Borewell Cost Calculator
Estimate the total investment for drilling a borewell including casing, pump, and installation.
Casing needed for loose soil/rock at top
Total Estimated Cost
Excluding taxes and permits
Depth Structure
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What is a Borewell Cost Calculator?
A Borewell Cost Calculator helps you estimate the total investment required for drilling a water well, including drilling charges, casing pipe, pump installation, and miscellaneous costs. Planning a borewell budget accurately is crucial since the final cost depends on uncertain factors like water table depth and soil conditions.
The two biggest cost uncertainties are Total Depth (how deep until you hit water) and Casing Depth (how much loose soil needs casing pipes). Our calculator helps you model different scenarios and understand the cost breakdown before committing to a project.
Whether you're planning a residential water supply, agricultural irrigation, or commercial water system, this calculator provides accurate estimates with project type presets and pump type options.
Project Presets
Quick-select Residential, Agricultural, Commercial, or Industrial with recommended settings for each project type.
Pump Selection
Choose from Submersible (1-2HP, 3-5HP) or Solar pump options with accurate cost estimates for each type.
Depth Visualization
Visual diagram showing casing zone, open bore, and total depth structure for better understanding of your borewell.
Cost Breakdown
Detailed breakdown showing drilling, casing, pump, and miscellaneous costs with percentage allocation.
How to Use the Borewell Calculator
Select Borewell Type
Choose Residential, Agricultural, Commercial, or Industrial. This auto-sets recommended depth and pump type.
Enter Depth Parameters
Input Total Depth (to water table) and Casing Depth (for loose soil). Consult local drillers for estimates.
Set Drilling Rates
Enter Drilling Rate and Casing Rate per foot from contractor quotes. Rates vary by location.
Select Pump & Download
Choose Pump Type based on depth and water needs. View cost breakdown and Download or Print results.
Understanding Casing Requirements
Casing pipe is essential to prevent the upper loose soil from collapsing into the borewell. Without casing, sand and gravel can fall into the hole, blocking water flow and damaging the pump.
Casing depth depends on local geology:
- Rocky terrain: 20-40 ft casing
- Mixed soil: 40-80 ft casing
- Sandy/Alluvial: 80-150+ ft casing
Pump Selection Guide
| Pump Type | Depth Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 HP | Up to 300ft | Residential |
| 3-5 HP | 300-600ft | Agricultural/Commercial |
| Solar Pump | Any depth | Remote areas |
Higher HP pumps cost more upfront but are necessary for deep wells and high-flow agricultural needs.
Borewell Type Guidelines
| Project Type | Typical Depth | Casing | Water Needs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential | 200-400 ft | 40-80 ft | 500-1000 L/hr |
| Agricultural | 300-500 ft | 60-100 ft | 2000-5000 L/hr |
| Commercial | 400-600 ft | 80-120 ft | 3000-8000 L/hr |
| Industrial | 500-800+ ft | 100-150 ft | 5000-15000+ L/hr |
Pro Tips for Borewell Planning
Get multiple quotes - Drilling rates vary significantly. Get 3-4 quotes from local contractors.
Check neighbor wells - Ask about depth, water quality, and yield from nearby borewells.
Budget 20% extra - Water may be deeper than expected, requiring more drilling.
Consider dry bore risk - Ask about contractor policy if no water is found.
Check permits - Some areas require government permission for borewell drilling.
Test water quality - After drilling, test for contaminants before drinking use.
Common Use Cases
New Home Construction
Budget for residential borewell before house construction. Factor in electrical wiring and storage tank costs.
Farm Irrigation
Plan agricultural borewells for crop irrigation. Consider solar pumps for remote locations without electricity.
Existing Well Replacement
Compare cost of drilling new borewell vs deepening existing well that has reduced yield.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of drilling a borewell?
Borewell drilling cost varies significantly based on depth, soil type, and location. Typical drilling rates range from 50-150 per foot. A 300ft residential borewell may cost 30,000-50,000 total including casing and pump. Commercial/industrial borewells can cost 100,000+. Always get multiple local quotes.
What is casing pipe and why is it needed?
Casing pipe is a steel or PVC pipe inserted into the upper portion of a borewell to prevent loose soil, sand, or rock from collapsing into the hole. Casing depth depends on topsoil conditions - sandy areas may need 100+ feet of casing. Casing typically costs 200-400 per foot and is a significant cost factor.
How do I know what depth I need for a borewell?
Required depth depends on local water table levels. Consult neighbors with existing borewells, local drillers, or government groundwater surveys. Residential wells typically range 200-400ft, agricultural 300-500ft. Drillers charge based on actual depth drilled, so estimates may vary from final cost.
What size pump do I need for my borewell?
Pump size depends on depth and water requirements. 1HP pump works up to 150ft depth for basic needs. 2HP for 200-300ft residential. 3-5HP for deep agricultural wells or high-flow commercial needs. Solar pumps are cost-effective for agricultural use where electricity is limited.
What are the hidden costs in borewell drilling?
Hidden costs include: Rig transport charges (distance from contractor base), government permits/licenses, electrical starter panel, waterproof wiring, cap/cover, site clearance, and water testing. Budget an additional 10-20% for unexpected expenses and deeper drilling if water is not found at estimated depth.
What is the difference between borewell and tubewell?
The terms are often used interchangeably but technically differ. A borewell is a narrow-diameter (4-8 inch) deep hole drilled using rotary drilling machines. A tubewell is a wider-diameter shallow well with a slotted pipe, typically hand-dug or manually bored. This calculator is designed for borewells.
How long does borewell drilling take?
Drilling time depends on depth and rock hardness. Soft soil: 50-100 ft/day. Hard rock: 20-40 ft/day. A typical 300ft residential borewell takes 2-5 days. Add time for casing installation, pump fitting, and electrical connections. Total project may take 1-2 weeks.
What if no water is found after drilling?
This is a real risk called a 'dry bore'. Reputable drillers may offer partial refund or reduced rates for dry bores. Some areas have government bore failure insurance. Geophysical surveys before drilling can reduce risk. Even dry bores incur drilling charges for work done.
How much water can a borewell produce?
Yield varies greatly based on aquifer quality. Residential needs: 500-1000 liters/hour. Agricultural: 2000-5000+ liters/hour. Yield is tested after drilling using air compressor method. Low-yield borewells may need storage tanks. Very low yield may require re-drilling in a different location.
What maintenance does a borewell need?
Annual maintenance includes: pump inspection, electrical panel check, water quality testing. Every 5-10 years: possible pump replacement, cleaning sediment buildup. Monitor water level and yield over time - declining levels may indicate aquifer depletion or need for deeper boring.