Imperial County, located in California's southeastern corner, is one of the most productive agricultural regions in the United States despite receiving less than 3 inches of rainfall annually. The Imperial Valley's farming industry depends almost entirely on irrigation, with the Colorado River providing most surface water and groundwater supplementing agricultural needs.
📋 In This Guide
This statistics page covers well data unique to Imperial County, including the challenges of drilling and operating wells in extreme desert heat.
Imperial County Well Overview
Agricultural Well Statistics
Well Depths & Drilling
Extreme Heat Challenges
Water Quality Statistics
Well Permits & Regulations
Top Communities by Well Count
Geothermal & Special Uses
We service all major pump brands including Franklin Electric, Grundfos, Goulds (Xylem), and Sta-Rite (Pentair). Our trucks carry common parts and components for same-day repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many wells are in Imperial County?
Imperial County has approximately 8,400 registered wells, with 5,800 being agricultural irrigation wells, 2,100 domestic private wells, and 350 municipal supply wells. The agricultural wells support 500,000 acres of irrigated farmland, though most irrigation water comes from the Colorado River via the Imperial Irrigation District.
What is the average well depth in Imperial County?
Domestic wells in Imperial County average 320 feet deep, with a typical range of 180-450 feet. Agricultural wells are often deeper at 380 feet average. The alluvial sediment aquifer provides good yields, with domestic wells averaging 35 gpm and agricultural wells averaging 1,800 gpm.
How does extreme heat affect wells in Imperial County?
Imperial County's extreme heat (108°F average summer highs, 120°F+ records) significantly impacts well equipment. Pumps last only 14 years on average compared to 18+ years elsewhere. Equipment failure rates are 35% higher than the state average. Well owners spend approximately $1,200/year extra on heat-related maintenance.
What water quality issues are common in Imperial County?
Imperial County wells have very hard water with average TDS of 1,200 ppm. About 38% of wells have elevated selenium, and 24% exceed nitrate standards. High salinity is a concern, especially near the Salton Sea. Approximately 95% of wells benefit from water treatment systems, which typically cost $4,500.
How much does it cost to drill a well in Imperial County?
A complete residential well system in Imperial County costs approximately $38,000. Drilling costs $45-70 per foot. Agricultural wells are significantly more expensive, averaging $145,000 due to greater depth and higher yield requirements. Heat-resistant equipment adds to costs.
What is the geothermal potential in Imperial County?
Imperial County is one of the most significant geothermal regions in the United States, with 11 operating geothermal power plants producing 2,400+ MW. The Salton Sea Known Geothermal Resource Area contains 45 production wells reaching 5,000+ feet. Emerging lithium extraction from geothermal brines is a growing industry.
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