Oregon Water Well
Drilling Cost
The average residential well in Oregon is 200 feet deep and costs $8,400 in 2026. Drilling rates range from $28 to $65 per foot, with total project costs varying based on depth, geology, and pump system.
Avg. Well Depth
200 ft
Cost / Foot
$28–$65
Total Project
$8,400
vs. National
12% above avg.
Oregon Well Drilling Cost by Depth
| Well Depth | Drilling Only | Complete System | Est. Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 ft | $2,800–$6,500 | $7,600–$11,300 | $9,000 |
| 150 ft | $4,200–$9,750 | $9,400–$14,950 | $11,500 |
| 200 ft | $5,600–$13,000 | $11,200–$18,600 | $14,000 |
| 300 ft | $8,400–$19,500 | $14,800–$25,900 | $19,000 |
| 400 ft | $11,200–$26,000 | $18,400–$33,200 | $24,000 |
| 500 ft | $14,000–$32,500 | $22,000–$40,500 | $29,000 |
*Drilling only = drilling labor per foot. Complete system includes casing, pump, pressure tank, electrical, and permits. Costs are Oregon estimates for 2026.
Oregon Well System Component Costs
| Service | Low | High | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Well Casing — PVC (200 ft) | $1,200 | $2,200 | $1,600 |
| Well Casing — Steel (200 ft) | $6,000 | $26,000 | $13,000 |
| Submersible Pump | $300 | $2,000 | $1,000 |
| Pressure Tank | $500 | $2,000 | $1,100 |
| Electrical Hookup | $1,000 | $3,000 | $1,800 |
| Permits | $150 | $400 | Varies |
| Water Quality Testing | $50 | $500 | $200 |
*Component costs based on Oregon average well depth of 200 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 87% above the Oregon average of $8,400
Estimates are approximate. Actual costs depend on site conditions and contractor pricing.
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Oregon Geology & Aquifers
Oregon's Cascade Range has volcanic basalt and andesite with highly productive but deep aquifers in fractured lava flows. The Willamette Valley has alluvial deposits over Columbia River Basalt, while eastern Oregon's high desert features Basin and Range geology with deep water tables.
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
Columbia River Basalt Group Aquifer / Willamette Valley Alluvial Aquifers / Basin and Range Volcanic Aquifers
Water table depth: 20-80 feet in the Willamette Valley; 100-400 feet in the Cascades basalt; 200-600 feet in eastern Oregon basins
Best Drilling Season
April through November west of the Cascades; May through October in eastern Oregon; heavy rains limit winter access in western Oregon
Population on well water: About 23% of Oregon households use private wells, with the highest rates in rural areas of the Willamette Valley fringe, central Oregon, and the coast
Why Well Depth Varies in Oregon
Wells in Oregon range from 40 to 600 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
200 ft
State average depth
Typical residential well for most Oregon locations
600 ft
Deepest typical wells
Usually in arid areas, mountain terrain, or where shallow aquifers are depleted
Oregon Well Drilling Permits & Regulations
Oregon requires all water well constructors to be licensed by OWRD. Separate licenses exist for drilling, pump installation, and monitoring well construction. No homeowner exemption.
Permit Authority
- Authority
- Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD); all wells require a start card before drilling and a well report after completion
- Permit Cost
- $150-$400
Water Rights
- Doctrine
- Prior Appropriation; exempt domestic wells may use up to 15,000 gallons per day for domestic purposes without a water right permit
Well Water Quality in Oregon
Well water quality in Oregon 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
iron
Treatment: iron filter or oxidation system
manganese
Treatment: oxidation filter or greensand system
nitrate in agricultural areas
Treatment: reverse osmosis or ion exchange system
naturally elevated fluoride
Treatment: reverse osmosis or activated alumina filter
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 Oregon
Well drilling costs vary by location within Oregon. Select a city for local pricing details.
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