Riverside County, California's fourth most populous county, relies heavily on groundwater resources to serve both its agricultural industry and growing residential areas. From the critically overdrafted Coachella Valley to the wine country of Temecula, groundwater plays a vital role in the region's water supply.
📋 In This Guide
- Riverside County Well Overview
- Well Permits & New Drilling
- Well Depths by Region
- Drilling & Installation Costs
- SGMA Groundwater Basins
- Water Quality Statistics
- Top Communities by Well Count
- Agricultural Well Statistics
- Well Failure & Maintenance
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Need Well Services in Southern California?
This comprehensive statistics page compiles the latest data on Riverside County wells, including permit trends, drilling depths, costs, and SGMA compliance status.
Riverside County Well Overview
Well Permits & New Drilling
Well Depths by Region
Drilling & Installation Costs
SGMA Groundwater Basins
Water Quality Statistics
Top Communities by Well Count
Agricultural Well Statistics
Well Failure & Maintenance
Frequently Asked Questions
How many private wells are in Riverside County?
Riverside County has approximately 42,800 registered wells, with about 18,500 being active domestic private wells serving residential properties. The county also has over 12,400 agricultural irrigation wells and 8,200 municipal supply wells. The Coachella Valley and Temecula regions have the highest concentration of private wells.
What is the average well depth in Riverside County?
Well depths vary significantly across Riverside County. Coachella Valley wells average 380 feet, Temecula Valley averages 285 feet, and the Hemet/San Jacinto area averages 425 feet. Desert areas like Palm Desert often require wells exceeding 600 feet. The average across all regions is approximately 350 feet.
How much does it cost to drill a well in Riverside County?
The average cost for a complete residential well system in Riverside County is $48,500 in 2026. Drilling costs range from $55-95 per foot depending on geology. A shallow well (150-200 feet) may cost around $28,000, while deep wells over 500 feet can exceed $85,000. This includes drilling, casing, pump, and electrical installation.
Which Riverside County basins are critically overdrafted?
Seven groundwater basins in Riverside County are designated as critically overdrafted under SGMA: Coachella Valley, Borrego Valley, Temecula Valley, San Jacinto, Menifee, Elsinore, and portions of the Colorado River basin. These basins must achieve sustainability by 2040 under state mandates.
What are common water quality issues in Riverside County wells?
Approximately 23% of Riverside County wells have elevated nitrate levels, and 18% exceed the arsenic maximum contaminant level. TDS (total dissolved solids) averages 340-580 ppm depending on location. Hard water is common throughout the county. Annual water testing is recommended, costing $150-350 per year.
How long does it take to get a well permit in Riverside County?
The average well permit processing time in Riverside County is 4-6 weeks. Domestic well permits cost approximately $485. Additional time may be required for environmental review in sensitive areas or SGMA-regulated basins. Applications are processed through the Riverside County Department of Environmental Health.
Need Well Services in Southern California?
Southern California Well Service provides professional well drilling, pump repair, and water testing throughout San Diego, Riverside, and surrounding counties.
