Water well drilling rig in Madison, WI

Madison's Most Trusted Well Drilling Contractor Since 1947

Sam's Well Drilling is the leading well drilling contractor in the Madison, WI area, serving all of Dane County and the surrounding region. With over 78 years of experience and more than 30,000 wells drilled across Wisconsin, we bring unmatched expertise to every Madison-area project. Over 5,000 Madison and Dane County homeowners, businesses, and farms rely on wells drilled by Sam's – that's a testament to our quality, reliability, and commitment to our customers.

Our unparalleled knowledge of the local geology – from the sandstone aquifers beneath Madison to the glacial till in the surrounding areas – makes us the most trusted name for residential, agricultural, and commercial wells in the region. Whether you're building a new home in Middleton, need a high-capacity irrigation well in the Town of Verona, or replacing an old well in Sun Prairie, our dedicated Dane County crews are ready to help.

Why Choose Sam's for Your Madison Well Project?

  • Local Expertise: Centrally located to reach Madison within 1 hour
  • Largest Fleet: 10+ rigs drilling daily across Wisconsin
  • Family Owned: Three generations serving Wisconsin families
  • Year-Round Service: We drill through Wisconsin winters
  • Industry Leaders: Wisconsin Water Well Association and NGWA members
  • Dane County Specialists: We navigate the unique local permitting process for you

For a reliable water source from a team that truly knows Madison, call Sam's Well Drilling today at (800) 321-5193 for a free consultation and quote.

Comprehensive Well Drilling Services in Madison & Dane County

As Madison's largest and most experienced well drilling contractor, we offer complete water well services throughout the metro area. Our dedicated Dane County crews know the region's geology intimately and can handle projects of any size or complexity.

Residential Well Drilling

Whether you're building a new home in the Madison suburbs or replacing an aging well, our residential drilling services provide reliable, long-lasting water sources. We handle site selection, Dane County permitting, drilling, and casing installation, then work closely with qualified pump installers in the Madison area to complete your well system. Most Madison-area residential wells range from 100 to 200 feet deep, though depth varies by location and aquifer conditions.

Commercial Well Drilling

From small businesses to large commercial facilities in the Madison area, we've drilled wells for countless commercial clients. Our commercial drilling services include high-capacity wells, multiple-well systems, and specialized applications. We understand the importance of minimizing disruption to your business operations and work efficiently to complete projects on schedule.

Water Testing & Treatment

Madison-area well water is generally high quality but can contain elevated levels of hardness, iron, and occasionally nitrates in agricultural areas. We provide comprehensive water testing and can install treatment systems including water softeners, iron filters, and reverse osmosis systems. Ensuring your water is safe and pleasant to use is our priority.

Well Abandonment

Old, unused wells pose environmental and safety risks. If you have an abandoned well on your Madison-area property, Wisconsin law requires proper sealing and abandonment. We are fully licensed to abandon wells according to Wisconsin DNR regulations and will handle all the required paperwork and reporting with Dane County and the state.

Understanding Madison-Area Geology and Well Drilling

Madison sits in a unique geological setting that influences well drilling throughout Dane County. Our decades of experience drilling in this area give us insights that newer or out-of-area contractors simply don't have.

Typical Well Depths in Madison

Most residential wells in the Madison metropolitan area range from 100 to 200 feet deep, with variations based on your specific location. Homes in the glacial till areas north and west of Madison may have shallower wells, while properties in the bedrock-dominated areas to the east may require deeper drilling. Commercial and high-capacity wells often need to be drilled deeper to access adequate water volumes.

The sandstone aquifers beneath Madison provide excellent water quality and quantity, but reaching them requires knowledge of the local geology. Our crews use decades of experience drilling in Dane County to predict well depths and drilling conditions accurately, which helps us provide more accurate cost estimates and timelines.

Water Quality in Dane County

Madison-area well water is generally excellent, sourced from protected sandstone aquifers that provide natural filtration. However, certain water quality characteristics are common in the region:

  • Hardness: Elevated calcium and magnesium levels are common, leading most homeowners to install water softeners
  • Iron: Some areas experience iron in well water, which can stain fixtures and affect water taste
  • Nitrates: Properties near agricultural areas should test for nitrates, especially if you have young children
  • Bacteria: We always test new wells for coliform bacteria to ensure water safety

We provide comprehensive water testing with every new well installation and can recommend and install appropriate treatment systems to address any water quality issues.

Navigating Dane County Well Permits and Regulations

Dane County has some of the most comprehensive well regulations in Wisconsin, designed to protect the county's valuable groundwater resources. While these regulations are important for environmental protection, they can be complex for property owners to navigate. That's where Sam's Well Drilling's experience becomes invaluable.

Dane County requires permits for well construction, pump installation, and well abandonment. The Dane County Land and Water Resources Department administers these permits in addition to the state-level Wisconsin DNR requirements. Key requirements include:

  • Minimum setback distances from septic systems, property lines, and potential contamination sources
  • Specific well construction standards that exceed state minimums
  • Detailed documentation and reporting requirements
  • Pump installation permits separate from drilling permits
  • Well abandonment reporting when sealing old wells

When you choose Sam's Well Drilling for your Madison-area well project, we handle all permitting from start to finish. We submit applications, coordinate inspections, and ensure your well meets all Dane County and state requirements. Our long-standing relationship with county officials helps projects move smoothly through the approval process.

