Montana Water Well
Drilling Cost
The average residential well in Montana is 180 feet deep and costs $7,560 in 2026. Drilling rates range from $28 to $62 per foot, with total project costs varying based on depth, geology, and pump system.
Avg. Well Depth
180 ft
Cost / Foot
$28–$62
Total Project
$7,560
vs. National
Near average
Montana Well Drilling Cost by Depth
| Well Depth | Drilling Only | Complete System | Est. Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 ft | $2,800–$6,200 | $7,600–$11,000 | $9,000 |
| 150 ft | $4,200–$9,300 | $9,400–$14,500 | $11,500 |
| 200 ft | $5,600–$12,400 | $11,200–$18,000 | $14,000 |
| 300 ft | $8,400–$18,600 | $14,800–$25,000 | $19,000 |
| 400 ft | $11,200–$24,800 | $18,400–$32,000 | $24,000 |
| 500 ft | $14,000–$31,000 | $22,000–$39,000 | $29,000 |
*Drilling only = drilling labor per foot. Complete system includes casing, pump, pressure tank, electrical, and permits. Costs are Montana estimates for 2026.
Montana Well System Component Costs
| Service | Low | High | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Well Casing — PVC (180 ft) | $1,080 | $1,980 | $1,440 |
| Well Casing — Steel (180 ft) | $5,400 | $23,400 | $11,700 |
| Submersible Pump | $300 | $2,000 | $1,000 |
| Pressure Tank | $500 | $2,000 | $1,100 |
| Electrical Hookup | $1,000 | $3,000 | $1,800 |
| Permits | $100 | $300 | Varies |
| Water Quality Testing | $50 | $500 | $200 |
*Component costs based on Montana average well depth of 180 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 93% above the Montana average of $7,560
Estimates are approximate. Actual costs depend on site conditions and contractor pricing.
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Montana Geology & Aquifers
Montana's eastern Great Plains have thick alluvial and glacial deposits overlying the Fox Hills-Hell Creek and Fort Union sandstone aquifers. Western Montana's mountain valleys have productive alluvial aquifers in river gravels, flanked by crystalline rock of the northern Rockies.
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
Fox Hills-Hell Creek Aquifer / Judith River Formation / Mountain Valley Alluvial Aquifers
Water table depth: 30-150 feet in eastern Montana; 20-200 feet in western mountain valleys
Best Drilling Season
May through October; harsh winters and frozen ground significantly limit drilling in most of the state
Population on well water: About 30% of Montana households use private wells, one of the highest rates nationally, reflecting the state's vast rural landscapes
Why Well Depth Varies in Montana
Wells in Montana 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
180 ft
State average depth
Typical residential well for most Montana locations
500 ft
Deepest typical wells
Usually in arid areas, mountain terrain, or where shallow aquifers are depleted
Montana Well Drilling Permits & Regulations
Montana requires water well drillers and monitoring well drillers to be licensed by the Montana Board of Water Well Contractors. No homeowner self-drilling exemption.
Permit Authority
- Authority
- Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC); all wells must obtain a water right or qualify for an exempt appropriation
- Permit Cost
- $100-$300
Water Rights
- Doctrine
- Prior Appropriation; exempt wells (domestic use under 35 gpm) can be drilled without a full appropriation but must be registered with DNRC
Well Water Quality in Montana
Well water quality in Montana 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
arsenic
Treatment: reverse osmosis or adsorption media filter
iron
Treatment: iron filter or oxidation system
manganese
Treatment: oxidation filter or greensand system
nitrate
Treatment: reverse osmosis or ion exchange system
uranium
Treatment: reverse osmosis or ion exchange system
sodium in some eastern formations
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 Montana
Well drilling costs vary by location within Montana. Select a city for local pricing details.
Billings
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Missoula
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Great Falls
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Bozeman
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Helena
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+ 5 more cities in Montana. View all
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