What does it cost to drill a well in Riverside County? Most residential wells in Riverside County cost between $15,000 and $45,000 for a complete, turnkey system including drilling, casing, pump, pressure tank, and electrical connections.
Riverside County spans diverse terrain—from the Temecula wine country to the desert communities near Palm Springs. This geological variety means well drilling costs can vary significantly from one property to another.
Riverside County Well Drilling Cost Breakdown
| Component | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Drilling (per foot) | $35-$55 |
| Steel Casing (per foot) | $15-$28 |
| Submersible Pump | $1,500-$4,000 |
| Pressure Tank | $500-$1,200 |
| Electrical & Controls | $800-$1,500 |
| Permits & Inspections | $500-$1,200 |
Costs by Region
Temecula / Wine Country ($18,000-$40,000)
The Temecula Valley typically has moderate well depths of 250-450 feet. Hillside vineyard properties may require deeper wells and more expensive installations.
Hemet / San Jacinto Valley ($15,000-$35,000)
Valley floor properties often find water at shallower depths (150-300 feet), keeping costs on the lower end. Mountain foothill properties cost more.
Murrieta / Menifee ($20,000-$45,000)
These growing communities have variable geology. Newer developments may have deeper water tables requiring more expensive installations.
Desert Communities ($25,000-$55,000)
Palm Desert, Cathedral City, and eastern Riverside County often require deeper wells (400-600+ feet) and may have water quality issues requiring treatment.
What Affects Your Price?
- Well Depth: The biggest cost driver—deeper wells require more drilling time, more casing, and larger pumps
- Geological Conditions: Hard rock drilling costs more than soft alluvial soils
- Property Access: Difficult access may require smaller equipment or longer setup time
- Water Requirements: Agricultural wells needing higher GPM cost more than residential
- Permit Complexity: Some areas have additional requirements adding to costs
Riverside County Well Permit Requirements
Riverside County has specific requirements for well drilling permits. Here's what to expect:
- Permit fee: $500-$1,200 depending on well type
- Processing time: 2-4 weeks typically
- Setback requirements: Minimum distances from septic systems, property lines, streams
- Well seal inspection: Required before pump installation
- Water testing: Bacteria test required for domestic wells
Your well driller typically handles the permit application process. We include permit coordination in our service.
Riverside County Geology & Well Depths
Understanding local geology helps predict drilling costs:
Alluvial Valleys (Hemet, San Jacinto, Temecula)
- Typical depth: 150-350 feet
- Soil type: Sand, gravel, decomposed granite
- Drilling rate: $35-$45/foot
- Generally good water quality
Foothill Communities (Anza, Idyllwild, Mountain Center)
- Typical depth: 300-500 feet
- Soil type: Fractured granite bedrock
- Drilling rate: $45-$60/foot
- Variable yields; fracture dependent
Desert Areas (Palm Desert, La Quinta, Indio)
- Typical depth: 400-800+ feet
- Soil type: Alluvium over bedrock
- Drilling rate: $40-$55/foot
- May have hardness/TDS issues
Sample Riverside County Well Projects
Example 1: Temecula Wine Country Property
- Well depth: 320 feet
- Geology: Decomposed granite
- Yield: 12 GPM
- Total cost: $26,500
Example 2: Hemet Valley Residence
- Well depth: 185 feet
- Geology: Alluvial sand/gravel
- Yield: 18 GPM
- Total cost: $17,800
Example 3: Anza Mountain Property
- Well depth: 420 feet
- Geology: Granite bedrock
- Yield: 6 GPM
- Total cost: $38,200
Riverside County Well Drilling Timeline
- Week 1-2: Site assessment, quote, contract
- Week 2-4: Permit application and approval
- Week 4-5: Drilling (1-3 days typical)
- Week 5: Well development and testing
- Week 5-6: Pump installation, electrical
- Week 6: Final inspection, water test, handoff
Total time: 4-6 weeks from contract to flowing water.
Getting an Accurate Quote
Online estimates can only provide ranges. For an accurate quote specific to your Riverside County property, we need to:
- Review your property location and neighboring well records
- Assess access for drilling equipment
- Understand your water usage needs
- Evaluate any site-specific challenges
We offer free site evaluations throughout Riverside County with detailed written quotes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to drill a well in Riverside County?
Most residential wells in Riverside County cost $15,000-$45,000 complete. Costs vary by location: valley areas like Hemet average $15,000-$30,000, while mountain and desert areas often cost $25,000-$55,000 due to depth requirements.
How deep are wells in Riverside County?
Well depths range from 150 feet in valley areas to 600+ feet in desert and mountain regions. Temecula/Murrieta typically sees 200-400 foot wells. Eastern desert communities often require 400-800 feet.
Do I need a permit to drill a well in Riverside County?
Yes, Riverside County requires a well permit before drilling. Your contractor handles the application. Permits cost $500-$1,200 and take 2-4 weeks for approval.
What areas of Riverside County do you serve?
We drill wells throughout Riverside County including Temecula, Murrieta, Hemet, San Jacinto, Menifee, Anza, Idyllwild, Mountain Center, Beaumont, Banning, and the Coachella Valley communities.
Need Professional Help?
Southern California Well Service is here to help with all your well needs. Licensed, insured, and trusted by hundreds of well owners.
(760) 463-0493Serving San Diego, Riverside & San Bernardino Counties