Serving the Greater Madison Area

From our central Wisconsin location, we serve Madison and the entire surrounding region, typically within a two-hour drive for most well drilling projects. Our dedicated crews know the greater Madison area intimately, including the geology, permitting requirements, and local conditions that affect well drilling.

Communities We Serve in the Madison Area:

  • Madison (all neighborhoods)
  • Middleton
  • Sun Prairie
  • Verona
  • Fitchburg
  • Monona
  • McFarland
  • Waunakee
  • Oregon
  • Stoughton
  • Cottage Grove
  • DeForest
  • Mount Horeb
  • Cross Plains
  • Marshall
  • Mazomanie
  • All of Dane County
  • Surrounding counties

Why Madison Homeowners Choose Sam's Well Drilling

Over 5,000 homeowners in the Madison area have trusted Sam's Well Drilling for their water well needs. This isn't by accident – it's because we consistently deliver superior service, quality workmanship, and fair pricing. Here's what sets us apart from other well drilling contractors in the Madison area:

Three Generations of Wisconsin Well Drilling

Sam's Well Drilling is a family-owned business that has been serving Wisconsin for 78 years. We're now in our third generation of family ownership, and that long-term commitment to our customers and communities shows in everything we do. We're not here today and gone tomorrow – we're building relationships that last for generations, just like the wells we drill.

The Largest Fleet in Wisconsin

With 10+ rigs drilling daily across Wisconsin, we're the largest well drilling contractor in the state. This means we can schedule your project quickly and complete it efficiently. While smaller contractors might have you waiting weeks or months, our large fleet allows us to serve Madison-area customers promptly, even during our busy summer season.

Industry Leadership and Expertise

We're proud members of both the Wisconsin Water Well Association and the National Ground Water Association (NGWA). These memberships keep us current on the latest drilling technologies, safety standards, and industry best practices. Our crews receive ongoing training to ensure they're using the most effective and environmentally responsible drilling methods.

Year-Round Service, Even in Wisconsin Winters

Unlike some drilling contractors who shut down during Wisconsin's cold months, we operate through winter with specialized equipment and crews prepared for harsh conditions. We drill 5-6 days per week throughout the year (closed Sundays and holidays). If you're building a new home and need a well drilled in winter, we have the equipment and experience to get it done safely and efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions for Madison, WI Wells

- Is a permit required for well drilling in Dane County?

Yes, Dane County has its own well construction and pump installation permit requirements in addition to state regulations. Sam's Well Drilling has extensive experience working with the Dane County Land and Water Resources Department. We will handle all the necessary paperwork and ensure your well meets all local codes, including proper location and setbacks from septic systems and property lines.

- What is the water quality like in the Madison area?

The groundwater in the Madison area is generally of high quality, but can have high levels of hardness (calcium and magnesium) and iron. We recommend testing your new well's water to ensure it's safe and to determine if a water softening or filtration system would be beneficial. We can provide and install a wide range of water treatment solutions tailored to your specific needs.

- How deep do wells need to be in the Madison, WI area?

Well depth in the Madison area typically ranges from 100 to 200 feet for most residential properties, though some locations may require drilling to 250 feet or more depending on your specific location and the depth of the sandstone aquifer. Our expert drillers use their extensive knowledge of Dane County's hydrogeology to determine the optimal depth to ensure a reliable and plentiful water supply for your home or business. We've drilled thousands of wells throughout the Madison area and can provide accurate depth estimates based on your property's location.

- How long does it take to drill a well in Madison?

Most residential well drilling projects in the Madison area are completed in one to two days, depending on the depth required and soil conditions. With our large fleet of 10+ rigs drilling daily, we can typically schedule your project within a few weeks, even during our busy summer season when smaller contractors may have month-long backlogs. The complete process from permitting to final water testing usually takes 2-4 weeks, and we handle all the coordination with Dane County to keep your project on track.

- What does well drilling cost in the Madison area?

Well drilling costs in Madison vary based on depth, soil conditions, and specific requirements of your project. After 78 years and over 30,000 wells drilled across Wisconsin, we've learned that every property is unique. Our drilling quotes include site evaluation, permitting, drilling, and casing installation. We coordinate with qualified pump installers in the Madison area who can provide separate quotes for pump systems and pressure tanks. Request a free quote or call us at (800) 321-5193 to discuss your specific Madison-area project.

Ready to Start Your Madison Well Drilling Project?

Join over 5,000 satisfied Madison-area customers who trust Sam's Well Drilling. Three generations of experience, the largest fleet in Wisconsin, and a commitment to quality that's second to none.

Get a Free Quote Call (800) 321-5193

Serving Madison, Middleton, Sun Prairie, Verona, Fitchburg, and all of Dane County