Mississippi Water Well
Drilling Cost
The average residential well in Mississippi is 140 feet deep and costs $4,900 in 2026. Drilling rates range from $22 to $50 per foot, with total project costs varying based on depth, geology, and pump system.
Avg. Well Depth
140 ft
Cost / Foot
$22–$50
Total Project
$4,900
vs. National
35% below avg.
Mississippi Well Drilling Cost by Depth
| Well Depth | Drilling Only | Complete System | Est. Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 ft | $2,200–$5,000 | $7,000–$9,800 | $8,300 |
| 150 ft | $3,300–$7,500 | $8,500–$12,700 | $10,450 |
| 200 ft | $4,400–$10,000 | $10,000–$15,600 | $12,600 |
| 300 ft | $6,600–$15,000 | $13,000–$21,400 | $16,900 |
| 400 ft | $8,800–$20,000 | $16,000–$27,200 | $21,200 |
| 500 ft | $11,000–$25,000 | $19,000–$33,000 | $25,500 |
*Drilling only = drilling labor per foot. Complete system includes casing, pump, pressure tank, electrical, and permits. Costs are Mississippi estimates for 2026.
Mississippi Well System Component Costs
| Service | Low | High | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Well Casing — PVC (140 ft) | $840 | $1,540 | $1,120 |
| Well Casing — Steel (140 ft) | $4,200 | $18,200 | $9,100 |
| 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 Mississippi average well depth of 140 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 152% above the Mississippi average of $4,900
Estimates are approximate. Actual costs depend on site conditions and contractor pricing.
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Mississippi Geology & Aquifers
Mississippi lies within the Gulf Coastal Plain with thick unconsolidated sediments — sand, gravel, silt, and clay — deposited by ancient river systems. The Mississippi Alluvial Plain in the Delta provides extremely productive shallow aquifers, while the eastern hills have deeper Tertiary-age sand 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
Mississippi River Valley Alluvial Aquifer / Mississippi Embayment Aquifer System
Water table depth: 15-60 feet in the Delta alluvial plain; 50-300 feet in eastern Mississippi's Tertiary formations
Best Drilling Season
Year-round; mild winters allow continuous operations, though spring flooding in the Delta can restrict access
Population on well water: About 18% of Mississippi households use private wells, with the highest rates in rural areas of the northeast hills and Pine Belt
Why Well Depth Varies in Mississippi
Wells in Mississippi range from 30 to 400 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.
30 ft
Shallowest typical wells
Usually in areas with high water tables, sandy soils, or alluvial aquifers near rivers
140 ft
State average depth
Typical residential well for most Mississippi locations
400 ft
Deepest typical wells
Usually in arid areas, mountain terrain, or where shallow aquifers are depleted
Mississippi Well Drilling Permits & Regulations
Mississippi requires water well drillers to be licensed through the Mississippi State Board of Health. Licensed drillers must pass an examination and maintain their license.
Permit Authority
- Authority
- Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) and Mississippi State Department of Health
- Permit Cost
- $25-$100
Water Rights
- Doctrine
- Reasonable Use (the Mississippi Water Resources Act provides a regulatory framework but generally does not restrict domestic well use)
Well Water Quality in Mississippi
Well water quality in Mississippi 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
iron
Treatment: iron filter or oxidation system
manganese
Treatment: oxidation filter or greensand system
hardness
Treatment: water softener
hydrogen sulfide
Treatment: aeration system or chlorine injection
elevated sodium and chloride at depth
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 Mississippi
Well drilling costs vary by location within Mississippi. Select a city for local pricing details.
+ 3 more cities in Mississippi. View all
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