One of the most common questions we get: can I drill a water well on my own property? The short answer in Utah is yes — but there are rules, permits, and water-rights considerations that determine whether it's practical for your specific situation.
Can You Drill a Well in Utah City Limits?
Yes, in most cases. Utah state law allows domestic wells (for household and stock watering use) on private property, including within city limits, as long as you obtain the proper permits from the Utah Division of Water Rights. Some municipalities have additional ordinances, but the state permit is the primary gate.
The key distinction is between domestic wells and commercial/irrigation wells:
- Domestic wells — for household use, up to 0.73 acre-feet per year. These are the easiest to permit and are what most homeowners drill.
- Stock watering wells — for livestock on your property. Also relatively straightforward to permit.
- Irrigation and commercial wells — require a water right, which is much harder to obtain in Utah's over-appropriated basins. You may need to purchase an existing water right.
Utah Well Drilling Permits
Before any drill hits the ground, you need a well drilling permit (called a "start card") from the Utah Division of Water Rights. The process:
- File an application with the Division of Water Rights (can be done online)
- Pay the filing fee (currently around $75 for domestic wells)
- Wait for approval — typically 2–6 weeks for domestic wells
- Once approved, drilling must begin within 12 months
- After drilling, file a well completion report (the "well log") within 30 days
What Does Well Drilling Cost in Utah?
Well drilling costs in Utah vary significantly by location, depth, and geology:
| Factor | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Drilling per foot | $25–$65 per foot |
| Average well depth (southern Utah) | 200–600 feet |
| Average well depth (northern Utah) | 100–400 feet |
| Pump and pressure system | $2,500–$6,000 |
| Casing and screen | Included in per-foot price |
| Total typical cost | $8,000–$25,000+ |
Hard rock (granite, basalt) costs more per foot than sedimentary formations. Southern Utah's geology varies dramatically — iron County wells often hit water at 200–400 feet in sandstone, while some Washington County properties require 500+ feet through basalt.
When Does a Well Make Sense?
A private well makes financial sense when:
- You're on a rural property without municipal water access
- Municipal connection fees exceed well drilling costs (common in new rural subdivisions)
- You need water for livestock or agricultural use
- You want water independence from municipal supply
It may not make sense when:
- Municipal water is already at the property line and connection is affordable
- The local water table is extremely deep (600+ feet) making drilling costs prohibitive
- The area has known water quality issues requiring expensive treatment
Get a Well Drilling Estimate
Langford Drilling has been drilling water wells across Utah for decades. We handle domestic, stock, and commercial wells in Iron County, Washington County, Beaver County, Garfield County, and across southern and central Utah. We know the local geology, the permitting process, and where water is — and where it isn't.
Call (435) 590-5425 or request a free estimate.