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How Deep Are Wells in Northeast Florida?

Short answer:

In Northeast Florida, shallow wells typically reach 40 to 80 feet into the surficial aquifer, and deep wells drill 200 to 500 feet into the Floridan aquifer. The right depth depends on the aquifer under your property, your water quality goals (iron-free water usually means deep), and required yield for the household or irrigation load.

Two aquifers, two very different wells

Northeast Florida sits over two productive aquifers. The surficial aquifer is close to the surface and supplies most shallow wells. It works for irrigation and some residential use, but carries higher iron and mineral content, which is what causes the reddish-brown staining common on driveways, sidewalks, and stucco.

The Floridan aquifer sits deeper (typically 200 to 500 feet down in our territory) and produces iron-free water with far more consistent yield. Truck-drilled deep wells that reach the Floridan aquifer are what we install when a homeowner wants whole-house water without staining problems.

Typical depths by county

  • Flagler County (Palm Coast, Bunnell, Flagler Beach): Deep wells commonly 200 to 350 feet. Shallow wells 40 to 60 feet.
  • Volusia County (Ormond Beach, DeLand, Deltona): Deep wells 250 to 450 feet inland, often shallower near the coast. Shallow wells 45 to 80 feet.
  • St. Johns County (St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, Nocatee): Deep wells commonly 250 to 400 feet.
  • Putnam and Duval Counties: Vary significantly by parcel. Site surveys are essential.

These are typical ranges from our installs, not guarantees. The only way to know a specific property's target depth is a site consultation. See our residential well and pump page for how we scope new well projects.

Frequently asked questions

What determines how deep a well needs to be? +
Well depth is determined by where the target aquifer sits under your property, water quality goals, and required yield. In Northeast Florida, shallow wells commonly reach 40 to 80 feet into the surficial aquifer, while deep wells drill through to the Floridan aquifer between 200 and 500 feet depending on location.
Is a deeper well always better? +
Not always, but usually. Deeper wells generally provide cleaner iron-free water and more consistent yield, but they cost more up front. A shallow well can be a good fit for irrigation-only use or budget-constrained residential projects, provided iron content and staining are acceptable.
How much does the depth vary across counties? +
Depth varies significantly by county and even by parcel. Palm Coast and Flagler Beach areas often hit the Floridan aquifer at 200 to 300 feet. Inland parts of Volusia and Putnam Counties can require deeper drilling. The only reliable way to know is a site survey.
Do I need a permit for a new well? +
Yes. All new wells in our service area require a permit from the St. Johns River Water Management District or applicable county. WaterCare handles all permitting as part of the drilling process so the installation is legal and inspection-ready.

Planning a New Well?

WaterCare surveys the property and scopes depth before quoting.

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