | $5,600–$11,600 | $11,200–$17,200 | $13,600 |
| 300 ft | $8,400–$17,400 | $14,800–$23,800 | $18,400 |
| 400 ft | $11,200–$23,200 | $18,400–$30,400 | $23,200 |
| 500 ft | $14,000–$29,000 | $22,000–$37,000 | $28,000 |
*Drilling only = drilling labor per foot. Complete system includes casing, pump, pressure tank, electrical, and permits. Costs are Iowa estimates for 2026.
Iowa Well System Component Costs
| Service | Low | High | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Well Casing — PVC (175 ft) | $1,050 | $1,925 | $1,400 |
| Well Casing — Steel (175 ft) | $5,250 | $22,750 | $11,375 |
| Submersible Pump | $300 | $2,000 | $1,000 |
| Pressure Tank | $500 | $2,000 | $1,100 |
| Electrical Hookup | $1,000 | $3,000 | $1,800 |
| Permits | $25 | $100 | Varies |
| Water Quality Testing | $50 | $500 | $200 |
*Component costs based on Iowa average well depth of 175 ft. Steel casing is typically required for bedrock wells; PVC is used in unconsolidated formations.
Estimate Your Well Drilling Cost in Iowa
Well Drilling Cost Calculator
Adjust the inputs to estimate your project cost
Itemized Cost Estimate
This estimate is 104% above the Iowa average of $7,000
Estimates are approximate. Actual costs depend on site conditions and contractor pricing.
Get Free Well Drilling Quotes in Iowa
Compare prices from licensed IA well drillers near you.
Iowa Geology & Aquifers
Iowa's glacial drift covers most of the state with till, loess, and buried channel sands and gravels that provide productive shallow aquifers. Deeper wells tap the Jordan Sandstone and other Cambrian-Ordovician formations, which produce reliable but sometimes mineralized water.
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
Jordan Sandstone Aquifer / Glacial Drift Aquifers / Dakota Aquifer (western Iowa)
Water table depth: 30-100 feet in alluvial and glacial deposits; 150-1,000 feet for deep bedrock aquifers
Best Drilling Season
April through November; spring flooding on Iowa's rivers can delay access to bottomland sites
Population on well water: Approximately 21% of Iowa households use private wells, with the highest rates in farming communities across northern and western Iowa
Why Well Depth Varies in Iowa
Wells in Iowa range from 40 to 500 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.
40 ft
Shallowest typical wells
Usually in areas with high water tables, sandy soils, or alluvial aquifers near rivers
175 ft
State average depth
Typical residential well for most Iowa locations
500 ft
Deepest typical wells
Usually in arid areas, mountain terrain, or where shallow aquifers are depleted
Iowa Well Drilling Permits & Regulations
Iowa requires water well contractors to be certified by Iowa DNR. The state allows homeowner drilling for domestic wells on their own property, provided they follow well construction standards and register the well.
Permit Authority
- Authority
- Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR); county well permits may be required locally
- Permit Cost
- $25-$100
Water Rights
- Doctrine
- Reasonable Use with a permit system for withdrawals exceeding 25,000 gallons per day
Well Water Quality in Iowa
Well water quality in Iowa 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
nitrate
Treatment: reverse osmosis or ion exchange system
coliform bacteria
Treatment: UV disinfection or chlorination system
hardness
Treatment: water softener
iron
Treatment: iron filter or oxidation system
manganese
Treatment: oxidation filter or greensand system
atrazine and other herbicides
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)
Get Free Well Drilling Quotes in Iowa
Compare prices from licensed IA well drillers near you.
Well Drilling Costs by City in Iowa
Well drilling costs vary by location within Iowa. Select a city for local pricing details.
+ 3 more cities in Iowa. View all
Find Well Drillers in Iowa
We're expanding our directory of licensed well drillers in Iowa. Browse the current listings or get matched with local pros instantly.
Are you a well driller? Add your business for free →
Iowa Well Drilling FAQ
How deep do I need to drill a well in Iowa?
Do I need a permit to drill a well in Iowa?
What is the water quality like from wells in Iowa?
What type of well is best for Iowa?
How long does it take to drill a well in Iowa?
Get Free Well Drilling Quotes in Iowa
Compare up to 3 competitive quotes from licensed well drillers in IA. Free, no-obligation estimates.
- Licensed & insured IA well drillers
- Matched to your area & property
- Compare prices before you commit
Get Free Well Drilling Quotes in Iowa
100% free · No obligation · Licensed & insured pros