Wells in the Town of Oregon typically run about 200 feet deep, and few go past 300 feet. The area is glaciated, unlike the Driftless to the west. Test for bacteria and nitrate every year, and use a DNR-licensed pump installer for pump or pressure-tank work.
Updated October 2026
Typical wells here
- Town of Oregon: 518 private wells in DNR records. Median depth 198 ft (middle half 157–241).
- Median casing 126 ft; median water level about 76 ft down.
- Only 5% of Town of Oregon wells are deeper than 300 ft.
- Rutland and Dunn have no town figure in the depth table yet. The Dane County median is 179 ft.
Your well’s exact depth, casing and water level are on its well construction report in the DNR Well Records Search.
Water quality notes
- PHMDC found about 1 in 5 Dane County private wells tested from 1988 to 2021 had unsafe nitrate. These were self-selected tests.
- The state Well Compensation Grant can cover PFAS when a do-not-drink advisory has been issued. New PFAS well aid from 2025 laws is still being developed by DNR.
- For PFAS testing, check with PHMDC for current programs.
- Summer thunderstorms can damage pumps and controls. If the pump quits after a storm, see the power outage and lightning guide.
Testing near Oregon
- The Madison and Dane County public health lab stopped testing on October 1, 2025. PHMDC still helps you read results: 608-243-0357.
- Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH), Madison: bacteria $35, nitrate $35, arsenic $38. Kits ship free; you pay return shipping. 608-224-6202.
- UW-Stevens Point lab: homeowner package $78 (bacteria, nitrate and basic chemistry). 715-346-3209.
- WellTAP: free tests for eligible homes with a pregnant person, a child 12 or under, or someone immunocompromised. In Dane County, call 608-242-6515.
Permits and rules
- New well: a Dane County well location permit from PHMDC ($226, 608-242-6515) plus the DNR well construction notification ($50.50).
- A well unused for more than 90 days must be filled and sealed by a licensed driller or pump installer. The DNR Well Abandonment Grant can pay 75% for eligible households, with approval before work starts.
When you need a licensed professional
Wisconsin rules require a DNR-licensed pump installer for pump and pressure-tank work on a drinking-water well; check with DNR if you’re unsure. You can check a contractor’s license in the DNR directories.
- Pump quits after a storm or trips its breaker
- Bacteria or high nitrate results
- Pressure tank or switch problems
- Sealing an old well
Related
- Wells around Stoughton
- Wells around Verona
- Typical well depths by town
- Common well problems
- Where to test your well water
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