DAK Drilling has been serving Durango, Colorado and the Four Corners Area since 1974. In that time, our clients have trusted us to drill and install water wells to provide their drinking water. This is an honor and responsibility that we take seriously. We can proudly say that our experience has allowed us to stay ahead of our local competition by providing top quality customer service, using the best in drilling technology, installing quality well components, and following a sanitation regiment to ensure the best possible water from your location.
Our 3 drilling rigs are versatile and can use several different drilling methods to get a hole down. Typically we drill via air rotary and casing advance methods to complete wells but we can convert to a mud rotary or other drilling method if needed. We are your local drilling contractor and want to earn your business.
New or Replacement Wells
Our fully trained and licensed crews have been installing replacement wells for years. The depth, diameter, and volume of your well depends mainly upon the aquifer in place at your location but will also vary depending upon your unique requirements. Let us know if your well has failed and we can discuss the options for drilling a replacement.
Drilling a well can be a daunting task. We understand that and strive to help our customers navigate that process. Once the permitting is complete, DAK can devote one of our three rigs to your project to drill your well. We strive to meet or exceed your timeline while providing the highest quality well in the area.
Water Well Drilling Services in Southwest CO and Northern NM
Whether you’re building a new home, developing rural property, expanding a ranch, or creating a dependable water supply for a commercial project, choosing the right water well contractor is one of the most important investments you’ll make.
At DAK Drilling & Well Service, we provide professional water well drilling throughout Southwest Colorado, helping property owners develop reliable groundwater systems designed to last for decades.
From private residential wells to agricultural irrigation systems and commercial water supplies, our experienced team understands the unique geology, elevations, and groundwater conditions found throughout La Plata County and the surrounding Four Corners region.
Why Choose DAK Drilling?

Choosing a drilling contractor isn’t simply about drilling a hole—it’s about designing an entire water system that performs reliably for years.
Our team provides:
- Residential water well drilling
- Agricultural & ranch wells
- Commercial water wells
- Livestock watering systems
- Irrigation wells
- Replacement wells
- Test drilling
- Pump system coordination
- Well rehabilitation guidance
- Local permitting assistance
Every property is different, which is why every project begins with understanding your property’s specific needs.
Local Experience Matters

Groundwater conditions vary dramatically across Southwest Colorado.
A successful well in Durango may require an entirely different drilling approach than one in Bayfield, Ignacio, Hesperus, Mancos, Pagosa Springs, or Silverton.
Factors that influence every project include:
- Bedrock formations
- Groundwater availability
- Fracture zones
- Elevation
- Seasonal recharge
- Property accessibility
- Well depth
- Intended water usage
Our local experience allows us to anticipate these conditions before drilling begins.
Our Water Well Drilling Process
Site Evaluation

