Arkansas Water Well Depth & Drilling Cost Guide
Authoritative hydrogeological intelligence for Arkansas. Regulated by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture - Natural Resources Division. The statewide median drilling depth is 160 feet (ranging 50–400 ft) with an average drilling cost of $36 per foot ($26 to $58/ft).
Quick Hydrogeological Fact Sheet: Arkansas
To reach potable water in Arkansas, residential wells require drilling an average of 160 feet deep. Total turnkey installation costs average $8,400 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 38 feet below surface level, producing a reliable average flow rate of 20 GPM across the primary Mississippi River Valley Alluvial Aquifer.
Arkansas 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benton County | 280 ft | $42 /ft | 15 GPM | Ozark Limestone |
|
| Washington County | 260 ft | $40 /ft | 16 GPM | Boone Formation |
💰 Estimated Turnkey Cost Itemization in Arkansas
Component-by-component breakdown for a standard residential water well (160 ft average).
| System Component | Specification in Arkansas | Unit Cost | Estimated Subtotal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Borehole Drilling & Sanitary Casing | 160 ft depth with standard 6" PVC/Steel Casing & Drive Shoe | $36 /ft | $5,760 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 Arkansas Department of Agriculture - Natural Resources Division permit, bentonite surface seal, and EPA drinking panel | State Fee + Lab | $550 USD |
| TOTAL ESTIMATED TURNKEY INVESTMENT | Includes excavation, drilling, plumbing hookup, and water inspection | $8,400 USD | |
Arkansas Aquifers & Subsurface Geology
Alluvial silt/sand in Delta; fractured limestone and dolomite in Ozarks
Water Quality & Recommended Filtration
⚖️ Arkansas Well Drilling Regulations & Legal Setbacks
Calculate Drilling Cost in Arkansas
Pre-loaded with Arkansas median depth (160 ft) and average cost ($36/ft).
Frequently Asked Questions: Drilling Wells in Arkansas
1. How deep do you usually have to drill for water in Arkansas?
Across Arkansas, the median residential water well is drilled to 160 feet. However, shallow alluvial wells can hit water as high as 50 feet, while deep bedrock or limestone aquifer wells may require drilling down to 400 feet to reach sufficient pressure and yield.
2. How much does a complete water well cost in Arkansas?
On average, homeowners in Arkansas invest $8,400 USD for a complete turnkey system. Drilling alone costs $36 per foot (ranging $26–$58/ft), while submersible pumps, pressure tanks, state permit fees ($100), and electrical hookups comprise the remaining balance.
3. What is the required setback from septic tanks in Arkansas?
State health mandates overseen by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture - Natural Resources Division require a minimum separation distance of 100 feet from any septic tank, leach field, or potential contamination source, plus at least 20 feet from adjacent property boundaries.
4. What is the groundwater quality like in Arkansas?
Wells in Arkansas typically yield water with a hardness reading around 95 PPM and an average pH of 7.1. Key minerals present in natural groundwater include Iron, Low Hardness in Delta. The recommended standard filtration configuration is: Sediment & Iron Air Injection System.
🗺️ Neighboring & Regional Groundwater Guides
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