Reliable well experts serving Yucaipa, Redlands, Apple Valley, Victorville, Big Bear, and communities throughout San Bernardino County. From high desert ranches to mountain cabins, we bring 20+ years of experience to every job.
Southern California Well Service provides comprehensive well services throughout San Bernardino County — the largest county in the continental United States. From the western foothills near Yucaipa and Redlands to the high desert communities of Apple Valley and Victorville, and up to the mountain resorts around Big Bear Lake, we understand the dramatically different geology and water challenges across this vast region.
San Bernardino County's diverse terrain creates unique well drilling conditions. The foothill communities sit on alluvial fans with good aquifers, while the high desert faces deep water tables and extreme mineral content. Mountain areas like Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead require drilling through solid granite to reach fractured rock aquifers. Our team has experience in all these environments and brings the right equipment and expertise for each.
We service the western and central portions of San Bernardino County, focusing on areas where private wells are common. Each region has distinct geological characteristics that affect well depth, water quality, and system design.
The Victor Valley high desert communities — Apple Valley, Victorville, and Hesperia — sit on the Mojave River basin at elevations around 3,000 feet. Wells here typically tap into deep alluvial aquifers that have accumulated over thousands of years. The good news: these aquifers often produce excellent yields when reached. The challenge: water tables can be 200-400+ feet deep, and the water tends to be extremely hard with high mineral content.
Properties near the Mojave River often have better water access, while those on the upper benches and rocky hillsides may need deeper wells. Water softening and treatment systems are nearly universal in this area due to hardness levels that can exceed 300 ppm.
Typical well depth: 250-450 feet | Common yields: 10-50+ GPM
Yucaipa and Redlands sit on alluvial fans at the base of the San Bernardino Mountains. These areas have excellent groundwater resources with multiple aquifer layers. The decomposed granite and sandy soils allow good water infiltration from mountain runoff. Wells in the valley portions often produce well at moderate depths (200-350 feet), while properties up toward the canyons may need to go deeper.
This region supports many small farms, orchards, and rural residential properties. Water quality is generally good, though iron and manganese can be present in some areas causing staining.
Typical well depth: 200-400 feet | Common yields: 5-30 GPM
The mountain communities around Big Bear Lake and Lake Arrowhead present the most challenging drilling conditions in San Bernardino County. At 6,000-7,000+ feet elevation, these areas have solid granite bedrock with limited fracture systems. Wells must locate and tap into these fractures to produce water — which can be unpredictable.
Many mountain properties rely on seasonal springs that can diminish or fail during extended drought. Converting to a drilled well provides year-round reliability. Existing wells in these communities often date to the original cabin construction and may need rehabilitation or replacement pumps. Winter access can be challenging, so we recommend pre-season maintenance inspections.
Typical well depth: 300-600+ feet | Common yields: 1-10 GPM
Oak Glen, famous for its apple orchards, and neighboring Cherry Valley have specific agricultural water needs. These communities sit at moderate elevations (4,000-5,000 feet) with varied geology — fractured granite in some areas, decomposed granite and alluvium in others. Orchard irrigation demands reliable water supply, and many properties have wells designed for agricultural rather than just residential use.
Seasonal demands peak during summer irrigation and some orchards use wells for frost protection sprinklers in spring. Wells here need to be sized for these peak demands, not just average household use.
Typical well depth: 250-500 feet | Common yields: 3-20 GPM
The communities east of the San Bernardino Mountains — Yucca Valley, Joshua Tree, Twentynine Palms — face extreme desert conditions with very deep water tables. Wells in this region routinely exceed 400 feet and can reach 600+ feet. The aquifers are recharged slowly, making water a precious resource. Many properties supplement well water with storage tanks and careful conservation.
Water quality varies significantly across this basin. Some areas have excellent water while others have elevated arsenic, fluoride, or total dissolved solids requiring treatment. Professional water testing is essential before any new well installation.
