The average cost to drill a wellis $5,300 to $9,200 for an average depth of 150 feet. Well drilling costs vary depending on the depth drilled, the condition of the soil, and the diameter of the well. Residential water wells are typically 100 to 300 feet deep and have a diameter of 4 to 6 inches.

Drilling a residential water well costs $25 to $65 per foot for a complete water system that includes the drilling, a well pump, casing, wiring, and more. If you already have a well on your property, a new well pump costs $400 to $2,500, depending on the type of pump installed.

In most cases well water is safe to drink, but it is important to test it regularly to make sure it is free of contamination. Unlike a municipal water system, well water is not regulated by any governing body, so it is up to the homeowner to make sure their drinking water is safe.

If you have a well, it is important to have a well inspection costing $250 to $550 every 1 to 2 years to make sure your well is properly sealed and protected from contamination. You should also have your water tested at least once a year by a certified laboratory.

Well water is ground water that is pumped from an aquifer or underground water supply. Wells are drilled into the aquifer to access the water and a pipe casing is inserted into the hole to keep it from collapsing. The bottom of the casing is perforated to allow water to flow into the well. A well pump is then installed in or near the well to pump water up to the surface.

Well water systems are a popular source of water for rural areas and other places where municipal water is not available. Well water is free of chemicals and is a reliable source of water even during power outages and other emergencies. However, well water can be contaminated by bacteria and viruses and should be checked regularly to make sure it is safe to drink.

Well water testing every year is important to ensure the water is safe and free of bacteria, viruses, or chemicals. There are two main ways to test your well water:

• Home water testing – Available at most hardware stores and home improvement centers, these test kits are inexpensive and easy to use. However, the results are less accurate than a lab test.
• Certified laboratory testing – These tests involve collecting a water sample and sending it by mail to the laboratory. The lab will test the water for a variety of contaminants and send you a report with the results. Check with your state or local health department for where to find a certified laboratory.

The well water may or may not have fluoride, depending on where you live. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in rocks and soil but is also added to public water supplies in areas to prevent tooth decay.

The underground aquifer can contain fluoride, depending on the geology of the area. Well owners should test their water for fluoride to determine if it is at a safe level. The recommended level of fluoride in drinking water is 0.7 to 1.2 milligrams per liter (mg/L). If your well water does not have enough fluoride, you may want to check with your dentist about other ways to get enough fluoride, such as a supplement, fluoridated toothpaste, and mouthwash.

Experts recommend having your water well serviced at least once a year. This ensures your well is in good working order and that your water is safe to drink. During a well service, a qualified professional will inspect the well pump, pressure tank, and other equipment. They will also test the water for contaminants. If any problems are detected, they will recommend repairs or replacement parts.

In addition to the annual service, well owners should routinely keep an eye on their system by looking for signs of damage, including:

• Cracks or holes in the well casing
• Water pooling around the wellhead
• Changes in water pressure or flow rates
• Changes in the water's taste, smell, or appearance

Here are some important questions you should ask a well water service:

• How long have you been installing well systems in my area?
• Is your well water business licensed and insured?
• What type of well pump do you recommend for my needs?
• How much will the well installation cost?
• How long will the well installation take?
• Do you offer any warranties on your well services?
• What steps can I take to extend the life of my well system?

Be sure to look for qualified well water service companies on HomeGuide with excellent customer reviews. Then, follow these additional suggestions:

• Choose from companies with several years of well installation experience.
• Confirm the company is licensed and insured to protect you in case of accidents or damage.
• Get several quotes with the same type of well pump for an accurate cost comparison.
• Ask about the company's warranty on their work.