Arizona Water Well Depth & Drilling Cost Guide
Authoritative hydrogeological intelligence for Arizona. Regulated by the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR). The statewide median drilling depth is 420 feet (ranging 150–950 ft) with an average drilling cost of $52 per foot ($35 to $90/ft).
Quick Hydrogeological Fact Sheet: Arizona
To reach potable water in Arizona, residential wells require drilling an average of 420 feet deep. Total turnkey installation costs average $23,500 USD for a completed 6-inch casing well, 1.5 HP submersible pump, pressure tank, and state permits. The standing static water table sits at approximately 160 feet below surface level, producing a reliable average flow rate of 18 GPM across the primary Basin and Range Aquifer.
Arizona County-Level Well Logs & Average Depths
Official USGS hydrogeological monitoring stations, static levels, and driller completion records.
| County Name | Median Depth (ft) | Avg Cost / Foot | Typical Yield | Primary Aquifer | Local Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maricopa County | 380 ft | $48 /ft | 25 GPM | West Salt River Basin |
|
| Pima County | 410 ft | $50 /ft | 18 GPM | Upper Santa Cruz Basin |
|
| Yavapai County | 460 ft | $58 /ft | 12 GPM | Big Chino / Verde Basin |
💰 Estimated Turnkey Cost Itemization in Arizona
Component-by-component breakdown for a standard residential water well (420 ft average).
| System Component | Specification in Arizona | Unit Cost | Estimated Subtotal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Borehole Drilling & Sanitary Casing | 420 ft depth with standard 6" PVC/Steel Casing & Drive Shoe | $52 /ft | $21,840 USD |
| Submersible Pump & Drop Pipe | 1.0 HP – 1.5 HP Stainless Submersible Pump with 12-gauge electrical drop cable | Turnkey Pump Unit | $2,250 USD |
| Pressure Tank & Control Switch | 40-gallon Captive Air Pressure Tank, 40/60 PSI Pressure Switch & Gauge | Standard Assembly | $1,200 USD |
| State Permits, Sanitary Grouting & Lab Water Testing | Mandatory Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) permit, bentonite surface seal, and EPA drinking panel | State Fee + Lab | $600 USD |
| TOTAL ESTIMATED TURNKEY INVESTMENT | Includes excavation, drilling, plumbing hookup, and water inspection | $23,500 USD | |
Arizona Aquifers & Subsurface Geology
Deep alluvial basin fill, volcanic basalt, sandstone, limestone
Water Quality & Recommended Filtration
⚖️ Arizona Well Drilling Regulations & Legal Setbacks
Calculate Drilling Cost in Arizona
Pre-loaded with Arizona median depth (420 ft) and average cost ($52/ft).
Frequently Asked Questions: Drilling Wells in Arizona
1. How deep do you usually have to drill for water in Arizona?
Across Arizona, the median residential water well is drilled to 420 feet. However, shallow alluvial wells can hit water as high as 150 feet, while deep bedrock or limestone aquifer wells may require drilling down to 950 feet to reach sufficient pressure and yield.
2. How much does a complete water well cost in Arizona?
On average, homeowners in Arizona invest $23,500 USD for a complete turnkey system. Drilling alone costs $52 per foot (ranging $35–$90/ft), while submersible pumps, pressure tanks, state permit fees ($150), and electrical hookups comprise the remaining balance.
3. What is the required setback from septic tanks in Arizona?
State health mandates overseen by the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) require a minimum separation distance of 100 feet from any septic tank, leach field, or potential contamination source, plus at least 50 feet from adjacent property boundaries.
4. What is the groundwater quality like in Arizona?
Wells in Arizona typically yield water with a hardness reading around 280 PPM and an average pH of 7.9. Key minerals present in natural groundwater include Calcium, Magnesium, Total Dissolved Solids, Arsenic. The recommended standard filtration configuration is: High-Efficiency Water Softener + Reverse Osmosis.
🗺️ Neighboring & Regional Groundwater Guides
Request 3 Free Water Well Drilling Estimates in Arizona
Connect with state-certified drilling contractors licensed by Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR). Compare pricing, pump sizing, and warranty terms with zero obligation.