For rural homeowners in and around Olympia, Rochester, Tenino, and Shelton, installing a new well—or replacing an existing one—is a significant project that requires careful planning. One of the most common questions homeowners ask is deceptively simple: How long does a new well take?
The realistic answer is that while the actual drilling may only take a few days, the full process often spans several weeks or even months, depending on a range of factors. Understanding the timeline helps set expectations and highlights why early planning and early contact with a licensed well driller are critical.
Where to Start
The process typically begins with an initial site visit. During this stage, a licensed well driller or well technician evaluates your property for access, topography, setbacks, and potential well locations that meet county and state regulations. In Thurston and Mason counties, this step is especially important because site constraints, critical areas, and neighboring wells can affect approval. This phase usually takes a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on scheduling availability.
Approval and Permitting
Next comes county well site approval and permitting. This is often the longest and least predictable portion of the timeline. Permitting queues vary by county and time of year, but it is not uncommon for approvals to take several weeks. During peak construction seasons, permitting delays can extend further. This is a key reason homeowners are encouraged to plan well projects well in advance rather than waiting until water access becomes urgent.
Once permits are approved, drilling can be scheduled. The drilling itself is relatively fast—often one to three days—but the schedule depends heavily on contractor availability, weather conditions, and property access.
Factors That Affect Your Timeline
Geology plays a major role in timelines, particularly in areas like Tenino and Shelton, where subsurface conditions can vary significantly over short distances. Drillers may encounter hard rock, deep aquifers, or unstable formations that slow progress or require specialized equipment. In some cases, drilling must pause while adjustments are made, extending the schedule beyond initial estimates.
The Final Steps
After the well is drilled, pump installation follows. This includes setting the pump, installing the drop pipe, wiring, pressure tank, and controls. This phase typically takes one to two days but may be delayed if electrical work or trenching for water lines is required. A licensed well technician ensures that the pump is correctly sized for your well depth, yield, and household demand.
The final step is water testing and system commissioning. Washington State requires testing for bacteria and other contaminants before the well can be placed into service. Lab turnaround times usually range from a few days to over a week. Only after passing results are received can the system be fully approved for use.
Altogether, a new or replacement well often takes anywhere from four to twelve weeks from first call to final water test—and sometimes longer. This variability is precisely why early planning matters.
Schedule your first on-site evaluation with American Pump and Drilling today!