Water Well Drillers in San Saba County, Texas

14 verified contractors serving San Saba County · Typical job: $18,000–$35,000 · License-verified via TDLR-WWD

Drilling a new water well in San Saba County typically runs $18,000–$35,000 depending on depth and geology. All contractors below are verified against TDLR active-license records.

Get 3 quotes for water well drilling in San Saba County

Free, no obligation. We route to featured, license-verified pros.

  • TDLR-WWD verified
  • 14 pros serving San Saba County
  • Free — no contact required
  • Your info never resold

All Verified Providers

Water Well Drilling service area in San Saba County

Cities & towns served
San Saba, Richland Springs, Cherokee, Bend
ZIP codes covered
76832 · 76871 · 76877
Nearby areas
Metros: Brady, Lampasas
Adjacent counties: Mills, Lampasas, Llano, Mason, McCulloch, Brown

About water well drilling in San Saba County

Water well drilling in Central Texas ranges from routine 200-foot shallow wells in strong-aquifer counties like Williamson and Hays to deep, difficult 800+ foot wells in granite-underlain counties like Llano and Burnet. A new residential well typically takes 3–7 days from spud to pump installation, but permit review and drilling scheduling can extend the total project timeline to 6–10 weeks during peak spring/summer season. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) licenses well drillers and pump installers, and every legitimate contractor has a searchable license number in the TDLR public database. Groundwater conservation districts (GCDs) also regulate well spacing, capacity, and reporting — some rural counties fall inside GCDs like Blanco-Pedernales, Hays Trinity, or Lost Pines, which require separate GCD permits on top of TDLR licensing.

Local factors in San Saba County

San Saba County wells draw from the Trinity and Ellenberger-San Saba aquifers, with depths of 400–800 ft depending on tract. Central Texas GCD permits are required. Water quality is generally good but hardness is high.

What drives the cost of water well drilling

  • Total drilled depth — most of your quote is per-foot drilling ($25–$45/ft in soft rock, $50–$85/ft in granite or hard limestone)
  • Casing material and diameter (PVC vs steel, 5" vs 6" vs 8")
  • Pump horsepower — required GPM and total dynamic head determine pump size
  • Distance from well to pressure tank / house — long runs need larger wire and pipe
  • Water treatment (softener, iron filter, UV) if the aquifer runs hard or has bacteria

Permits, licensing, and process

You need a TDLR-licensed driller — no exceptions. Before drilling, the driller files a State of Texas Well Report (SWR) with TDLR within 60 days of completion. In some counties, your Groundwater Conservation District requires a separate drilling permit filed 2–4 weeks before drilling begins. The driller usually handles both filings; ask up front whether their quote includes GCD fees. Also verify whether your specific tract falls inside a GCD boundary — the Texas Water Development Board has a public map.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Not verifying TDLR license — anyone can call themselves a "well driller" without one, but they cannot legally drill in Texas
  • Accepting a per-foot quote without a "not-to-exceed" cap — some drillers keep drilling past a productive depth
  • Skipping water quality testing — bacteriological (coliform) and mineral panel should be standard on any new well
  • Not asking about grouting — a properly grouted well protects the aquifer from surface contamination and is required by TDLR

What to ask every contractor

  • What is your TDLR driller license number and current status?
  • What is your not-to-exceed price if drilling exceeds expected depth?
  • Does the quote include the GCD permit fee (if applicable in this county)?
  • What is your standard well casing material and grout method?
  • Do you include a water quality test panel after completion?

Best time of year

Spring and early summer (March–June) are peak drilling season across Central Texas — expect 4–8 week waits. Fall (September–November) usually has the shortest scheduling windows and slightly softer pricing.

Frequently asked questions about water well drilling in San Saba County

How much does a water well cost in San Saba County, Texas?
Most residential water wells in San Saba County run $10,000–$25,000 for a complete drilled and cased well with pump, pressure tank, and electrical hookup. Hill Country wells trend higher because of limestone drilling ($30/foot vs $22/foot in East Texas), while wells in eastern parts of the county are cheaper due to softer soils. Depths average 200–500 feet in Central Texas. Ask each driller for a per-foot rate and a not-to-exceed cap.
Do I need a permit to drill a well on my property in Texas?
Texas is a private-property groundwater state, so most rural landowners can drill without a permit — but you must use a TDLR-licensed driller and file a State of Texas Well Report within 60 days of completion. Some Groundwater Conservation Districts (Central Texas has several) require registration before drilling. Your driller will handle the paperwork. Every contractor on this page is TDLR-licensed and filed on the state opt-in roster.
How deep will my well need to be?
In San Saba County, expect 200–500 feet for a household well. Water table depth varies by property — your driller can review nearby wells via the TDLR well database to give you a solid estimate before quoting. Deeper wells cost more per foot but are less likely to go dry during drought. Ask for at least 3 nearby completed-well references before choosing a depth.
How long does it take to drill a residential well?
Typical well drilling projects take 3–7 working days from rig-up to running water. Add 1–2 weeks upstream for permitting (if applicable), driller scheduling, and pump/equipment procurement. Fastest turnarounds happen in fall and winter when demand is lowest. Summer bookings often push out 4–8 weeks in Central Texas.
How do I know if a well driller is legit?
In Texas, well drillers must hold an active TDLR license and post a $10,000 bond. Every contractor on this page is verified against the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation opt-in roster. Beyond that, ask for: proof of current insurance, 3 references from San Saba County jobs in the last 12 months, a written estimate with per-foot pricing, and a copy of the well log they will file with the state.

Have a question we haven't answered? Ask when you request a quote.