Virginia Water Well
Drilling Cost
The average residential well in Virginia is 210 feet deep and costs $8,820 in 2026. Drilling rates range from $28 to $62 per foot, with total project costs varying based on depth, geology, and pump system.
Avg. Well Depth
210 ft
Cost / Foot
$28–$62
Total Project
$8,820
vs. National
18% above avg.
Virginia Well Drilling Cost by Depth
| Well Depth | Drilling Only | Complete System | Est. Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 ft | $2,800–$6,200 | $7,600–$11,000 | $9,000 |
| 150 ft | $4,200–$9,300 | $9,400–$14,500 | $11,500 |
| 200 ft | $5,600–$12,400 | $11,200–$18,000 | $14,000 |
| 300 ft | $8,400–$18,600 | $14,800–$25,000 | $19,000 |
| 400 ft | $11,200–$24,800 | $18,400–$32,000 | $24,000 |
| 500 ft | $14,000–$31,000 | $22,000–$39,000 | $29,000 |
*Drilling only = drilling labor per foot. Complete system includes casing, pump, pressure tank, electrical, and permits. Costs are Virginia estimates for 2026.
Virginia Well System Component Costs
| Service | Low | High | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Well Casing — PVC (210 ft) | $1,260 | $2,310 | $1,680 |
| Well Casing — Steel (210 ft) | $6,300 | $27,300 | $13,650 |
| 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 Virginia average well depth of 210 ft. Steel casing is typically required for bedrock wells; PVC is used in unconsolidated formations.
Estimate Your Well Drilling Cost in Virginia
Well Drilling Cost Calculator
Adjust the inputs to estimate your project cost
Itemized Cost Estimate
This estimate is 84% above the Virginia average of $8,820
Estimates are approximate. Actual costs depend on site conditions and contractor pricing.
Get Free Well Drilling Quotes in Virginia
Compare prices from licensed VA well drillers near you.
Virginia Geology & Aquifers
Virginia spans the Coastal Plain, Piedmont, Blue Ridge, Valley and Ridge, and Appalachian Plateau provinces — each with distinct drilling conditions. The Coastal Plain has productive sand aquifers, the Piedmont requires fracture-dependent crystalline rock wells, and the Valley has karst limestone with variable yields.
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 / Piedmont and Blue Ridge Crystalline Aquifers / Valley and Ridge Carbonate Aquifers
Water table depth: 20-80 feet in the Coastal Plain; 80-300 feet in the Piedmont; 50-400 feet in the Valley and Ridge
Best Drilling Season
Year-round in the Coastal Plain and Piedmont; March through November in the mountains
Population on well water: About 22% of Virginia households use private wells, with the highest rates in the rural Shenandoah Valley and Piedmont counties
Why Well Depth Varies in Virginia
Wells in Virginia range from 50 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.
50 ft
Shallowest typical wells
Usually in areas with high water tables, sandy soils, or alluvial aquifers near rivers
210 ft
State average depth
Typical residential well for most Virginia locations
600 ft
Deepest typical wells
Usually in arid areas, mountain terrain, or where shallow aquifers are depleted
Virginia Well Drilling Permits & Regulations
Virginia requires all water well system providers (drillers, pump installers) to be licensed by VDH. The certification program includes examinations. No homeowner exemption for drilling.
Permit Authority
- Authority
- Virginia Department of Health (VDH), Office of Drinking Water; local health departments issue construction permits
- Permit Cost
- $75-$300
Water Rights
- Doctrine
- Reasonable Use (with a Groundwater Management Act establishing permit requirements in designated groundwater management areas in the Eastern Shore and southeastern Virginia)
Well Water Quality in Virginia
Well water quality in Virginia 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
radon in the Piedmont
Treatment: aeration or granular activated carbon system
bacteria in karst areas
Treatment: UV disinfection or chlorination system
hardness
Treatment: water softener
hydrogen sulfide
Treatment: aeration system or chlorine injection
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)
Get Free Well Drilling Quotes in Virginia
Compare prices from licensed VA well drillers near you.
Well Drilling Costs by City in Virginia
Well drilling costs vary by location within Virginia. Select a city for local pricing details.
+ 15 more cities in Virginia. View all
Find Well Drillers in Virginia
We're expanding our directory of licensed well drillers in Virginia. Browse the current listings or get matched with local pros instantly.
Are you a well driller? Add your business for free →
Virginia Well Drilling FAQ
How deep do I need to drill a well in Virginia?
Do I need a permit to drill a well in Virginia?
What is the water quality like from wells in Virginia?
What type of well is best for Virginia?
How long does it take to drill a well in Virginia?
Get Free Well Drilling Quotes in Virginia
Compare up to 3 competitive quotes from licensed well drillers in VA. Free, no-obligation estimates.
- Licensed & insured VA well drillers
- Matched to your area & property
- Compare prices before you commit
Get Free Well Drilling Quotes in Virginia
100% free · No obligation · Licensed & insured pros