Illinois Water Well
Drilling Cost
The average residential well in Illinois is 175 feet deep and costs $7,350 in 2026. Drilling rates range from $28 to $60 per foot, with total project costs varying based on depth, geology, and pump system.
Avg. Well Depth
175 ft
Cost / Foot
$28–$60
Total Project
$7,350
vs. National
Near average
Illinois Well Drilling Cost by Depth
| Well Depth | Drilling Only | Complete System | Est. Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 ft | $2,800–$6,000 | $7,600–$10,800 | $9,000 |
| 150 ft | $4,200–$9,000 | $9,400–$14,200 | $11,500 |
| 200 ft | $5,600–$12,000 | $11,200–$17,600 | $14,000 |
| 300 ft | $8,400–$18,000 | $14,800–$24,400 | $19,000 |
| 400 ft | $11,200–$24,000 | $18,400–$31,200 | $24,000 |
| 500 ft | $14,000–$30,000 | $22,000–$38,000 | $29,000 |
*Drilling only = drilling labor per foot. Complete system includes casing, pump, pressure tank, electrical, and permits. Costs are Illinois estimates for 2026.
Illinois Well System Component Costs
| Service | Low | High | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Well Casing — PVC (175 ft) | $1,050 | $1,925 | $1,400 |
| Well Casing — Steel (175 ft) | $5,250 | $22,750 | $11,375 |
| Submersible Pump | $300 | $2,000 | $1,000 |
| Pressure Tank | $500 | $2,000 | $1,100 |
| Electrical Hookup | $1,000 | $3,000 | $1,800 |
| Permits | $50 | $200 | Varies |
| Water Quality Testing | $50 | $500 | $200 |
*Component costs based on Illinois average well depth of 175 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 95% above the Illinois average of $7,350
Estimates are approximate. Actual costs depend on site conditions and contractor pricing.
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Illinois Geology & Aquifers
Illinois is covered by thick glacial drift deposits — till, sand, and gravel laid down by multiple ice advances — which provide the primary source for shallow wells. Deeper bedrock wells tap Silurian dolomite, Cambrian-Ordovician sandstones, or the St. Peter Sandstone aquifer.
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
Mahomet Aquifer (glacial sand and gravel) / Cambrian-Ordovician Aquifer System
Water table depth: 20-100 feet in glacial drift; 200-1,500 feet for deep bedrock aquifers in northern Illinois
Best Drilling Season
March through November; winter drilling is possible but frost depths of 3-4 feet and muddy conditions slow progress
Population on well water: About 14% of Illinois households use private wells, mainly in rural central and southern Illinois
Why Well Depth Varies in Illinois
Wells in Illinois range from 40 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.
40 ft
Shallowest typical wells
Usually in areas with high water tables, sandy soils, or alluvial aquifers near rivers
175 ft
State average depth
Typical residential well for most Illinois locations
500 ft
Deepest typical wells
Usually in arid areas, mountain terrain, or where shallow aquifers are depleted
Illinois Well Drilling Permits & Regulations
Illinois requires all water well drillers to be licensed by the Illinois Department of Public Health. Licensed well and pump installers must pass written exams and complete continuing education.
Permit Authority
- Authority
- County Health Departments issue permits under Illinois Department of Public Health regulations; Illinois EPA oversees water quality
- Permit Cost
- $50-$200
Water Rights
- Doctrine
- Reasonable Use
Well Water Quality in Illinois
Well water quality in Illinois 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
radium in deep bedrock wells
Treatment: water softener or reverse osmosis
nitrate near agricultural areas
Treatment: reverse osmosis or ion exchange 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 Illinois
Well drilling costs vary by location within Illinois. Select a city for local pricing details.
+ 3 more cities in Illinois. View all
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