Home › Appliances › Workshop & Garage › Well Pump › California
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Well Pump in California? (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 $0.39 per hour, or about $17.33 per month at 1.5 hours a day in California. Average running cost
| Wattage | Per hour | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low (750 W) | $0.26 | $0.39 | $11.81 | $143.72 |
| Typical (1,100 W) | $0.39 | $0.58 | $17.33 | $210.79 |
| High (2,200 W) | $0.77 | $1.16 | $34.65 | $421.57 |
Formula: watts ÷ 1000 × hours × price per kWh. Typical use is 1.5 h/day ≈ 602 kWh per year.
In California, with electricity at $0.35 per kWh (source: EIA Table 5.6.A, 2026-06), a typical well pump costs $0.39 per hour and about $210.79 per year at 1.5 hours a day. That is about 94% more than the US national average of $8.91 per month, because electricity in California costs $0.35 per kWh against $0.18 nationally. Each $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