Utah Water Well Depth & Drilling Cost Guide
Authoritative hydrogeological intelligence for Utah. Regulated by the Utah Division of Water Rights (UDWRi). The statewide median drilling depth is 280 feet (ranging 70–750 ft) with an average drilling cost of $50 per foot ($35 to $88/ft).
Quick Hydrogeological Fact Sheet: Utah
To reach potable water in Utah, residential wells require drilling an average of 280 feet deep. Total turnkey installation costs average $16,500 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 75 feet below surface level, producing a reliable average flow rate of 20 GPM across the primary Great Basin Valley-Fill Aquifers.
Utah 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salt Lake County | 240 ft | $48 /ft | 25 GPM | Salt Lake Valley Fill |
|
| Utah County (Provo) | 260 ft | $49 /ft | 22 GPM | Utah Valley Aquifer |
|
| Washington County (St. George) | 360 ft | $55 /ft | 15 GPM | Navajo Sandstone |
💰 Estimated Turnkey Cost Itemization in Utah
Component-by-component breakdown for a standard residential water well (280 ft average).
| System Component | Specification in Utah | Unit Cost | Estimated Subtotal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Borehole Drilling & Sanitary Casing | 280 ft depth with standard 6" PVC/Steel Casing & Drive Shoe | $50 /ft | $14,000 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 Utah Division of Water Rights (UDWRi) 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 | $16,500 USD | |
Utah Aquifers & Subsurface Geology
Unconsolidated basin-fill gravel/sand in valleys; fractured sandstone and limestone in plateaus
Water Quality & Recommended Filtration
⚖️ Utah Well Drilling Regulations & Legal Setbacks
Calculate Drilling Cost in Utah
Pre-loaded with Utah median depth (280 ft) and average cost ($50/ft).
Frequently Asked Questions: Drilling Wells in Utah
1. How deep do you usually have to drill for water in Utah?
Across Utah, the median residential water well is drilled to 280 feet. However, shallow alluvial wells can hit water as high as 70 feet, while deep bedrock or limestone aquifer wells may require drilling down to 750 feet to reach sufficient pressure and yield.
2. How much does a complete water well cost in Utah?
On average, homeowners in Utah invest $16,500 USD for a complete turnkey system. Drilling alone costs $50 per foot (ranging $35–$88/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 Utah?
State health mandates overseen by the Utah Division of Water Rights (UDWRi) require a minimum separation distance of 100 feet from any septic tank, leach field, or potential contamination source, plus at least 30 feet from adjacent property boundaries.
4. What is the groundwater quality like in Utah?
Wells in Utah typically yield water with a hardness reading around 260 PPM and an average pH of 7.7. Key minerals present in natural groundwater include Hardness, TDS / Salinity in Great Salt Lake basin, Iron. The recommended standard filtration configuration is: Heavy Duty Water Softener + Reverse Osmosis.
🗺️ Neighboring & Regional Groundwater Guides
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