New Hampshire Water Well
Drilling Cost
The average residential well in New Hampshire is 300 feet deep and costs $14,400 in 2026. Drilling rates range from $30 to $70 per foot, with total project costs varying based on depth, geology, and pump system.
Avg. Well Depth
300 ft
Cost / Foot
$30–$70
Total Project
$14,400
vs. National
92% above avg.
New Hampshire Well Drilling Cost by Depth
| Well Depth | Drilling Only | Complete System | Est. Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 ft | $3,000–$7,000 | $7,800–$11,800 | $9,600 |
| 150 ft | $4,500–$10,500 | $9,700–$15,700 | $12,400 |
| 200 ft | $6,000–$14,000 | $11,600–$19,600 | $15,200 |
| 300 ft | $9,000–$21,000 | $15,400–$27,400 | $20,800 |
| 400 ft | $12,000–$28,000 | $19,200–$35,200 | $26,400 |
| 500 ft | $15,000–$35,000 | $23,000–$43,000 | $32,000 |
*Drilling only = drilling labor per foot. Complete system includes casing, pump, pressure tank, electrical, and permits. Costs are New Hampshire estimates for 2026.
New Hampshire Well System Component Costs
| Service | Low | High | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Well Casing — PVC (300 ft) | $1,800 | $3,300 | $2,400 |
| Well Casing — Steel (300 ft) | $9,000 | $39,000 | $19,500 |
| Submersible Pump | $300 | $2,000 | $1,000 |
| Pressure Tank | $500 | $2,000 | $1,100 |
| Electrical Hookup | $1,000 | $3,000 | $1,800 |
| Permits | $75 | $300 | Varies |
| Water Quality Testing | $50 | $500 | $200 |
*Component costs based on New Hampshire average well depth of 300 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 47% above the New Hampshire average of $14,400
Estimates are approximate. Actual costs depend on site conditions and contractor pricing.
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New Hampshire Geology & Aquifers
New Hampshire's bedrock is primarily Paleozoic and Mesozoic granite, gneiss, and schist that yield water only through fractures, making well yields variable and sometimes unpredictable. Glacial sand and gravel in river valleys provide better yields where available, but most residential wells are drilled into bedrock.
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
Fractured Crystalline Bedrock Aquifers / Stratified Drift Aquifers
Water table depth: 50-150 feet in valley sand and gravel; 100-600+ feet in bedrock, depending on fracture zones
Best Drilling Season
April through November; granite bedrock makes winter drilling possible but access roads may be impassable
Population on well water: About 46% of New Hampshire households use private wells — the second-highest rate in the nation, after Vermont
Why Well Depth Varies in New Hampshire
Wells in New Hampshire range from 100 to 700 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.
100 ft
Shallowest typical wells
Usually in areas with high water tables, sandy soils, or alluvial aquifers near rivers
300 ft
State average depth
Typical residential well for most New Hampshire locations
700 ft
Deepest typical wells
Usually in arid areas, mountain terrain, or where shallow aquifers are depleted
New Hampshire Well Drilling Permits & Regulations
New Hampshire requires all water well contractors to be licensed by NHDES. The licensing program includes testing and continuing education. No homeowner drilling is permitted.
Permit Authority
- Authority
- New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES), Water Division
- Permit Cost
- $75-$300
Water Rights
- Doctrine
- Reasonable Use
Well Water Quality in New Hampshire
Well water quality in New Hampshire 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
radon
Treatment: aeration or granular activated carbon system
uranium
Treatment: reverse osmosis or ion exchange system
manganese
Treatment: oxidation filter or greensand system
MTBE
Treatment: appropriate treatment system
PFAS
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 New Hampshire
Well drilling costs vary by location within New Hampshire. Select a city for local pricing details.
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New Hampshire Well Drilling FAQ
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