Arizona Water Well
Drilling Cost
The average residential well in Arizona is 342 feet deep and costs $15,390 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
342 ft
Cost / Foot
$30–$70
Total Project
$15,390
vs. National
105% above avg.
Arizona Well Drilling Cost by Depth
| Well Depth | Drilling Only | Complete System | Est. Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 ft | $3,000–$7,000 | $7,800–$11,800 | $9,300 |
| 150 ft | $4,500–$10,500 | $9,700–$15,700 | $11,950 |
| 200 ft | $6,000–$14,000 | $11,600–$19,600 | $14,600 |
| 300 ft | $9,000–$21,000 | $15,400–$27,400 | $19,900 |
| 400 ft | $12,000–$28,000 | $19,200–$35,200 | $25,200 |
| 500 ft | $15,000–$35,000 | $23,000–$43,000 | $30,500 |
*Drilling only = drilling labor per foot. Complete system includes casing, pump, pressure tank, electrical, and permits. Costs are Arizona estimates for 2026.
Arizona Well System Component Costs
| Service | Low | High | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Well Casing — PVC (342 ft) | $2,052 | $3,762 | $2,736 |
| Well Casing — Steel (342 ft) | $10,260 | $44,460 | $22,230 |
| Submersible Pump | $300 | $2,000 | $1,000 |
| Pressure Tank | $500 | $2,000 | $1,100 |
| Electrical Hookup | $1,000 | $3,000 | $1,800 |
| Permits | $150 | $500 | Varies |
| Water Quality Testing | $50 | $500 | $200 |
*Component costs based on Arizona average well depth of 342 ft. Steel casing is typically required for bedrock wells; PVC is used in unconsolidated formations.
Estimate Your Well Drilling Cost in Arizona
Well Drilling Cost Calculator
Adjust the inputs to estimate your project cost
Itemized Cost Estimate
This estimate is 53% above the Arizona average of $15,390
Estimates are approximate. Actual costs depend on site conditions and contractor pricing.
Get Free Well Drilling Quotes in Arizona
Compare prices from licensed AZ well drillers near you.
Arizona Geology & Aquifers
Arizona's Basin and Range geology consists of deep alluvial basins filled with sand, gravel, and clay between mountain ranges of igneous and metamorphic rock. The Colorado Plateau in the north features layered sandstone and limestone formations with deeper 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
Central Arizona Basin / Basin and Range Alluvial Aquifers
Water table depth: 100-600 feet in the Phoenix and Tucson basins; can exceed 1,000 feet in some desert areas
Best Drilling Season
October through April; summer monsoon season brings flash flood risks and extreme heat slows drilling operations
Population on well water: Roughly 12% of Arizona households use private wells, mostly in rural areas outside Phoenix and Tucson metro Active Management Areas
Why Well Depth Varies in Arizona
Wells in Arizona range from 100 to 1000 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
342 ft
State average depth
Typical residential well for most Arizona locations
1000 ft
Deepest typical wells
Usually in arid areas, mountain terrain, or where shallow aquifers are depleted
Arizona Well Drilling Permits & Regulations
All well drillers must hold an Arizona Registrar of Contractors license. The state does not allow homeowner self-drilling. Wells in Active Management Areas face additional restrictions on new exempt well drilling.
Permit Authority
- Authority
- Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR); wells in Active Management Areas require a drilling permit and well registration
- Permit Cost
- $150-$500
Water Rights
- Doctrine
- Prior Appropriation with Reasonable Use overlay; Groundwater Management Act governs Active Management Areas
Well Water Quality in Arizona
Well water quality in Arizona 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
fluoride
Treatment: reverse osmosis or activated alumina filter
total dissolved solids
Treatment: reverse osmosis system
nitrate
Treatment: reverse osmosis or ion exchange system
uranium
Treatment: reverse osmosis or ion exchange system
hardness
Treatment: water softener
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 Arizona
Compare prices from licensed AZ well drillers near you.
Well Drilling Costs by City in Arizona
Well drilling costs vary by location within Arizona. Select a city for local pricing details.
+ 9 more cities in Arizona. View all
Find Well Drillers in Arizona
We're expanding our directory of licensed well drillers in Arizona. Browse the current listings or get matched with local pros instantly.
Are you a well driller? Add your business for free →
Arizona Well Drilling FAQ
How deep do I need to drill a well in Arizona?
Do I need a permit to drill a well in Arizona?
What is the water quality like from wells in Arizona?
What type of well is best for Arizona?
How long does it take to drill a well in Arizona?
Get Free Well Drilling Quotes in Arizona
Compare up to 3 competitive quotes from licensed well drillers in AZ. Free, no-obligation estimates.
- Licensed & insured AZ well drillers
- Matched to your area & property
- Compare prices before you commit
Get Free Well Drilling Quotes in Arizona
100% free · No obligation · Licensed & insured pros