What are Riverside County well setback requirements?

Riverside County setback requirements include: 50-100 feet from septic tanks (varies by area), 100 feet from leach fields, 5-10 feet from property lines, and specified distances from contamination sources. Some groundwater basins within Riverside County have additional requirements. Contact DEH or your well driller for specific requirements for your property location.

How much do well permits cost in Riverside County?

Riverside County well permit fees typically include: domestic well permit $300-500, site inspection $100-200, final inspection $100-150. Total costs usually range from $500-1,000 for straightforward domestic wells. Additional fees may apply for environmental review, CEQA compliance, or wells in special management areas. Check the DEH fee schedule for current rates.

Are there groundwater restrictions in Riverside County?

Yes, several groundwater basins in Riverside County are subject to SGMA (Sustainable Groundwater Management Act) regulations or adjudicated basin rules. These may impose additional permit requirements, extraction limits, or fees for new wells. The Coachella Valley, Borrego Springs, and other areas have specific groundwater management requirements. Check with the relevant Groundwater Sustainability Agency for your location.

Riverside County Well Regulations: Permits, Requirements & Process

Q: Where do I get a well permit in Riverside County?

Well permits in Riverside County are issued by the Department of Environmental Health (DEH). Applications can be submitted through the county's online portal or at DEH offices in Riverside, Indio, or other locations. Your well driller typically handles the application process. For areas in incorporated cities, check if additional city permits are required.

Riverside County spans diverse terrain from mountain communities to desert valleys, with varying groundwater regulations across different basins. Understanding local requirements is essential for successful well projects in Temecula, Hemet, Anza, and surrounding areas.

Permitting Authority

Riverside County DEH

Department of Environmental Health
4065 County Circle Dr.
Riverside, CA 92503
Phone: (888) 722-4234

Setback Requirements

Source	Required Distance
Septic tank	50-100 feet (varies)
Leach field	100 feet
Property line	5-10 feet
Animal areas	100 feet

Areas We Serve in Riverside County

Temecula

Hemet

Anza

Aguanga

De Luz

Wine Country

Groundwater Basin Considerations

Riverside County includes several groundwater basins with specific management requirements:

Coachella Valley: SGMA regulated; specific GSA requirements
San Jacinto Basin: Subject to management regulations
Temecula Valley: May have local water agency requirements
Anza Valley: Rural area with standard county requirements

Check with your specific Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) for basin-specific requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I get a well permit in Riverside County?

Department of Environmental Health. Your well driller typically handles the application. For cities, check if additional permits are required.

How much do permits cost?

Typically $500-1,000 total for domestic wells including permit and inspections. Additional fees may apply in special management areas.

Are there groundwater restrictions?

Yes, several basins are SGMA-regulated or adjudicated. This may impose additional requirements or fees for new wells.

Riverside County Well Services

We handle permits and drilling throughout Riverside County. Local knowledge, efficient process.

Call (760) 463-0493

Related Guides

California Permit Process

General state requirements.

SGMA Regulations

Groundwater management rules.

Riverside County Well Regulations