Owning a private well
More than 23 million U.S. households get their water from a private well, and here is the fact that surprises new well owners: nobody is checking that water but you. EPA drinking-water rules cover public systems only — testing, treatment, and upkeep of a private well are entirely the owner's responsibility. That makes two habits essential: an annual water test (bacteria and nitrates at minimum — your state or county health department often offers low-cost testing) and attention to the mechanical system, because a well is a machine with parts that wear: the pump, the pressure tank, the pressure switch, and the wiring down the hole.
The companies in this directory drill new wells, replace and repair pumps, service pressure tanks, test water, and install treatment systems for whatever the test finds — iron, hardness, sulfur smell, or something that matters more. For drilling and major work, use a licensed contractor: most states license or register water well contractors, and certification through the National Ground Water Association (NGWA) is a further mark of professionalism. A driller familiar with your local geology will also give you the most honest answer to the question every rural buyer asks — how deep, and how much.
How often should I test my well water?
At least once a year for coliform bacteria and nitrates — the two indicators health departments consider the baseline — plus any time the water changes taste, smell, or appearance, after flooding, or after any work on the well. Test more broadly (arsenic, lead, radon, VOCs, depending on your region) every few years, and always test before a newborn or immunocompromised person joins the household.
What are the signs my well pump is failing?
Sputtering faucets and air in the lines, pressure that drops off in showers, the pump cycling on and off rapidly (short-cycling — often actually a waterlogged pressure tank), sediment in the water, or an electric bill creeping up because the pump runs constantly. Submersible pumps commonly last 10–15 years; if yours is in that range and acting up, have a pro test the system before it quits on a holiday weekend.
How much does a new well cost?
Most drilled residential wells land somewhere between $5,000 and $25,000 all-in, driven mainly by depth and geology — drilling itself commonly runs $15–$60+ per foot, and then the pump, pressure tank, wiring, and trenching to the house are added on top. A local driller who knows the aquifers in your area can usually estimate depth from nearby well logs, which is why local knowledge is worth as much as the rig.
Do well contractors need a license?
In most states, yes — water well drillers and pump installers are licensed or registered, often by the state's environmental or natural-resources agency, and many states publish the roster. Ask for the license number and check it. NGWA certification (such as the Certified Well Driller and Certified Pump Installer credentials) is a voluntary step beyond the license that signals a contractor who takes the trade seriously.