Most wells in Flathead and Lincoln counties average 310-ft deep, a figure that’s risen over the past 30-years.  Depths vary widely—from as shallow as 25-40ft in Evergreen to over 1,500-ft around Lakeside and Kila. Analyzing the surrounding well logs from Ground Water Information Center MT (GWIC) offers a dependable insight into the depths or potential depth ranges. The DNRC recently developed a well log and water rights map. Consulting local expert geologists, hydrologists, reputable well drillers, and other services, such as geo-siesmology, is also available where the well logs leave room for doubt.

Montana DEQ mandates minimum setback distances for well placement: at least 10 feet from property lines, 50 feet from septic tanks, and 100 feet from drain fields, plus outside restrictive easements. On smaller lots, obtain a DEQ-approved site and septic approval before drilling. Beyond compliance, select a location that’s easily reachable by drilling rigs and service vehicles, and provides safe, unobstructed access. Collaborate with experienced drillers, hydrogeologists, and siemologist to evaluate site-specific geology, water availability, and logistical considerations for optimal well performance.

New Exempt Well Requirement (Effective January 1, 2026)

As of January 1, 2026, Montana landowners who plan to use water from an exempt well must first file a Notice of Intent (NOI) with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) before the water can be put to use. This requirement applies to all new uses under the exempt well permit exception, whether the well is newly drilled or previously drilled. The NOI must be approved by DNRC before a Notice of Completion (NOC) can be filed, and it is the landowner’s responsibility (not the well contractor’s) to submit the paperwork and fees. The NOI and NOC fees total $650. The NOI cost is $400. Once the NOI is approved and the well is completed and put to beneficial use, an NOC must be filed, along with an additional $250 fee. Authorized NOIs expire after 5 years but can be extended. This process was established by House Bill 681 and is now required for subdivision reviews, real estate transactions, and lawful water use.

Form Links

Form 602I Notice of Intent to Appropriate Groundwater and Form 602 Notice of Completion of Groundwater Development are available online on the DNRC website and at all DNRC water resources regional offices. Regional office staff can answer questions about water right applications and exceptions to the permitting process.

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Montana requires wells to meet minimal construction standards and be drilled by a licensed, bonded contractor—or by an owner with DNRC permission and inspection. An official well log is required to be submitted to GWIC upon completion of the well.

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Well construction, involving specialized equipment and training, encompasses drilling plus surface seals, steel casing, PVC liner, sand screens or perforations. The drilling phase alone might take half a day to several days, but construction—including bore stabilization and finishing—can range from a day to weeks or months, depending on depth and design.

Most wells in Flathead and Lincoln Counties produce over 2 gallons per minute, sufficient for a family of four using 200–400 gallons daily, with summer irrigation needs. Yield depends on aquifer permeability and well construction: open-bottom wells risk sediment clogging, while properly installed sand screens or casing perforations maintain flow.

Low-yield wells produce as little as 0.25 gpm (about 360 gallons per day). These can meet household needs with storage solutions like cisterns or NSF-certified tanks. Budget constraints or challenging geology may limit depth and can result in dry holes. Optimizing construction and storage integration helps secure a tailored water supply.

Finding the right well driller starts with trust and reputation. Ask neighbors, friends, or locals for recommendations. Search online for licensed well drillers in Flathead and Lincoln counties, review their credentials and testimonials. Call your top picks and discuss your project—if you feel comfortable they’ll communicate openly, then proceed. If you have doubts, pause, make more inquiries, or delay your project until you find the driller who earns your confidence.

Domestic drilling rates vary from $60–$150 per foot for a borehole. However, full well construction—including professional surface seal installation, level-welded steel casing, perforated or slotted liners, sand screens, and stainless-steel filters in unstable formations— generally adds materials and labor costs. Depending on geology and construction complexity, finishing a dependable well with proper seals and screens can increase the drilling cost, but decrease to risk of future costs and time without water, ensuring reliable yields and protecting pumps and motors from unnecessary wear and damage.

Well drilling costs rarely include the pump. Estimates may explicitly note pump inclusion. Many drillers solely drill wells and refer to preferred pump installers after the well is completed. Because pump system prices fluctuate based on depth, flow rate, and materials, it’s important to ask about pump costs and scope before hiring a driller.

Most wells rarely run completely dry—many last generations. Groundwater supplies are reliable, but future demand, seismic shifts, or improper drilling can affect yield. Often a “dry” well is just a tripped breaker or mechanical fault. As my our mentor and Master Pump Technician Jack Young use to say, “You don’t miss the water ’til the well runs dry.” Find a pump team that you can depend on to restore and maintain your well and pump performance.

Most Flathead and Lincoln County wells tap confined aquifers below clay seals, providing filtered, safe water. However, shallow wells may harbor surface bacteria, and fractured-bedrock aquifers can contain traces of arsenic. Sanitize well and pump equipment after drilling to prevent contamination. Then collect a sample from the closest tap and submit it to Montana Environmental Labs in Kalispell using one of their three comprehensive test kits. Based on the test results, an appropriate water treatment system can be selected and installed. Note: Iron Bacteria testing must be requested as an add-on to their comprehensive tests.

We recommend testing your well water annually for contaminants. Additionally, test after any significant environmental changes, such as flooding or nearby construction.

Regular maintenance includes checking the well cap, inspecting for leaks, and ensuring the area around the well is clean and free of debris. Professional inspections every couple of years are also advised.

To prevent contamination, maintain a safe distance between your well and potential pollution sources, such as septic systems or chemical storage. Regularly inspect your well for any signs of damage.

If you notice a drop in water pressure, it could indicate a problem with the pump or plumbing. Contact a professional to diagnose and resolve the issue promptly.

Signs of a dry well include sputtering faucets, cloudy water, or a noticeable decrease in water pressure. If you suspect your well is running dry, consult a professional immediately.