Montana Water Well Depth & Drilling Cost Guide
Authoritative hydrogeological intelligence for Montana. Regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC). The statewide median drilling depth is 195 feet (ranging 50–650 ft) with an average drilling cost of $48 per foot ($34 to $82/ft).
Quick Hydrogeological Fact Sheet: Montana
To reach potable water in Montana, residential wells require drilling an average of 195 feet deep. Total turnkey installation costs average $12,800 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 45 feet below surface level, producing a reliable average flow rate of 20 GPM across the primary Intermontane Basin Alluvial Aquifers.
Montana 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gallatin County (Bozeman) | 180 ft | $48 /ft | 25 GPM | Gallatin Valley Alluvium |
|
| Flathead County (Kalispell) | 160 ft | $46 /ft | 28 GPM | Deep Artesian Aquifer |
💰 Estimated Turnkey Cost Itemization in Montana
Component-by-component breakdown for a standard residential water well (195 ft average).
| System Component | Specification in Montana | Unit Cost | Estimated Subtotal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Borehole Drilling & Sanitary Casing | 195 ft depth with standard 6" PVC/Steel Casing & Drive Shoe | $48 /ft | $9,360 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 Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) permit, bentonite surface seal, and EPA drinking panel | State Fee + Lab | $575 USD |
| TOTAL ESTIMATED TURNKEY INVESTMENT | Includes excavation, drilling, plumbing hookup, and water inspection | $12,800 USD | |
Montana Aquifers & Subsurface Geology
Intermontane alluvial gravel and fractured bedrock in west; sandstone/coal beds in east
Water Quality & Recommended Filtration
⚖️ Montana Well Drilling Regulations & Legal Setbacks
Calculate Drilling Cost in Montana
Pre-loaded with Montana median depth (195 ft) and average cost ($48/ft).
Frequently Asked Questions: Drilling Wells in Montana
1. How deep do you usually have to drill for water in Montana?
Across Montana, the median residential water well is drilled to 195 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 650 feet to reach sufficient pressure and yield.
2. How much does a complete water well cost in Montana?
On average, homeowners in Montana invest $12,800 USD for a complete turnkey system. Drilling alone costs $48 per foot (ranging $34–$82/ft), while submersible pumps, pressure tanks, state permit fees ($125), and electrical hookups comprise the remaining balance.
3. What is the required setback from septic tanks in Montana?
State health mandates overseen by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) 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 Montana?
Wells in Montana typically yield water with a hardness reading around 210 PPM and an average pH of 7.7. Key minerals present in natural groundwater include Hardness, Iron, Total Dissolved Solids, Sodium. The recommended standard filtration configuration is: Water Softener + Reverse Osmosis.
🗺️ Neighboring & Regional Groundwater Guides
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