Here’s where it gets real: the cost per foot isn’t the only thirsty thing draining your bank account. You’ll need a well casing—that’s the metal or PVC pipe that keeps dirt from joining your water party. Casing adds about $10 to $20 per foot, like buying a straw for your iced tea, except this straw is heavy and buried 200 feet deep. Then there’s a pump, which costs anywhere from $800 to $2,500, depending on whether you want a gentle whisper or a jet engine in your backyard.
Don’t forget the permit. Angelina County charges a small fee to make sure you’re not accidentally drilling to China and upsetting the local moles. It’s usually under $200, which is less than what you’ll spend on coffee while watching the drill truck sit idle during a rain delay.
A Quick Anecdote From a Neighbor
My buddy Randy in Huntington decided to DIY a well last summer. He watched two YouTube videos, borrowed a friend’s backhoe, and spent three days hitting what he called “rock-sicles”—frozen-looking chunks of shale. After he broke two drill bits and his wife’s patience, he hired a pro. The driller hit clean water at 120 feet, and the bill was $5,200. Randy now jokes that his “savings” paid for a steak dinner and a t-shirt that says “I Love My Well.” The moral? Paying per foot is cheaper than paying for therapy.
How Much Does It Cost to Drill a Well? [2026 Data] - Get A Site Plan