New Construction Well Drilling: Everything You Need to Know About Building a House with a Well

🏗️ Building your dream home in rural San Diego or Riverside County? Before the foundation goes in, before the framing starts, there's one critical question that needs answering: Where's your water coming from? If you're outside municipal service areas (and most backcountry properties are), drilling a well is step one—and getting it right sets the stage for everything that follows. This comprehensive guide walks you through the entire journey, from "Should I even buy this land?" to "Water's flowing!" so you can build with complete confidence in your water supply.

When to Drill Your Well During Construction

Timing is everything when drilling a well for new construction. The sequence of when you drill relative to other construction activities can significantly impact your project's success, timeline, and budget.

Drill Early—Before Foundation Work

The golden rule of new construction well drilling: drill as early as possible. Ideally, your well should be drilled during the site preparation phase, before foundation work begins. Here's why early drilling makes sense:

• Confirm water supply: You'll know whether the site has adequate water before investing heavily in construction
• Equipment access: Drilling rigs need significant space to maneuver; this is easier before buildings and landscaping exist
• Construction water needs: A working well provides water for concrete mixing, dust control, and other construction needs
• Time to address problems: If the first well has issues, you have time to drill deeper, relocate, or explore alternatives
• Permit coordination: Well permits often need to be approved before building permits are finalized

The Recommended Construction Sequence

For more details on the drilling timeline, see our guide on how long it takes to drill a well.

Site Evaluation: Finding the Right Location

Where you drill matters enormously. A well location that works geologically must also meet regulatory setback requirements and practical construction considerations.

Geological Assessment

San Diego and Riverside Counties have incredibly varied geology—from decomposed granite to fractured bedrock to alluvial deposits. Each formation has different water-bearing characteristics:

• Alluvial valleys: Often shallower wells with good yields
• Fractured granite: Water found in rock fractures; yields vary significantly
• Mountain areas: May require deeper drilling; harder rock conditions
• Coastal areas: Risk of saltwater intrusion at depth

A professional site evaluation may include reviewing geological maps, analyzing neighboring well logs (public records), conducting surface surveys, or even performing test drilling. This investment can save thousands by identifying the most promising drilling location.

Regulatory Setback Requirements

California and local regulations mandate minimum distances between wells and potential contamination sources:

On small lots, meeting all setback requirements while finding a geologically favorable location can be challenging. Work with your driller and septic designer simultaneously to optimize both systems' placement. Learn more in our San Diego well permit guide.

Practical Considerations

• Drilling rig access: Rigs need a clear path at least 12 feet wide
• Future landscaping: Consider where driveways, gardens, and outbuildings will go
• Electrical access: The well needs power; plan the route from electrical panel
• Maintenance access: You'll need to reach the well for future service
• Aesthetics: The wellhead will be a permanent feature

The Permitting Process for New Construction Wells

A construction well permit is required before any drilling begins. The permitting process ensures wells are properly constructed and located to protect both your water supply and the broader groundwater resource.

Permit Application Requirements

When applying for a new construction well permit, you'll typically need:

• Completed application form
• Site plan showing proposed well location, septic system, property lines, and structures
• Parcel information and proof of ownership
• Permit fee ($500-$1,500 depending on county and well type)
• Information about proposed well construction (depth, casing, etc.)

Coordinating Well and Building Permits

Your building permit may require proof of an approved water source. Coordinate your permit applications so that:

• Well permit is submitted early in the planning process
• Well permit approval doesn't delay building permit issuance
• Site plans for both permits show consistent information
• Final inspections can be coordinated efficiently

Permit Timeline Expectations

Plan for 2-6 weeks for permit approval in most cases. Factors that can extend this timeline include:

• Incomplete applications requiring resubmission
• Properties in sensitive groundwater areas requiring additional review
• Variance requests for setback distances
• Seasonal workload at permitting agencies

Coordinating with Builders and Contractors

Building a house with a well requires careful coordination between multiple contractors. Poor communication between your well driller, general contractor, electrician, and plumber can create expensive problems.

Key Coordination Points

Communication Best Practices

• Include your well contractor in pre-construction meetings
• Share site plans with all contractors showing well location
• Establish clear timelines for when drilling will occur and how long it will take
• Discuss construction water needs and temporary power arrangements
• Plan for pump installation timing relative to electrical and plumbing rough-in

Temporary vs. Permanent Installations

During construction, you'll likely need water before the permanent pump system is installed. Understanding temporary options helps you plan effectively.