We review your property, intended water usage, access, and project goals.
Permitting
We help guide the permitting process required by Colorado.
Drilling
Our experienced crew drills through the local geology using professional equipment designed for Southwest Colorado conditions.
Well Development
Once drilling is complete, the well is developed to improve water production and remove drilling sediment.
Pump Installation Coordination
After the well is completed, we coordinate with the appropriate pump installation and water system professionals when needed.
Testing
We recommend testing new wells to understand water quality and establish a baseline for future maintenance.
Water Well Types We Install
Every property has unique water needs, and no single type of well is right for every situation. At DAK Drilling, we install a variety of water well systems throughout Southwest Colorado, helping homeowners, ranchers, businesses, municipalities, and environmental organizations develop dependable groundwater solutions tailored to their specific goals.
Residential Water Wells
Private residential wells provide a reliable source of clean groundwater for homes, cabins, and rural properties that are not connected to a municipal water system. Whether you’re building a new home or replacing an aging well, our team designs systems that provide dependable water for everyday household use.
Agricultural & Ranch Wells
Reliable water is essential for livestock, irrigation, barns, gardens, and day-to-day ranch operations. We work with agricultural producers throughout Southwest Colorado to develop water systems capable of supporting everything from small hobby farms to large working ranches.
Commercial Water Wells
Businesses often require dependable groundwater for daily operations, employee facilities, construction projects, or commercial developments. DAK Drilling has experience providing commercial well solutions designed to meet the unique demands of each project.
Environmental Wells
DAK Drilling has years of experience drilling and installing environmental wells for a wide range of applications. These specialized wells are commonly used for groundwater monitoring, environmental sampling, remediation, and extraction projects. Working with engineers, environmental consultants, and government agencies, we install wells designed to meet precise project specifications while providing accurate access to groundwater for long-term monitoring and analysis.
Gallery Wells
Gallery wells offer an alternative approach to groundwater collection and can be an excellent solution in the right geological conditions. Rather than relying on a traditional vertical well, gallery wells use horizontal perforated piping installed below ground within a carefully constructed gravel gallery. This design allows groundwater to naturally collect through the surrounding materials before entering the collection pipe. Gallery wells are often well-suited for shallow groundwater sources and certain alluvial environments where horizontal collection provides advantages over conventional drilling. Read more about gallery vs traditional wells.
Water Storage Cisterns
Many properties in Southwest Colorado benefit from pairing a professionally drilled water well with a water storage cistern. In areas where wells produce water more slowly, a cistern allows the well to continuously refill a storage tank throughout the day, ensuring a dependable water supply during periods of higher demand. DAK Drilling frequently installs underground water storage cisterns as part of complete water system projects and can help determine the appropriate size and configuration for your property’s needs.
Windmill Water Systems
For many ranches, farms, and rural properties, windmills remain a dependable and time-tested way to pump groundwater without electricity. Powered by the wind, these mechanical systems use a reciprocating pump to lift water from a well into storage tanks for livestock, irrigation, or domestic use. In remote areas where utility power isn’t available—or where landowners want a low-maintenance, sustainable water source—a windmill can be an excellent solution.
Not Sure Which Well Type Is Right for Your Property?
Every property presents unique challenges, from geology and elevation to water demand and site access. Our experienced team can evaluate your project, explain the available options, and recommend the water system that best fits your long-term needs. Whether you’re planning a new home, expanding a ranch, developing commercial property, or working on an environmental project, DAK Drilling is here to help you build a reliable water solution. Contact us for a free evaluation of your water well or cistern.

Serving Southwest Colorado
DAK Drilling proudly provides water well drilling throughout:
- Durango
- Bayfield
- Ignacio
- Hesperus
- Mancos
- Dolores
- Cortez
- Pagosa Springs
- Silverton
- La Plata County
- Archuleta County
- Montezuma County
- San Juan County
- San Miguel County
- Montezuma County
If your property is located elsewhere in Southwest Colorado, contact us to discuss your project.

The Benefits of Owning a Private Water Well
Whether you’re building a home, developing rural property, expanding a ranch, or replacing an aging well, DAK Drilling has the experience to help you develop a dependable water supply for years to come.
Contact DAK Drilling today to discuss your project and request a consultation.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you’re building a new home, developing land, or upgrading your cistern or water well DAK Drilling is here to help.
Contact us today to schedule your cistern inspection and consultation.
How deep are water wells in Southwest Colorado?
Every property is unique. Well depth depends on local geology, groundwater conditions, and expected water demand.
How long does it take to drill a water well?
Most drilling projects can be completed in several days, although permitting, weather, site access, and geology can affect scheduling.
How much does a water well cost?
Costs vary depending on drilling depth, geology, casing requirements, pump equipment, and site conditions. Visit our Cost to Drill a Well in Southwest Colorado page for more information.
Can a well be combined with a cistern?
Yes. Many Southwest Colorado property owners use both a well and a storage cistern. This approach allows slower-producing wells to continuously fill a storage tank while providing higher water availability when needed.
Can DAK Drilling install both systems?
Yes.
DAK Drilling designs and installs complete rural water systems, including cistern installation, water well drilling, and integrated systems that combine both into one dependable solution.
