Tennessee Water Well
Drilling Cost
The average residential well in Tennessee is 222 feet deep and costs $8,880 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
222 ft
Cost / Foot
$28–$58
Total Project
$8,880
vs. National
18% above avg.
Tennessee 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 Tennessee estimates for 2026.
Tennessee Well System Component Costs
| Service | Low | High | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Well Casing — PVC (222 ft) | $1,332 | $2,442 | $1,776 |
| Well Casing — Steel (222 ft) | $6,660 | $28,860 | $14,430 |
| Submersible Pump | $300 | $2,000 | $1,000 |
| Pressure Tank | $500 | $2,000 | $1,100 |
| Electrical Hookup | $1,000 | $3,000 | $1,800 |
| Permits | $50 | $200 | Varies |
| Water Quality Testing | $50 | $500 | $200 |
*Component costs based on Tennessee average well depth of 222 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 90% above the Tennessee average of $8,880
Estimates are approximate. Actual costs depend on site conditions and contractor pricing.
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Tennessee Geology & Aquifers
Tennessee's geology varies dramatically from the Unaka Mountains' crystalline rock in the east to the Nashville Basin's Ordovician limestone in the center and the Coastal Plain's unconsolidated sand and gravel in the west. The Highland Rim surrounding Nashville has thick chert-bearing limestone that yields moderate well production.
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 Embayment Aquifer System (western TN) / Highland Rim Carbonate Aquifers / Crystalline Rock Aquifers (eastern TN)
Water table depth: 30-100 feet in west Tennessee; 80-300 feet in the Central Basin and Highland Rim; 100-500 feet in the eastern mountains
Best Drilling Season
Year-round in the lowlands; March through November in the eastern mountains
Population on well water: About 20% of Tennessee households use private wells, with the highest rates in the rural Highland Rim and eastern mountain counties
Why Well Depth Varies in Tennessee
Wells in Tennessee range from 60 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.
60 ft
Shallowest typical wells
Usually in areas with high water tables, sandy soils, or alluvial aquifers near rivers
222 ft
State average depth
Typical residential well for most Tennessee locations
500 ft
Deepest typical wells
Usually in arid areas, mountain terrain, or where shallow aquifers are depleted
Tennessee Well Drilling Permits & Regulations
Tennessee requires water well drillers to be licensed by TDEC. Separate licenses exist for drilling, pump installation, and monitoring well construction. No homeowner exemption.
Permit Authority
- Authority
- Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), Division of Water Resources
- Permit Cost
- $50-$200
Water Rights
- Doctrine
- Reasonable Use (with a registration requirement for withdrawals exceeding 10,000 gallons per day)
Well Water Quality in Tennessee
Well water quality in Tennessee 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 in limestone
Treatment: aeration system or chlorine injection
bacteria in karst areas
Treatment: UV disinfection or chlorination system
radon in eastern crystalline rock
Treatment: aeration or granular activated carbon 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 Tennessee
Well drilling costs vary by location within Tennessee. Select a city for local pricing details.
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