Well Drilling in Highland, CA

Where the San Bernardino Mountains meet the Inland Empire, Highland offers a unique blend of suburban convenience and rural character. This foothill community—once famous for its citrus groves—now attracts homeowners seeking larger properties, room for horses, and the independence that comes with country living. For many Highland properties, especially those on acreage in the northern foothills, a private water well provides reliable, cost-effective water that municipal systems simply can't match. At Southern California Well Service, we've been drilling wells throughout San Bernardino County for decades, and we understand the specific challenges and opportunities of Highland's varied geology.

Why Drill a Well in Highland?

Highland property owners choose private wells for several compelling reasons:

• Independence from municipal restrictions – No water rationing during droughts
• Lower long-term costs – No monthly water bills after initial investment
• Property value increase – Wells add significant value to rural properties
• Agricultural use – Unlimited water for horses, livestock, and gardens
• Quality water – Many prefer the taste of fresh groundwater

If your Highland property isn't connected to East Valley Water District or the municipal system seems unreliable, a private well may be your best solution. Learn more about the advantages in our comparison of well water vs city water in California.

Our Highland Well Drilling Process

Drilling a well involves multiple steps, each requiring expertise and the right equipment. Here's what to expect when you choose SCWS for your Highland well:

1. Free Site Assessment

Before any drilling begins, we visit your Highland property to evaluate conditions. We examine access for drilling equipment, review neighboring well logs, assess geological indicators, and identify the optimal drilling location. This assessment is free and comes with no obligation.

2. Permit Acquisition

San Bernardino County requires permits for all new wells. We handle the complete permit process, including application submission, setback verification, and scheduling required inspections. This bureaucratic navigation is included in our service—you won't need to visit county offices or figure out requirements yourself.

3. Professional Drilling

Our experienced drilling crews use modern rotary drilling equipment capable of handling Highland's varied geology. We drill through alluvial materials, decomposed granite, and fractured bedrock to reach productive water zones. Throughout drilling, we log formations encountered and test water production at various depths.

4. Well Completion

Once we reach adequate water, we install the appropriate casing (typically steel or PVC), seal the annular space to prevent surface contamination, and develop the well to maximize production. This process ensures your well provides clean, reliable water for decades.

5. Pump & Pressure System

A well without a pump is just a hole in the ground. We size and install the right submersible pump for your well's depth and production rate, connect pressure tanks and controls, and ensure everything works seamlessly. When we leave, you have running water.

Highland's Unique Geology

Highland's position at the base of the San Bernardino Mountains creates variable geological conditions that significantly impact well drilling. Understanding this geology helps explain why well depths and costs vary across the area.

Valley Floor (Southern Highland)

Properties closer to the Santa Ana River wash and the valley floor benefit from deep alluvial deposits. Water here flows through sand and gravel layers, often providing excellent production rates at moderate depths (200-350 feet). This is generally the easiest and most cost-effective area for well drilling.

Foothill Transition Zone

The central portion of Highland, where development climbs toward the mountains, features mixed geology. Alluvial fans transition to decomposed granite and eventually to fractured crystalline rock. Wells in this zone typically require 300-450 feet of drilling, with production depending on intersecting water-bearing fractures.

Upper Foothills (Northern Highland)

Properties in the upper foothills near the San Bernardino National Forest boundary encounter harder rock and more challenging drilling conditions. Wells here often require 400-600+ feet of drilling through fractured granite. Production depends heavily on finding productive fracture zones—our experience and knowledge of local conditions improves success rates significantly.

Well Drilling Costs in Highland

Well drilling costs in Highland vary based on several factors, but here's what most homeowners can expect:

For detailed pricing information, see our comprehensive guide to well drilling costs which covers Southern California generally.

Why Highland Property Owners Choose SCWS

Serving All of San Bernardino County

From Highland, we provide comprehensive well drilling and service throughout the region:

• San Bernardino – All areas including North Park and Muscoy
• Redlands – Including Crafton Hills and Mentone
• Yucaipa – Valley and foothill properties
• Loma Linda – Agricultural and residential wells
• Grand Terrace – Hillside and valley properties
• Colton – Including Reche Canyon
• Rialto – North Rialto and rural areas
• Running Springs / Arrowhead – Mountain communities

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Drill Your Highland Well?

A private water well provides decades of reliable water supply with no monthly bills. Whether you're developing a new property, replacing an unreliable municipal connection, or need water for agricultural use, we're ready to help.

Our free site assessment evaluates your property, reviews local well data, and provides a detailed estimate with no obligation. We'll answer all your questions and help you make an informed decision about your water future.