Complete Well Solutions for Agricultural Operations
Southern California's agricultural industry—from avocado orchards to vineyards, cattle ranches to nurseries—depends on reliable groundwater access. At Southern California Well Service, we specialize in high-capacity agricultural wells designed to meet the demanding needs of farming and ranching operations.
With over 40 years serving agricultural clients throughout San Diego, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties, we understand that well failures during critical growing seasons can devastate crops and livestock. That's why we offer priority emergency service for agricultural operations and design systems for maximum reliability.
🚨 Agricultural Emergency Priority
Crop and livestock emergencies can't wait. We prioritize agricultural well failures because we know every hour without water impacts your operation. Call (760) 463-0493 for priority service.
Agricultural Well Services
🌾 Agricultural Well Drilling
High-capacity wells (6-12" diameter) capable of 50-500+ GPM for irrigation, livestock, and crop processing. Designed for continuous heavy use with industrial-grade components.
💧 Irrigation System Installation
Complete irrigation well systems including high-capacity pumps, VFDs (variable frequency drives), filtration, and connection to drip or sprinkler systems.
🔧 Pump Repair & Service
Expert repair for agricultural submersible pumps, turbine pumps, and booster systems. Same-day emergency service available during irrigation season.
📊 Yield Testing & Analysis
Professional pump tests to determine sustainable yield, recovery rate, and long-term capacity. Essential for planning irrigation schedules and crop expansion.
🔄 Well Rehabilitation
Restore declining wells through acid treatment, mechanical cleaning, hydrofracturing, or deepening. Often more cost-effective than drilling new.
🐄 Livestock Water Systems
Reliable water supply for cattle, horses, goats, and other livestock. Includes storage tanks, troughs, and automatic watering systems.
Agricultural Applications We Serve
🥑 Orchards & Groves
San Diego County is home to thousands of acres of avocados, citrus, and stone fruit. We design irrigation wells matched to your acreage, tree density, and soil type. Most mature orchards need 20-50 GPM per 10 acres for drip irrigation.
🍇 Vineyards
Temecula, Ramona, and other wine regions depend on consistent irrigation. Vineyard wells must balance adequate supply with efficient delivery. We design systems for drip irrigation that maximize water efficiency while meeting vine needs.
🐴 Horse Properties & Ranches
Horses require 10-15 gallons daily per animal, plus arena watering, pasture irrigation, and barn use. We size ranch wells for peak demand including wash racks, automatic waterers, and fire protection needs.
Related: Horse Property Well Requirements
🐄 Cattle & Livestock
Cattle need 10-20 gallons per head daily in hot weather. Large ranches require wells capable of supplying multiple troughs across pastures. We design systems with storage tanks to handle peak demand without overworking pumps.
Related: Livestock Water Requirements Guide
🌿 Nurseries & Greenhouses
Commercial nurseries have intensive water needs with strict quality requirements. We provide high-volume wells with appropriate filtration and treatment to prevent plant disease and optimize growth.
🌾 Row Crops & Field Agriculture
Large-scale irrigation requires wells capable of sustained high output—often 100-500+ GPM. We design systems with VFDs for efficiency, proper sizing for pressure requirements, and backup capacity for critical periods.
Agricultural Water Requirements Guide
Proper well sizing starts with understanding your water needs:
| Application | Typical GPM Needed |
|---|---|
| Small orchard (5-10 acres) | 30-50 GPM |
| Large orchard (20-50 acres) | 100-200 GPM |
| Vineyard (per 10 acres) | 20-40 GPM |
| Horse property (10-20 horses) | 15-30 GPM |
| Cattle ranch (50-100 head) | 20-50 GPM |
| Commercial nursery (1 acre) | 50-100 GPM |
| Large-scale irrigation (100+ acres) | 200-500+ GPM |
These are general guidelines. Actual requirements depend on soil type, climate zone, irrigation method (drip vs. sprinkler), and crop water needs. We provide detailed assessments to size your system correctly.
Agricultural Well Costs
Agricultural wells are a significant investment but provide essential infrastructure for your operation:
Small Agricultural Well
$25,000 - $45,000
- • 6" diameter, 200-350' depth
- • 25-50 GPM capacity
- • 3-5 HP submersible pump
- • Basic filtration
Medium Agricultural Well
$45,000 - $75,000
- • 8" diameter, 300-450' depth
- • 75-150 GPM capacity
- • 10-25 HP pump system
- • VFD for efficiency
Large Agricultural Well
$75,000 - $150,000+
- • 10-12" diameter, 400-600' depth
- • 200-500+ GPM capacity
- • 30-75+ HP pump system
- • Full automation & controls
Pump Replacement
$5,000 - $25,000
- • Depends on pump size & depth
- • Includes new motor, pump, wiring
- • Same-day service available
- • Quality brands: Franklin, Grundfos
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an agricultural well cost in California?
Agricultural wells in Southern California typically cost $25,000 to $100,000+ depending on depth, diameter, and flow requirements. High-capacity irrigation wells (50+ GPM) require larger diameter drilling, industrial pumps, and more robust infrastructure. Factors include well depth (often 300-600 feet), casing diameter (6-12 inches vs 4-6 for residential), pump capacity, and electrical requirements.
How many gallons per minute does a farm well need?
Agricultural water needs vary dramatically by operation. Livestock operations typically need 10-30 GPM. Small orchards (5-10 acres) may need 30-50 GPM. Large-scale irrigation for row crops or vineyards often requires 100-500+ GPM. We help farmers calculate exact requirements based on acreage, crop type, irrigation method, and local evapotranspiration rates.
Do I need a permit for an agricultural well in San Diego County?
Yes, all new wells in California require permits. Agricultural wells must also comply with SGMA (Sustainable Groundwater Management Act) requirements in many basins. San Diego County permits are issued through the Department of Environmental Health. Agricultural wells may also require water rights documentation depending on the groundwater basin status.
What size well casing is needed for agricultural use?
Agricultural wells typically use 6-inch to 12-inch diameter casing, compared to 4-6 inches for residential wells. The larger diameter accommodates high-capacity pumps capable of delivering 50-500+ GPM. Casing size is determined by required flow rate, pump size, and total depth. We help design the optimal configuration for your specific agricultural needs.
How often should agricultural wells be serviced?
Agricultural wells should be inspected and serviced at least annually, with more frequent checks during peak irrigation season. High-use wells benefit from quarterly pump checks. Annual service should include flow rate testing, pump amp draw measurement, water quality testing, and inspection of irrigation infrastructure. Early detection of efficiency losses can save thousands in pump replacement costs.
Related Services
Irrigation Well Drilling
Dedicated irrigation wells for large-scale watering needs.
Well Rehabilitation
Restore declining agricultural wells to peak performance.
Well Service & Repair
Emergency pump repair and routine maintenance.
Ranch Water Systems
Complete water systems for large ranch properties.
Need Agricultural Well Service?
Get a free assessment for your farm, ranch, or agricultural operation. We'll evaluate your water needs, review your existing infrastructure, and provide honest recommendations.