Oregon Water Well Depth & Drilling Cost Guide
Authoritative hydrogeological intelligence for Oregon. Regulated by the Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD). The statewide median drilling depth is 220 feet (ranging 50–650 ft) with an average drilling cost of $50 per foot ($36 to $85/ft).
Quick Hydrogeological Fact Sheet: Oregon
To reach potable water in Oregon, residential wells require drilling an average of 220 feet deep. Total turnkey installation costs average $13,600 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 40 feet below surface level, producing a reliable average flow rate of 22 GPM across the primary Willamette Valley Alluvial Aquifer.
Oregon 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clackamas County | 210 ft | $50 /ft | 20 GPM | Willamette Alluvium / Troutdale |
|
| Deschutes County (Bend) | 380 ft | $58 /ft | 15 GPM | Upper Deschutes Basalt |
💰 Estimated Turnkey Cost Itemization in Oregon
Component-by-component breakdown for a standard residential water well (220 ft average).
| System Component | Specification in Oregon | Unit Cost | Estimated Subtotal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Borehole Drilling & Sanitary Casing | 220 ft depth with standard 6" PVC/Steel Casing & Drive Shoe | $50 /ft | $11,000 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 Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) permit, bentonite surface seal, and EPA drinking panel | State Fee + Lab | $750 USD |
| TOTAL ESTIMATED TURNKEY INVESTMENT | Includes excavation, drilling, plumbing hookup, and water inspection | $13,600 USD | |
Oregon Aquifers & Subsurface Geology
Alluvial sand/gravel in Willamette Valley; thick basalt lava flows in East/Central Oregon
Water Quality & Recommended Filtration
⚖️ Oregon Well Drilling Regulations & Legal Setbacks
Calculate Drilling Cost in Oregon
Pre-loaded with Oregon median depth (220 ft) and average cost ($50/ft).
Frequently Asked Questions: Drilling Wells in Oregon
1. How deep do you usually have to drill for water in Oregon?
Across Oregon, the median residential water well is drilled to 220 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 Oregon?
On average, homeowners in Oregon invest $13,600 USD for a complete turnkey system. Drilling alone costs $50 per foot (ranging $36–$85/ft), while submersible pumps, pressure tanks, state permit fees ($300), and electrical hookups comprise the remaining balance.
3. What is the required setback from septic tanks in Oregon?
State health mandates overseen by the Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) 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 Oregon?
Wells in Oregon typically yield water with a hardness reading around 95 PPM and an average pH of 7.2. Key minerals present in natural groundwater include Iron, Manganese, Arsenic in Southern Oregon. The recommended standard filtration configuration is: Iron & Manganese Filter.
🗺️ Neighboring & Regional Groundwater Guides
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