Typical well depth: 350-600+ feet | Common yields: 2-15 GPM
Phelan, Pinon Hills, and the surrounding area sit on the northwestern slope above the San Gabriel Mountains. This transitional zone between mountain and desert features varied geology and scattered aquifers. Many properties here have small ranches with horses, livestock, and some agriculture requiring dependable well water.
Wells in this area can be challenging to site — some locations have good water at 300 feet while neighbors may need 500+ feet. Local well logs and hydrogeological guidance help identify the best drilling locations. Hard water is common throughout the area.
Typical well depth: 300-550 feet | Common yields: 3-20 GPM
New water wells for homes, ranches, orchards, and small farms. We handle permits and have equipment for both alluvial and hard rock drilling.
Fast pump diagnosis and repair for deep desert wells and mountain installations. Emergency service available.
Annual inspections to catch problems early. Essential for harsh desert and mountain environments.
Camera inspection to assess well condition, locate problems, and plan rehabilitation.
San Bernardino County's extreme environments — from 120°F desert summers to freezing mountain winters — create specific challenges for well systems. Understanding these issues helps you maintain reliable water supply.
Victor Valley and high desert wells often have hardness levels exceeding 300 ppm — some of the hardest water in California. This causes rapid scale buildup in pipes, water heaters, and appliances. Pressure tanks and pump components suffer accelerated wear. Water softeners are essential for most high desert properties.
Many mountain cabins around Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead rely on natural springs that can fail during drought years. Extended dry periods may cause springs to slow to a trickle or stop entirely. Converting to a drilled well provides reliable year-round water independent of seasonal rainfall.
Deep wells common in the high desert (300-500+ feet) put significant stress on pump systems. Frequent cycling damages motors and shortens pump life. Properly sized pressure tanks, cycle stop valves, or VFD controllers help reduce cycling and extend equipment lifespan.
Wells in the Yucaipa, Highland, and Mentone foothills often have elevated iron or manganese that causes rust-colored staining on fixtures and laundry. While not a health hazard, treatment systems can eliminate staining and improve water quality.
Desert summers exceeding 110°F stress electrical components and can cause control box failures. Mountain winters with freezing temperatures risk frozen pipes and wellhead damage. Proper installation and seasonal maintenance prevent weather-related failures.
Some areas of San Bernardino County — particularly parts of the Morongo Basin — have naturally occurring arsenic or other minerals exceeding safe drinking water standards. Water testing before installing treatment systems ensures your water is safe for consumption.
Well drilling costs in San Bernardino County vary dramatically based on location and geology. The high desert typically requires deep drilling, while foothill areas may reach water sooner. Here's what to expect:
| Area | Typical Depth | Drilling Cost Range* |
|---|---|---|
| Yucaipa/Redlands Valley | 200-350 ft | $18,000-$32,000 |
| Highland/Mentone | 250-400 ft | $20,000-$38,000 |
| Apple Valley/Victorville | 250-450 ft | $22,000-$42,000 |
| Hesperia/Phelan | 300-500 ft | $25,000-$45,000 |
| Big Bear/Lake Arrowhead | 300-600 ft | $28,000-$52,000 |
| Joshua Tree/Yucca Valley | 350-600+ ft | $32,000-$55,000+ |
| Oak Glen/Cherry Valley | 250-500 ft | $22,000-$45,000 |
*Estimates include drilling, casing, pump, and basic installation. Actual costs depend on site conditions, access, geology, and final depth. Hard rock drilling (mountains) typically costs more per foot than alluvial drilling (valleys). Contact us for a free estimate specific to your property.
"We bought 5 acres in Apple Valley and needed a new well. The previous owner had tried twice and hit dry holes. Southern California Well Service researched the area, reviewed neighbor well logs, and found water at 380 feet. They also set us up with a water softener because the hardness was off the charts. Excellent work from start to finish."
— New Property Owner, Apple Valley
New well drilling with water treatment system
A family cabin near Big Bear Village had relied on a natural spring since the 1960s. After several dry winters, the spring slowed to a trickle and couldn't keep up with the family's weekend visits. They called us to evaluate options.
