San Bernardino County Well Permit Process: Complete Guide

Navigate San Bernardino County's well permitting requirements. Learn about Land Use Services applications, fees, inspections, and special basin restrictions.

San Bernardino County Well Permitting Basics

The Land Use Services Department handles well permits in San Bernardino County, the largest county in the United States. Permits are required for drilling, modifying, or destroying any well. Special requirements apply in adjudicated groundwater basins, and groundwater conditions vary significantly across the county's vast territory.

Application Process and Requirements

Complete well permit application form WP-1 with your submission. Include a site plan at minimum 1 inch = 40 feet scale, showing all structures within 200 feet of the proposed well location. Property ownership documentation is required, and fees typically range from $450-$650 depending on well type and location.

Groundwater Basin Considerations

The Mojave Basin Area requires watermaster approval for new wells. Warren Valley Basin has specific allocation limits. Some basins require water rights documentation before permits are issued. Desert areas may have depth restrictions, and regulations differ significantly between high desert and valley floor locations.

Inspections and Final Approval

Pre-construction inspection is required in some areas. All work must be performed by a licensed C-57 well driller. The well completion report (DWR 188) must be submitted within 60 days. Bacteriological testing is required for domestic wells, and final sanitary seal inspection must pass before the well can be used.

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Frequently Asked Questions