New Jersey Water Well
Drilling Cost
The average residential well in New Jersey is 180 feet deep and costs $8,460 in 2026. Drilling rates range from $30 to $68 per foot, with total project costs varying based on depth, geology, and pump system.
Avg. Well Depth
180 ft
Cost / Foot
$30–$68
Total Project
$8,460
vs. National
13% above avg.
New Jersey Well Drilling Cost by Depth
| Well Depth | Drilling Only | Complete System | Est. Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 ft | $3,000–$6,800 | $7,800–$11,600 | $9,500 |
| 150 ft | $4,500–$10,200 | $9,700–$15,400 | $12,250 |
| 200 ft | $6,000–$13,600 | $11,600–$19,200 | $15,000 |
| 300 ft | $9,000–$20,400 | $15,400–$26,800 | $20,500 |
| 400 ft | $12,000–$27,200 | $19,200–$34,400 | $26,000 |
| 500 ft | $15,000–$34,000 | $23,000–$42,000 | $31,500 |
*Drilling only = drilling labor per foot. Complete system includes casing, pump, pressure tank, electrical, and permits. Costs are New Jersey estimates for 2026.
New Jersey 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 | $500 | Varies |
| Water Quality Testing | $50 | $500 | $200 |
*Component costs based on New Jersey 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 72% above the New Jersey average of $8,460
Estimates are approximate. Actual costs depend on site conditions and contractor pricing.
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New Jersey Geology & Aquifers
New Jersey is divided by the fall line: the northern Highlands and Piedmont have igneous and metamorphic bedrock yielding water through fractures, while the southern Coastal Plain has unconsolidated sand, gravel, and clay formations with more predictable aquifers.
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
Coastal Plain Aquifer System (Kirkwood-Cohansey, Atlantic City 800-Foot Sand) / Highland Crystalline Rock Aquifers
Water table depth: 10-50 feet in the Pine Barrens; 50-200 feet in the northern Piedmont; 100-400 feet for confined Coastal Plain aquifers
Best Drilling Season
March through November; the diverse terrain allows some year-round drilling in the southern Coastal Plain
Population on well water: About 13% of New Jersey households use private wells, primarily in the Pine Barrens, Sussex County, and other rural areas
Why Well Depth Varies in New Jersey
Wells in New Jersey range from 50 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.
50 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 New Jersey locations
500 ft
Deepest typical wells
Usually in arid areas, mountain terrain, or where shallow aquifers are depleted
New Jersey Well Drilling Permits & Regulations
New Jersey requires all well drillers to be licensed by NJDEP. The program includes written and practical examinations. No homeowner drilling exemption.
Permit Authority
- Authority
- New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), Bureau of Water Allocation; county and local health departments also issue permits
- Permit Cost
- $100-$500
Water Rights
- Doctrine
- Reasonable Use regulated under the Water Supply Management Act (permits required for withdrawals exceeding 100,000 gallons per day)
Well Water Quality in New Jersey
Well water quality in New Jersey 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
mercury
Treatment: appropriate treatment system
volatile organic compounds
Treatment: appropriate treatment system
PFAS
Treatment: appropriate treatment system
radium
Treatment: water softener or reverse osmosis
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 New Jersey
Well drilling costs vary by location within New Jersey. Select a city for local pricing details.
Newark
NJ
Jersey City
NJ
Trenton
NJ
Princeton
NJ
Cherry Hill
NJ
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New Jersey Well Drilling FAQ
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