Colorado Water Well Depth & Drilling Cost Guide
Authoritative hydrogeological intelligence for Colorado. Regulated by the Colorado Division of Water Resources (DWR). The statewide median drilling depth is 320 feet (ranging 80–850 ft) with an average drilling cost of $54 per foot ($38 to $95/ft).
Quick Hydrogeological Fact Sheet: Colorado
To reach potable water in Colorado, residential wells require drilling an average of 320 feet deep. Total turnkey installation costs average $18,900 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 85 feet below surface level, producing a reliable average flow rate of 14 GPM across the primary Denver Basin Aquifers (Dawson, Arapahoe).
Colorado 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| El Paso County | 360 ft | $56 /ft | 15 GPM | Dawson / Denver Aquifer |
|
| Douglas County | 480 ft | $62 /ft | 12 GPM | Arapahoe Aquifer |
💰 Estimated Turnkey Cost Itemization in Colorado
Component-by-component breakdown for a standard residential water well (320 ft average).
| System Component | Specification in Colorado | Unit Cost | Estimated Subtotal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Borehole Drilling & Sanitary Casing | 320 ft depth with standard 6" PVC/Steel Casing & Drive Shoe | $54 /ft | $17,280 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 Colorado Division of Water Resources (DWR) permit, bentonite surface seal, and EPA drinking panel | State Fee + Lab | $630 USD |
| TOTAL ESTIMATED TURNKEY INVESTMENT | Includes excavation, drilling, plumbing hookup, and water inspection | $18,900 USD | |
Colorado Aquifers & Subsurface Geology
Sandstone and shale in Denver Basin; crystalline rock in Rockies
Water Quality & Recommended Filtration
⚖️ Colorado Well Drilling Regulations & Legal Setbacks
Calculate Drilling Cost in Colorado
Pre-loaded with Colorado median depth (320 ft) and average cost ($54/ft).
Frequently Asked Questions: Drilling Wells in Colorado
1. How deep do you usually have to drill for water in Colorado?
Across Colorado, the median residential water well is drilled to 320 feet. However, shallow alluvial wells can hit water as high as 80 feet, while deep bedrock or limestone aquifer wells may require drilling down to 850 feet to reach sufficient pressure and yield.
2. How much does a complete water well cost in Colorado?
On average, homeowners in Colorado invest $18,900 USD for a complete turnkey system. Drilling alone costs $54 per foot (ranging $38–$95/ft), while submersible pumps, pressure tanks, state permit fees ($180), and electrical hookups comprise the remaining balance.
3. What is the required setback from septic tanks in Colorado?
State health mandates overseen by the Colorado Division of Water Resources (DWR) require a minimum separation distance of 100 feet from any septic tank, leach field, or potential contamination source, plus at least 25 feet from adjacent property boundaries.
4. What is the groundwater quality like in Colorado?
Wells in Colorado typically yield water with a hardness reading around 160 PPM and an average pH of 7.5. Key minerals present in natural groundwater include Uranium / Radium in bedrock, Hardness, Iron. The recommended standard filtration configuration is: Radionuclide & Hardness Water Treatment Package.
🗺️ Neighboring & Regional Groundwater Guides
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