Temporary Water Solutions During Construction

• Temporary pump with generator: A portable pump powered by generator can provide construction water before permanent electrical is installed
• Temporary electrical service: Some builders install temporary power early, allowing permanent pump installation sooner
• Portable water tanks: Fill tanks from the well periodically; useful for smaller water needs
• Water delivery: For sites where well isn't ready, water trucks can fill holding tanks

Transitioning to Permanent Installation

Your permanent pump system should be installed once:

• Permanent electrical service is available
• The location for pressure tank and controls is finalized
• Plumbing rough-in is ready for connection
• Risk of construction damage to equipment is minimal

This is typically during the later stages of construction, after framing and before drywall. See our guide on well pump sizing to ensure your permanent system meets your home's needs.

Cost Budgeting for New Construction Wells

Understanding the full cost of drilling a well for new home construction helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises.

Typical Cost Breakdown

The wide range reflects varying depths required—a 200-foot well costs significantly less than a 600-foot well. For detailed local pricing, see our guides on San Diego well drilling costs and Riverside County well drilling costs.

Budgeting Tips

• Add 10-15% contingency: Unexpected rock, deeper drilling, or poor initial yield can increase costs
• Get multiple quotes: Drilling costs vary significantly between contractors
• Research the area: Neighboring well depths give you realistic expectations
• Budget for treatment: Water quality issues may require ongoing treatment systems
• Consider long-term costs: A quality installation costs more upfront but saves on repairs

Timeline Expectations

How long does it take to drill a well for new construction? The timeline depends on multiple factors, but here's what to expect:

Typical Timeline Breakdown

Actual drilling typically takes only 1-3 days for most residential wells. The permit process and scheduling often take longer than the drilling itself. During peak construction season, driller availability can extend timelines significantly—book early.

What If the Well Doesn't Produce Enough Water?

This is the fear that keeps many new construction clients awake at night. What if you drill and don't get enough water? Here's how to handle low-yield scenarios:

Options for Insufficient Well Yield

• Drill deeper: Sometimes additional depth reaches more productive water-bearing zones
• Hydrofracturing: High-pressure water injection opens fractures in rock, potentially increasing yield
• Storage tank system: A large storage tank (1,000-5,000 gallons) accumulates water over time, providing adequate supply even with low-yield wells
• Drill a second well: Sometimes a different location produces better
• Well rehabilitation: Techniques like air lifting, chemical treatment, or re-development can improve yield

Prevention Through Planning

Minimize the risk of inadequate water supply by:

• Researching neighbor well yields before purchasing property
• Investing in professional site evaluation
• Working with experienced local drillers who know the geology
• Having contingency plans and budget before drilling
• Drilling early so problems are discovered before major construction investment

For more on this topic, see our guide on what to do when wells run dry and well rehabilitation options.

Construction Water Needs

Building a house requires significant water. Understanding construction water demands helps you plan temporary supply solutions.

Typical Construction Water Usage

• Concrete work: 500-1,500 gallons per pour
• Dust control: 100-500 gallons daily during grading
• Masonry/stucco: 200-500 gallons daily when in progress
• Equipment cleaning: 50-200 gallons daily
• Worker needs: 20-50 gallons daily
• Landscaping: Varies significantly based on scope

Planning Construction Water Supply

Discuss water needs with your general contractor before construction begins:

• What phases require the most water?
• Can concrete trucks bring their own water?
• Will temporary pumping be adequate, or do you need water trucked in?
• Is temporary power available for well pumping?
• Where will construction water be stored on site?

Frequently Asked Questions

Build with Confidence

Drilling a well for new home construction is a significant investment, but with proper planning, it provides decades of reliable, independent water supply. The keys to success are drilling early in the construction process, working with experienced local professionals, obtaining proper permits, and maintaining good communication between all contractors involved in your project.

Don't let water supply uncertainty hold up your dream home. Start the well planning process early, budget adequately with contingency funds, and work with a driller who knows the local geology. With the right approach, building a house with a well is a straightforward process that sets you up for years of water independence.