Agricultural Well Drilling Cost 2026: Farm & Ranch Well Pricing
Agricultural vs. Residential Well Costs
Farm wells cost significantly more than residential wells due to increased requirements:
| Specification | Residential | Agricultural |
|---|---|---|
| Well Diameter | 4 inches | 6-12 inches |
| Typical Depth | 150-300 feet | 300-800+ feet |
| Flow Rate | 8-15 GPM | 50-200+ GPM |
| Pump HP | 1/2-1.5 HP | 5-75+ HP |
| Total Cost | $15,000-$40,000 | $40,000-$150,000+ |
Complete Agricultural Well Cost Breakdown
Drilling: $15,000-$60,000
- Per-foot rate: $35-$75 (larger diameter costs more)
- Typical depth: 400-600 feet
- Example: 500 ft × $50 = $25,000
Casing & Screen: $8,000-$25,000
- 6" steel casing: $25-$40/foot
- 8" steel casing: $35-$55/foot
- Stainless steel screen: $40-$80/foot
- Gravel pack: $1,000-$3,000
Pump System: $8,000-$35,000
- 5-10 HP system: $6,000-$12,000
- 15-25 HP system: $12,000-$20,000
- 30-75 HP system: $20,000-$40,000
- Variable frequency drive (VFD): $3,000-$8,000
Electrical: $3,000-$15,000
- 3-phase power connection: $5,000-$15,000
- Motor controls: $2,000-$5,000
- Electrical panel: $1,000-$3,000
Permits & Testing: $2,000-$8,000
- Agricultural well permit: $1,000-$3,000
- Pump test: $1,500-$3,000
- Water quality testing: $500-$1,500
- Engineering reports: $500-$2,000
Costs by Agricultural Use
Livestock Watering (Small Farm)
- Required GPM: 10-30
- Typical depth: 200-400 feet
- Total cost: $25,000-$50,000
Small Orchard/Vineyard (5-20 acres)
- Required GPM: 30-80
- Typical depth: 300-500 feet
- Total cost: $40,000-$80,000
Row Crops/Large Orchard (20-50 acres)
- Required GPM: 80-150
- Typical depth: 400-700 feet
- Total cost: $60,000-$120,000
Large-Scale Agriculture (50+ acres)
- Required GPM: 150-500+
- Typical depth: 500-1,000+ feet
- Total cost: $100,000-$300,000+
- May require multiple wells
Factors Affecting Agricultural Well Cost
1. Required Flow Rate (GPM)
Higher GPM requires larger diameter, deeper drilling, and more powerful pumps. Calculate needs based on:
- Acreage to irrigate
- Crop water requirements
- Irrigation method (drip vs. flood)
- Hours of daily pumping
2. Aquifer Depth & Yield
Some areas require drilling 600-1,000+ feet to reach productive aquifers. Consult local well logs and neighbors.
3. Well Diameter
- 6-inch: Up to 100 GPM
- 8-inch: Up to 200 GPM
- 10-12 inch: 200+ GPM
4. Power Requirements
High-HP pumps often require 3-phase power. If not available, you'll need:
- Utility connection: $10,000-$50,000+
- OR phase converter: $3,000-$8,000
- OR diesel/generator system
5. Water Quality
Irrigation-specific concerns:
- Salinity levels (affects crop suitability)
- Iron/manganese (clogs drip systems)
- Treatment systems: $5,000-$20,000
Agricultural Pump Systems
Submersible vs. Line Shaft
| Type | Best For | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Submersible | Up to 500 ft, 200 GPM | $8,000-$25,000 |
| Line Shaft Turbine | Deep wells, high GPM | $15,000-$50,000 |
Variable Frequency Drives (VFD)
VFDs adjust pump speed to match demand, reducing energy costs 20-40%. Recommended for all agricultural wells.
- Cost: $3,000-$8,000
- Energy savings: $1,000-$5,000/year
- Payback: 1-3 years
Permits & Water Rights
California Requirements
- Well permit: Required from county ($1,000-$3,000)
- SGMA compliance: Some basins restrict new agricultural wells
- Environmental review: May be required for large wells
Water Rights Considerations
In adjudicated basins, you may need to purchase or lease water rights. Costs vary dramatically by basin—from included with property to $500-$5,000+ per acre-foot annually.
Metering Requirements
Many counties now require flow meters on agricultural wells. Budget $1,000-$3,000 for installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does agricultural well drilling cost?
$40,000-$150,000+ depending on depth and capacity. Small farm wells (30-50 GPM) cost less; large irrigation wells (150+ GPM) cost more.
How deep does an agricultural well need to be?
300-800+ feet typically in Southern California. Depth depends on local aquifer conditions and required yield.
What GPM flow rate do I need for farm irrigation?
5-10 GPM per acre for flood irrigation, 2-5 GPM per acre for drip. A 20-acre orchard typically needs 50-100 GPM.
How long do agricultural well pumps last?
Quality agricultural pumps last 10-20 years with proper maintenance. Plan for rebuilds every 5-7 years.
Can I finance an agricultural well?
Yes. Options include USDA farm loans, agricultural lenders, equipment financing, and home equity.
Need an Agricultural Well Estimate?
See our agricultural well drilling services.