By SCWS Team
Published February 17, 2026 · 9 min read
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.
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
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) 440-8520Related Guides
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Riverside County Well Regulations
California has some of the most comprehensive well regulations in the country—and for good reason. Proper well construction and management protects both your water supply and the shared groundwater resources that thousands of properties depend on.
California Well Regulations Overview
Well construction, modification, and destruction in California are governed by several layers of regulation:
- California Well Standards (DWR Bulletin 74-90): Sets minimum construction standards for all water wells statewide
- County ordinances: San Diego, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties each have additional requirements that may be stricter than state minimums
- SGMA (Sustainable Groundwater Management Act): Affects well permitting in certain basins by requiring analysis of new wells' impact on the aquifer
- CEQA: Some commercial or agricultural wells may require environmental review
Permitting Requirements
In San Diego County, the Department of Environmental Health (DEH) handles well permits. You need a permit for:
- Drilling a new well
- Deepening an existing well
- Modifying well casing or equipment
- Destroying (properly abandoning) a well
Permit applications require a site plan showing the well location relative to property lines, septic systems, and other potential contamination sources.
Setback Requirements
Minimum distances between a well and potential contamination sources (San Diego County):
- Septic tank: 50 feet minimum
- Leach field: 100 feet minimum
- Sewer line: 50 feet minimum
- Property line: Varies by county (typically 5–10 feet)
- Building foundation: Sufficient distance for drilling access (typically 10+ feet)
These setbacks can make well placement challenging on smaller lots. We help navigate these requirements during our site evaluation.
Contractor Licensing
California law requires a C-57 Water Well Drilling license for anyone who drills, modifies, or destroys a water well. This is a specialized classification—a general contractor's license is NOT sufficient.
Always verify your contractor's license at www.cslb.ca.gov. SCWS holds CSLB License #1086994 with active C-57 classification.
Well Owner Responsibilities
As a well owner in California, you're responsible for:
- Maintaining your well in sanitary condition
- Testing water quality (recommended annually for bacteria/nitrates)
- Properly destroying wells that are no longer in use
- Not contaminating groundwater through improper well construction or maintenance
- Reporting your well's existence when selling property (disclosure requirement)
Well Destruction Requirements
Abandoned or unused wells pose a serious contamination risk to groundwater. California requires proper destruction by a licensed C-57 contractor, which includes:
- Removing all pumping equipment
- Filling the well with cement grout or approved materials
- Filing a Well Completion Report with the Department of Water Resources
Typical cost for proper well destruction in San Diego County: $1,500–$5,000 depending on well depth and condition.
Need Professional Help?
SCWS has 30+ years of experience serving San Diego, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. Licensed C-57 contractor (CSLB #1086994).
Call (760) 440-8520