If you’re looking to drill a water well in Arizona, the first big question that usually comes up is:
“How long is this going to take?”
And more specifically:
“How long does it take to get a well drilling permit approved?”
At Western Drilling, we’ve helped homeowners, farmers, ranchers, and remote landowners across Arizona navigate the permitting process—and we’re here to give you the straight answers.
Typical Timeline: 3–6 Weeks (But That Can Vary)
For most projects, you can expect the well drilling permitting process to take 3-6 weeks. But depending on your location and a few key details, it could stretch out to 8 weeks or more.
Some counties are faster and more straightforward. Others, like Navajo County, require site inspections before issuing a permit. If you’re in an Assured Water Supply area, or if your well site is too close to a septic system or easement, those are common causes of delays.
Key Factors That Affect Permit Timing
Here’s what can influence how fast (or slow) your well drilling permit is approved in Arizona:
- County-Specific Requirements: Every county handles permits a little differently. Some run everything through an environmental department, while others route it through building or planning divisions.
- Lot Size: If your property is over 5 acres, we can typically work directly with the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR). This simplifies things. Under 5 acres? We’ll need to coordinate with both the county and ADWR.
- Distance from Septic Systems: Arizona requires wells to be at least 100 feet from any septic tank or leach field – yours or your neighbor’s. Overlooking this is one of the most common permitting mistakes we see.
- Emergency Situations: If you’re out of water and need a replacement well, we’ve been able to fast-track permits in as little as a few days, thanks to the relationships we’ve built with local and state agencies.
What You Can Do to Speed Things Up
If you’re hoping to drill soon, here are a few things you can do to help keep the permitting process moving:
- Contact us early: The sooner we get started, the sooner we can identify any zoning or spacing issues.
- Know your property boundaries and septic layout: Having a site plan or septic map on hand can prevent delays.
- Let us handle the legwork: We know which departments to talk to and how to get things moving.
Real Story: Permit Approved in 2 Days
One of our customers came to us after a rough experience with another drilling company. They were out of water and needed help fast.
We jumped into action, coordinated with both the county and ADWR, and had their permit approved within two days! Drilling began on day four.
That kind of turnaround doesn’t happen by accident—it’s the result of experience, trusted relationships, and a commitment to helping our neighbors.
Need Help? Let’s Talk!
At Western Drilling, we take the hassle out of permits and paperwork. Whether you’re just getting started or stuck mid-process, we’re happy to help.
📞 Call us at (623) 327-1200
📍 Visit us in Buckeye, AZ
You don’t have to figure it all out yourself. We’ll walk you through it – and get your well drilled the right way, the first time!
Helpful Links
Want to dig into more resources? Check these out:
- Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR)
- ADWR Well Registry Lookup Tool
- Full Guide: How to Drill a Well in Arizona ← This guide walks you through every step of the process
