Well drilling
A new residential well is priced by depth and geology, so real quotes come after a driller looks at your land and nearby well records. Expect the conversation to cover depth, casing, pump sizing, and water testing before anyone names a number.
Permits and licensed drillers
- Permit before drillingSCDES requires a Notice of Intent for coverage under its general permit before a private drinking water well is drilled. The fee is $70 for a residential well.
- 48-hour noticeThe driller notifies SCDES 48 hours before the well goes in, and the well has to be built to the state's well standards.
- Licensed drillerWell drillers in South Carolina must be certified through the state Environmental Certification Board. Ask for the certification.
How far does a well have to be from a septic tank in South Carolina?
At least 75 feet. South Carolina requires at least 75 feet between a private well and a septic tank or drain field, in both directions, and 100 feet between a septic system and a public well. On a new build, the well and the septic system get laid out together, which is one more reason to start the septic soil evaluation early.
Well pump problems?
No water, weak pressure, or a pump that clicks on and off is a pump or pressure tank problem, not a drilling job. Our well pump replacement guide covers the signs, the costs, who can do the work, and the state rule to disinfect the well afterward.
Water testing
If you are buying a home on a well, a water test belongs in the same conversation as the septic inspection. Bacteria testing at minimum, and mineral testing if the home has staining or taste issues.
Your local SCDES office provides test kits for private wells: a coliform bacteria test is $20 and a metals and minerals panel is $50, with samples accepted Monday through Wednesday. The metals lab has had seasonal closures, so call ahead. SCDES says those tests are not meant for real estate transactions, so for a home purchase use a state-certified commercial lab. SCDES keeps a list of them.
Questions people ask
Do I need a permit to drill a well in South Carolina?
Yes. Before a private drinking water well is drilled, SCDES requires a Notice of Intent for coverage under its general well permit. The fee is $70 for a residential well, and the driller has to notify SCDES 48 hours before installing.
How far does a well have to be from a septic tank in SC?
At least 75 feet from the septic tank and the drain field. That distance runs both ways: a new septic system has to be 75 feet from a private well, and a new well 75 feet from an existing system.
How much does it cost to drill a well in Greenville County?
It depends on how deep the driller has to go and what they hit, so real quotes come after a driller looks at your land and nearby well records. Expect the conversation to cover depth, casing, pump sizing, and water testing before anyone names a number.
Does a well driller need a license in South Carolina?
Yes. Well drillers must be certified by the state through the South Carolina Environmental Certification Board.
Where can I get my well water tested?
Local SCDES offices provide test kits for private wells, with a coliform bacteria test for $20. For a home purchase, SCDES suggests a certified commercial lab instead, since its own tests are not meant for real estate transactions.
Need a new well drilled? Request a quote from a local, state-certified well driller.
Request a quoteSources
We check state and county rules against the source. Rules change, so confirm with the office that issues the permit before you act.
- SCDES: Private drinking water wells
- SC Regulation 61-71, Well Standards
- SC Regulation 61-44, Individual Residential Well and Irrigation Well Permitting
- SC Regulation 61-56, Onsite Wastewater Systems
- SC LLR: Environmental Certification Board (well drillers)
- SCDES: Well water testing services
- SCDES: Certified commercial labs