Arkansas Water Well
Drilling Cost
The average residential well in Arkansas is 165 feet deep and costs $6,105 in 2026. Drilling rates range from $25 to $55 per foot, with total project costs varying based on depth, geology, and pump system.
Avg. Well Depth
165 ft
Cost / Foot
$25–$55
Total Project
$6,105
vs. National
19% below avg.
Arkansas Well Drilling Cost by Depth
| Well Depth | Drilling Only | Complete System | Est. Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 ft | $2,500–$5,500 | $7,300–$10,300 | $8,500 |
| 150 ft | $3,750–$8,250 | $8,950–$13,450 | $10,750 |
| 200 ft | $5,000–$11,000 | $10,600–$16,600 | $13,000 |
| 300 ft | $7,500–$16,500 | $13,900–$22,900 | $17,500 |
| 400 ft | $10,000–$22,000 | $17,200–$29,200 | $22,000 |
| 500 ft | $12,500–$27,500 | $20,500–$35,500 | $26,500 |
*Drilling only = drilling labor per foot. Complete system includes casing, pump, pressure tank, electrical, and permits. Costs are Arkansas estimates for 2026.
Arkansas Well System Component Costs
| Service | Low | High | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Well Casing — PVC (165 ft) | $990 | $1,815 | $1,320 |
| Well Casing — Steel (165 ft) | $4,950 | $21,450 | $10,725 |
| 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 Arkansas average well depth of 165 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 125% above the Arkansas average of $6,105
Estimates are approximate. Actual costs depend on site conditions and contractor pricing.
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Arkansas Geology & Aquifers
Eastern Arkansas sits atop the Mississippi Alluvial Plain with thick deposits of sand, gravel, and clay that yield productive shallow wells. The Ozark Plateau in the northwest has karst limestone and dolomite terrain with more variable groundwater access.
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 / Ozark Aquifer
Water table depth: 20-80 feet in the Delta region; 100-500 feet in the Ozarks and Ouachita Mountains
Best Drilling Season
March through November; spring flooding in the Delta can delay access to drill sites
Population on well water: About 20% of Arkansas residents depend on private wells, especially in the Ozark and Ouachita mountain regions
Why Well Depth Varies in Arkansas
Wells in Arkansas 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
165 ft
State average depth
Typical residential well for most Arkansas locations
500 ft
Deepest typical wells
Usually in arid areas, mountain terrain, or where shallow aquifers are depleted
Arkansas Well Drilling Permits & Regulations
Arkansas requires water well drillers to be licensed through the Arkansas Department of Health. Homeowners may drill their own wells on their property but must meet construction standards.
Permit Authority
- Authority
- Arkansas Natural Resources Commission (ANRC); registration required for all non-domestic wells
- Permit Cost
- $25-$100
Water Rights
- Doctrine
- Reasonable Use (transitioning to a regulated riparian system for some areas)
Well Water Quality in Arkansas
Well water quality in Arkansas 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 chloride in deeper 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 Arkansas
Well drilling costs vary by location within Arkansas. Select a city for local pricing details.
Little Rock
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Fayetteville
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Fort Smith
AR
Bentonville
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Jonesboro
AR
+ 5 more cities in Arkansas. View all
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