Dry well installation with stone-filled excavation at the UGA GSI demo site

Stop 9: Dry Well

Overview

Dry wells are shallow chambers installed in excavations and filled or surrounded with stone to intercept and temporarily store stormwater runoff until it infiltrates into underlying and surrounding soils. Installed underground, dry wells do not take away landscaping space on a property while providing significant reductions in stormwater runoff.
Practice Type: Subsurface infiltration and temporary storage

Quick Facts

Configuration50-gallon dry well system in stone-filled excavation
Stone1 ft. base and 1 ft. perimeter of No. 57 stone
Soil RequirementInfiltration rate of 0.50 inches per hour or greater
Drainage TargetCompletely drain within 24 hours of end of rainfall
Cost Range$1,200 to $5,000, including all materials and labor

The Problem

Impervious surfaces like rooftops, driveways, and sidewalks generate stormwater runoff that can cause flooding, erosion, and water pollution downhill. Many properties lack adequate space for surface-level stormwater practices, or need a solution that works invisibly beneath the landscape.

The Solution

Dry wells provide significant reductions in stormwater runoff while remaining completely hidden underground. They reduce downhill flooding and water pollution by capturing runoff and allowing it to slowly infiltrate into the surrounding soil.

How It Works

At the demonstration site, the dry well receives passive drawdown and overflow from the cistern (Stop 8). Water enters the dry well through a surface drain connection, fills the stone reservoir and well chamber, and then slowly infiltrates into the surrounding and underlying soils. A pop-up emitter delivers any overflow beyond the dry well’s capacity to the lawn area near the rain garden during exceptionally heavy storms.

Design Specifications

Location Requirements

  • Permeable soils with adequate infiltration rate
  • Groundwater table more than 2 feet below the bottom
  • Located in lawn or other disturbed pervious area
  • Not where fine sediment (clay, silt) accumulates

Required Setback Distances

Maintain appropriate setbacks from building foundations, property lines, septic systems, and wells per local codes.

System Components

  • 50-gallon dry well chamber (such as NDS Flo-Well)
  • 1 ft. base of crushed, washed 3/4 in. No. 57 stone
  • 1 ft. perimeter of the same stone
  • Geotextile fabric wrapping
  • Surface drain inlet connection
  • Pop-up emitter for overflow

Try It Yourself

Dry wells are an excellent solution for homeowners who want to manage stormwater without giving up yard space. They work well for receiving downspout discharge, rain barrel overflow, or runoff from small impervious areas. A basic dry well system can be installed in a weekend with standard excavation tools. Position the dry well at least 10 feet from building foundations and ensure the surrounding soil drains adequately.

For Professionals

For compliance applications, dry well sizing must account for contributing drainage area, design storm depth, soil infiltration rates, and seasonal high groundwater elevation. Multiple dry wells can be connected in series for larger projects. The Georgia Stormwater Management Manual provides guidance on subsurface infiltration practices.

Resources

Download fact sheets, design guides, and technical resources for this practice.