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How Much Does It Cost to Run a Well Pump in Australia? (2026)
A submersible well pump draws 750 to 2,200 watts and runs whenever the pressure tank drops. A typical household uses 1 to 2 hours of pump time a day, making it a noticeable but modest load.
A typical well pump (1,100 W) costs A$0.39 per hour, or about A$17.33 per month at 1.5 hours a day in Australia. Average running cost
| Wattage | Per hour | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low (750 W) | A$0.26 | A$0.39 | A$11.81 | A$143.72 |
| Typical (1,100 W) | A$0.39 | A$0.58 | A$17.33 | A$210.79 |
| High (2,200 W) | A$0.77 | A$1.16 | A$34.65 | A$421.57 |
Formula: watts ÷ 1000 × hours × price per kWh. Typical use is 1.5 h/day ≈ 602 kWh per year.
In Australia, with electricity at A$0.35 per kWh (source: AER Default Market Offer 2026–27, 2026-07), a typical well pump costs A$0.39 per hour and about A$210.79 per year at 1.5 hours a day. Each A$1.00 of electricity buys roughly 2.6 hours of use.
How to lower the cost of running a well pump
- Fix leaks and dripping taps. Every litre wasted is pump time.
- Check the pressure tank. A waterlogged tank makes the pump short-cycle.
- Water the garden in the morning when pressure and efficiency are best.
Frequently asked questions
How much electricity does a well pump use per month?
About 50 kWh at 1.5 hours a day. Pick your region above for the cost.
Does a well pump use a lot of power?
It is one of the larger loads in a rural home, comparable to a dryer.
Why is my well pump running constantly?
Likely a leak, a failed pressure switch, or a low water table.
Cost by region
- United States (average)
- California
- Texas
- New York
- Florida
- Canada (average)
- United Kingdom
- Germany
- France
- Australia
- India