Our hydrogeological assessment identified a promising fracture zone about 200 feet from the cabin. We drilled through solid granite and hit a producing fracture at 420 feet, yielding 3 GPM — modest by valley standards but excellent for a mountain cabin. Combined with a 1,500-gallon storage tank, the system now provides reliable water year-round.
Result: Converted from unreliable spring to dependable drilled well with storage buffer.
"Our pump failed during a July heat wave in Victorville — 115 degrees and no water. Southern California Well Service had someone out within 4 hours. They pulled the pump from our 340-foot well, diagnosed a burned motor, and had a replacement running by the next afternoon. Absolute lifesavers."
— Homeowner, Victorville
Emergency pump replacement
An apple orchard in Oak Glen had an aging well that couldn't keep up with summer irrigation demands. The 40-year-old well was producing sand and the yield had dropped significantly. The owners faced a choice: drill a new well or attempt rehabilitation.
Our video inspection revealed the well casing was still sound but the screen had deteriorated. We performed well rehabilitation including screen cleaning, surge block development, and installed a new pump at greater depth. The well went from 6 GPM with sand to 12 GPM of clean water — more than enough for the orchard.
Result: Doubled well production and eliminated sand at a fraction of new well cost.
High desert groundwater has percolated through mineral-rich sediments for thousands of years, dissolving calcium, magnesium, and other minerals. The lack of regular rainfall means aquifers aren't flushed or diluted. Water softening systems are essential for most Victor Valley homes to protect plumbing and appliances.
Apple Valley wells typically range from 250-450 feet, though some areas require deeper drilling. Properties closer to the Mojave River corridor often have better water access. We research neighboring well logs and can estimate depth before drilling, though geology can vary within short distances.
Yes, though mountain drilling has unique challenges. Solid granite bedrock requires hard rock drilling equipment, and water production depends on finding fractures in the rock. Yields are typically lower than valley wells, so storage tanks are common supplements. We assess site feasibility before committing to drilling.
If your spring is declining, you have several options: improving collection and storage systems, drilling a new well, or a combination. We can evaluate your spring's condition, assess well drilling feasibility, and recommend the most cost-effective approach for reliable water.
Yes, San Bernardino County requires well permits for all new wells. The county has setback requirements from septic systems, property lines, and structures. Some groundwater basins have additional management requirements. We handle the permitting process as part of our drilling service.
Frequent cycling usually indicates a waterlogged pressure tank (failed bladder), a leak in the system, or a pressure switch problem. Cycling is hard on pumps and shortens their lifespan. We diagnose the specific cause and can install cycle stop valves or VFD controllers to protect your pump.
Yes, especially in the Morongo Basin, Joshua Tree corridor, and some high desert areas where naturally occurring arsenic has been found in groundwater. We recommend comprehensive water testing for any new well and periodic testing for existing wells. Treatment systems can remove arsenic if present.
Desert heat above 110°F stresses electrical components. Ensure your wellhead and control box have shade or a protective enclosure. Install surge protection to guard against monsoon storm electrical damage. Schedule maintenance checks before summer to catch potential problems early.
Storage tanks (typically 1,500-5,000 gallons) accumulate water from low-yield wells, allowing the well to produce slowly while providing adequate flow for daily use. They're common for mountain properties with yields under 5 GPM and desert properties with irrigation needs. The tank acts as a buffer between limited well production and peak water demands.
Our primary service area in San Bernardino County covers the western and central portions — from Yucaipa and Redlands through the Victor Valley and mountain communities including Big Bear. For remote areas in the eastern Mojave or very distant high desert locations, please call to confirm service availability for your specific property.
Expert well service from the foothills to the high desert to the mountains. Emergency service available.
(760) 440-8520 Request ServiceFrom high desert homesteads to mountain cabins, from Oak Glen orchards to Victor Valley ranches — we're here for all your well needs. Call now for expert service.
Call (760) 440-8520