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Cost by State

Well Drilling Cost in Montana

Montana well drilling varies dramatically between productive river valley alluvial aquifers and expensive mountain crystalline rock. The state is large and sparsely populated, which affects driller availability and mobilization costs.

Average Total Cost
$9,000 – $22,000
Cost Per Foot
$28 – $65
Average Depth
100 – 500 ft
Regulator
Montana DNRC
Montana Well Costs by Region
River valleys (Gallatin, Yellowstone, Flathead): Alluvial gravel aquifers, 50–200 feet, highly productive, $28–$45/ft. Mountain communities (Bozeman foothills, Whitefish, Missoula): Crystalline rock and glacial, 200–500 feet, $38–$65/ft. Eastern Montana (Hi-Line, Billings plains): Alluvial and sedimentary, 100–350 feet, $28–$52/ft. Remote locations add mobilization costs of $500–$2,000+.
Montana DNRC Regulations
Montana wells regulated by DNRC (Department of Natural Resources and Conservation) under MCA Title 85. Licensed driller required. Well log must be filed with MBMG (Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology). Water right required for most uses.
Common Questions
Montana residential wells typically cost $9,000–$22,000 installed. Remote rural locations add significant mobilization costs. River valley wells near Billings, Bozeman, or Missoula are less expensive than mountain area wells.
No — Montana generally has abundant groundwater, particularly in river valleys. Some mountain areas have limited aquifer storage. Eastern Montana has deep but productive coal-bearing aquifers. Water rights, not physical scarcity, is the main constraint.
Related Topics
Cost by State
Well Drilling Cost in Idaho
Technical Reference
Average Water Well Depth by State
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.