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Cost by State

Well Drilling Cost in Idaho

Idaho's famous Snake River Plain aquifer is one of the most productive in the world — wells in southern Idaho often flow without pumping. Mountain regions require deeper drilling in harder rock.

Average Total Cost
$7,000 – $18,000
Cost Per Foot
$22 – $58
Average Depth
100 – 500 ft
Regulator
Idaho IDWR
Idaho Well Costs by Region
Snake River Plain (Twin Falls, Idaho Falls, Boise area): 100–300 feet in basalt aquifer, extremely productive, $22–$42/ft. Many artesian wells flow without pumping. Northern Idaho (Coeur d'Alene, Sandpoint): Glacial deposits and crystalline rock, 150–400 feet, $30–$55/ft. Central Idaho mountains: Hard crystalline rock, 200–500 feet, $38–$60/ft.
Idaho IDWR Requirements
Idaho wells regulated by IDWR (Department of Water Resources) under Idaho Code Title 42. Licensed driller required. Well completion report required. Water right permit required for most uses above domestic exempt level.
Common Questions
Idaho residential wells typically cost $7,000–$18,000 installed. Snake River Plain wells are remarkably productive and often on the lower cost end. Mountain areas with hard rock run higher.
The Eastern Snake River Plain aquifer underlies one of the most productive groundwater basins in North America. Enormous volumes of water stored in fractured basalt from ancient lava flows provide extremely high yield wells — often 50–500 GPM — that sometimes flow artesian without any pump.
Related Topics
Cost by State
Well Drilling Cost in Oregon
Cost by State
Well Drilling Cost in Montana
Technical Reference
Water Well Yield — GPM Requirements & Calculation
Important: Well drilling costs, depths, and regulations vary significantly within each state. This page provides general reference information only. Always get quotes from multiple licensed well contractors in your area and verify current state regulations before proceeding.