Farm Well Planning

How much water does the farm actually need?

Start by listing every use: the house, a garden, livestock, equipment washing, and any irrigation. Animals can drink a surprising amount in hot weather, and peak demand matters more than the daily average. A well that is fine for a household may fall short once animals arrive.

Add a margin for growth. Your driller can discuss flow rates and storage options, and an extension office can give guidance on animal and crop needs. Do not rely on a figure from memory when sizing the system.

Keep a log of daily water use for a couple of weeks in summer, if you already live on the property, so your numbers come from real life instead of guesses.

Where should the well go?

Siting is partly about convenience and partly about protection. The well should be on high ground, away from septic systems, livestock yards, manure storage, fuel tanks, and chemical storage. Required separation distances are set by your state or county, and they differ, so ask the local health department.

Also consider access for a drilling rig and for future service. A well hidden behind a new building or under a fenced pen is hard to repair. Leave room around it and record its location on your farm map.

Mark the location with a permanent sign in your records and on your farm map, and keep the driller's report where you can find it years later.

• High ground that drains away from the well
• Required distances from septic and animal areas
• Clear access for service trucks

Who drills and what rules apply?

Hire a licensed well contractor. Most states license drillers and require permits and records for new wells, and many require that the well be constructed to specific standards. Your state well program or county health department can tell you who is licensed and what is required.

Ask for references, a written estimate, and a clear statement of what happens if the first hole does not produce enough water. Costs depend on depth and geology, and no one can promise an exact price or depth before drilling.

What about water quality and testing?

New wells should be tested before use, and existing wells should be tested regularly. Common tests look at bacteria, nitrates, and other items that vary by region. A state-certified lab can recommend the right package, and the county health department can explain what local risks exist.

If the test finds a problem, do not guess at a treatment. Ask the health department or a qualified professional what the results mean. The EPA private well pages explain basic ideas for owners.

Keep your test records in one place. Changes over time can reveal a developing problem before anyone gets sick.

How do you protect the well over time?

Keep the wellhead covered and sealed, and slope the ground away from it. Do not store chemicals, fuel, or fertilizer close by, and never pour waste into a well. Keep animals and manure well away.

Abandoned or unused wells are a hazard to children, animals, and groundwater. If you have an old well on the property, contact your state or county to learn how to have it properly closed by a licensed contractor.

Keep a written record of when the well was last inspected and by whom, so that any new owner or contractor has a history to work from.

What if the well runs dry or gives trouble?

Wells can lose water in a drought, when neighbors draw heavily, or when the pump wears out. Signs include sputtering taps, muddy water, or a pump that runs constantly. Call a licensed professional rather than trying to fix a problem yourself.

Having a backup supply, such as a storage tank or a connection to a neighbor or rural water system, gives you a margin. Think about it before an emergency makes the decision for you.

How do you budget for a farm well?

Costs include drilling, casing, the pump, pressure tank, electrical work, piping, and testing. Prices depend on local geology and conditions, so get several written estimates and compare the items they include. Ask what is covered by a warranty.

Plan for ongoing costs too: electricity for the pump, periodic testing, and replacement of parts. Pumps and pressure tanks do wear out, so set aside a small amount each year. Ask the driller what maintenance to expect and how to keep a record of the well's performance.

• Compare several written estimates line by line.
• Budget for replacement pumps and tanks.
• Keep the well report and test results together.

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Rural Farm Life Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.