Groundwater Section
The Groundwater Section has been providing groundwater information (i.e. water levels, water quality) along with well construction data to the public for more than 40 years, and will continue to improve such service as much as possible.
This department’s role in your permit
The Groundwater Section has been providing groundwater information (i.e. water levels, water quality) along with well construction data to the public for more than 40 years, and will continue to improve such service as much as possible. In addition, we gather data related to groundwater levels and quality by sampling and measuring existing wells on a routine basis. Such activities help us understand and track vital water resources to address any potential concerns before they become problems. New and existing information is recorded, coordinated, and included in topical studies.
The Ventura County Groundwater Section addresses all water supply sources including groundwater, surface flows, imported and reclaimed water, as well as alternative resources such as conjunctive use and desalination. Water management programs include drought planning, governmental quality compliance, and several water conservation programs.
Phases we participate in
Phases Groundwater participates in Other phases in the process
- 1
Determine whether you need a discretionary planning permit to complete your project.
Departments involved: Building & Safety, Planning
- 2
Project Site Research Groundwater
Gather information about your site, the regulations that apply, and potential constraints.
Departments involved: County Surveyor, Groundwater, Planning
- 3
Meet with the Discretionary Permit Coordinator and/or Development Review Committee.
Departments involved: Agricultural Commissioner, Engineering Services, Environmental Health, Fire Department, Planning, Transportation
- 4
Assemble required materials and submit to the Planning Division for completeness review.
Departments involved: Engineering Services, Planning
- 5
Application Review Groundwater
County staff begins project review and preparation of environmental documents.
Departments involved: Agricultural Commissioner, Air Pollution Control District, Environmental Health, Fire Department, Groundwater, Planning, Stormwater Program, Transportation, Watercourse / Encroachment
- 6
County staff evaluates your project's potential environmental impacts.
Departments involved: Air Pollution Control District, Environmental Health, Planning
- 7
The decision-maker approves or denies the discretionary planning permit.
Departments involved: Planning
- 8
Learn about the other permits you may need beyond the discretionary planning permit.
Departments involved: Air Pollution Control District, Building & Safety, Engineering Services, Environmental Health, Fire Department, Planning, Stormwater Program, Transportation, Watercourse / Encroachment
- 9
Periodic review of discretionary permits to ensure compliance with approved conditions.
Departments involved: Building & Safety, Environmental Health, Planning
Forms, fees & reference documents
- Well Permit Application, This application is for projects that require a new well to supply the potable water use.
- Well Pump Test Form, This application is for projects where the water supply is from a well.
- Well Pump Test Criteria, This document contains procedures on completing the well pump test form.
Coming Soon
- Manure Management Plan Guidelines, For projects involving animal husbandry uses.
- Minimum Lot Size Chart for Nitrate Impacted Groundwater Basins, For tentative subdivision map applications, provides information for proposed projects that will utilize on-site wastewater treatment systems located within nitrate impacted groundwater basins (e.g. Santa Rosa Valley).
- Model for Determining Nitrate Loading for Septic Systems, For tentative subdivision map applications relying on septic systems located within nitrate impacted groundwater basins.
- Ventura County Waterworks Manual, Lists criteria for demonstrating a long-term domestic groundwater supply.
- Groundwater Basin Map, Identifies the groundwater basins in Ventura County.
- Inventory of Water Purveyors in Ventura County (March 2006 edition)z.pdf), Lists the requirements to identify the water purveyor that serves the project site as a permanent water supply.
- Map of Water Purveyors in Ventura County, Identifies the Water Purveyors Service Area in Ventura County.
- Procedures for Locating a Well
The Ventura County Well Ordinance No. 4468 ensures that the construction, maintenance, operation, use, repair, modification, and destruction of water wells are executed in such a manner that the groundwater will not be contaminated or polluted, and that water obtained from the water wells will be suitable for use and will not jeopardize the health, safety or welfare of the community in Ventura County.
The Groundwater Section adheres to all policies set forth by the Ventura County Well Ordinance (No. 4468), as well as other State and local laws and regulations. Please review the Guidelines/Standards page and Laws/Ordinances page for more information.
The cost of obtaining a water well permit (construction, destruction, modification, etc.) is listed on the County Board of Supervisors Resolution No. 25-073 Establishing Fees.
The Ventura County Groundwater Section also assesses fees to review discretionary permits. The Groundwater Section does not directly bill the applicant for discretionary permit applications, but instead invoices the Planning Division for staff review time, which includes plan checks, project application reviews, and field inspections. Plan check fees are not billed directly to the applicant, but are included in the initial County permit application costs.
View the Well Permit Fee Schedule for more information.
Need help from Groundwater Section?
Reach out using the contact details above, or see how this department fits into the broader permitting process.