Massachusetts Water Well
Drilling Cost
The average residential well in Massachusetts is 270 feet deep and costs $13,500 in 2026. Drilling rates range from $32 to $72 per foot, with total project costs varying based on depth, geology, and pump system.
Avg. Well Depth
270 ft
Cost / Foot
$32–$72
Total Project
$13,500
vs. National
80% above avg.
Massachusetts Well Drilling Cost by Depth
| Well Depth | Drilling Only | Complete System | Est. Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 ft | $3,200–$7,200 | $8,000–$12,000 | $9,800 |
| 150 ft | $4,800–$10,800 | $10,000–$16,000 | $12,700 |
| 200 ft | $6,400–$14,400 | $12,000–$20,000 | $15,600 |
| 300 ft | $9,600–$21,600 | $16,000–$28,000 | $21,400 |
| 400 ft | $12,800–$28,800 | $20,000–$36,000 | $27,200 |
| 500 ft | $16,000–$36,000 | $24,000–$44,000 | $33,000 |
*Drilling only = drilling labor per foot. Complete system includes casing, pump, pressure tank, electrical, and permits. Costs are Massachusetts estimates for 2026.
Massachusetts Well System Component Costs
| Service | Low | High | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Well Casing — PVC (270 ft) | $1,620 | $2,970 | $2,160 |
| Well Casing — Steel (270 ft) | $8,100 | $35,100 | $17,550 |
| Submersible Pump | $300 | $2,000 | $1,000 |
| Pressure Tank | $500 | $2,000 | $1,100 |
| Electrical Hookup | $1,000 | $3,000 | $1,800 |
| Permits | $100 | $500 | Varies |
| Water Quality Testing | $50 | $500 | $200 |
*Component costs based on Massachusetts average well depth of 270 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 45% above the Massachusetts average of $13,500
Estimates are approximate. Actual costs depend on site conditions and contractor pricing.
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Massachusetts Geology & Aquifers
Massachusetts bedrock is primarily crystalline igneous and metamorphic rock — granite, gneiss, and schist — that requires wells to intersect water-bearing fractures. Cape Cod and the Islands rest on glacial outwash sand and gravel, providing productive shallow wells.
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
Fractured Crystalline Bedrock Aquifers / Cape Cod Glacial Outwash Aquifer
Water table depth: 15-50 feet on Cape Cod; 80-300 feet in bedrock areas of central and western Massachusetts
Best Drilling Season
April through November; deep frost and rocky ground make winter drilling difficult and expensive
Population on well water: About 20% of Massachusetts households use private wells, primarily in central and western Massachusetts and on Cape Cod
Why Well Depth Varies in Massachusetts
Wells in Massachusetts range from 80 to 600 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.
80 ft
Shallowest typical wells
Usually in areas with high water tables, sandy soils, or alluvial aquifers near rivers
270 ft
State average depth
Typical residential well for most Massachusetts locations
600 ft
Deepest typical wells
Usually in arid areas, mountain terrain, or where shallow aquifers are depleted
Massachusetts Well Drilling Permits & Regulations
Massachusetts requires water well drillers to hold a permit from MassDEP. Only registered well drillers may construct water supply wells. No homeowner exception.
Permit Authority
- Authority
- Local Boards of Health issue well permits under Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) regulations
- Permit Cost
- $100-$500
Water Rights
- Doctrine
- Reasonable Use (regulated through the Water Management Act for large withdrawals exceeding 100,000 gallons per day)
Well Water Quality in Massachusetts
Well water quality in Massachusetts 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
radon
Treatment: aeration or granular activated carbon system
arsenic
Treatment: reverse osmosis or adsorption media filter
uranium
Treatment: reverse osmosis or ion exchange system
manganese
Treatment: oxidation filter or greensand system
iron
Treatment: iron filter or oxidation system
PFAS contamination
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 Massachusetts
Well drilling costs vary by location within Massachusetts. Select a city for local pricing details.
+ 3 more cities in Massachusetts. View all
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Massachusetts Well Drilling FAQ
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