Considering an investment in fresh water? Many homeowners report positive results as a result of owning their own water source, which has health-related benefits and less expensive monthly expenses. Making the switch to maintaining your own well can offer you the opportunity to enjoy the fresh, refreshing taste of all-natural water that is free of city pollutants, harsh chemicals, and those high monthly fees.
If you are looking to buy a home with an existing well, there are several items that you will want to familiarize yourself with in advance. Consider the type of well, the longevity of the materials, and any expected cost of repairs. Be sure to check the filter, if any, and consult a professional who is familiar with your local water supply to help you test the well quantity and quality before bidding.
Well Types
Wells Dug
The oldest and most basic concept of the water well is the dug well. These are dug out of the ground by a backhoe and are generally very shallow, maybe 10 to 30 feet deep. The well cover is lined with stones or bricks to help the well maintain its shape. More importantly, it helps prevent collapse. However, the walls are not continuously lined and are therefore susceptible to water contamination.
Driven Wells
Driven wells similar to dug wells are very shallow. They are typically 30 to 50 feet deep and continually lined by some type of plastic or pipe. However, driven wells are also prone to contamination because they plunge into aquifers near the surface to draw water.
Drilled Wells
The third type is the drilled well. These can sink 100 to thousands of feet into the ground. They have the lowest risk of contamination due to their consistent and sustainable casing. The casing requires a lot of installation, which could cost you between $ 5,000 and $ 15,000 to drill a new well.
Before buying
Ask Questions and Research
When you go shopping, be sure to ask lots of questions. Consult a qualified expert to analyze the water and inspect the well. You may want to request records from the seller or find them in your local municipality. Make sure the well complies with all state and local government codes to avoid costly fines or fees later on.
When asking about the history, be sure to find out when the well was built and if there was ever a time when the well was not in use. Request maintenance records and warranty information for each part of the system, including the water pump.
Your well is part of a system that is connected to a water pump and pressure tank, and overall functionality depends on all of these parts remaining in good working order. Find out about the maintenance history and how often these parts should be inspected. If your water pump is approaching 10 years old, you need to factor in the cost of repairs and possible replacement.
Also, any property with a well must be on at least two acres of land to avoid cross contamination with your wastewater disposal. It is good practice to have your water source located as far away from your septic tank as possible, a minimum of 100 feet away. Many municipalities also have restrictions on the distance their septic system must stay away from any source of fresh water to decrease the possibility of contamination.
Test: Quality and Quantity
Homeowners have individual needs when it comes to water use, so you'll want to assess both quality and quantity. Be sure to consult an expert to confirm that your potential well can produce enough water to supply your home's daily use and that it is free of harmful contaminants. Investing in a well that doesn't meet your requirements will cost you in the long run.
Generally, the first action any professional will take during quantity testing is to measure the flow rate. Flow rate, which is expressed in gallons per minute, refers to the rate at which the well water disperses. The typical homeowner should expect about 100 gallons per person per day to be used, at a standard flow rate between three and five gallons per minute. When inspecting the well, be sure to also check the water storage capacity to make sure there is enough water to meet the needs of your home.
Special care must be taken when testing the quality of the well water. A sample will be taken from the household tap and sent to a laboratory for analysis. You will receive records of the results, which should be discussed with a professional who can better advise you on any issues. While some impurities may be mild and viable to live on, other issues need to be addressed to keep your system and family safe and healthy.
Maintenance
Filtration Systems
Well water differs from treated city water and as such requires a higher level of filtration. Well owners should consult with an expert to interpret well water quality test results to determine exactly what needs need to be addressed when investing in a filtration system.
While filtration systems placed on city water generally decrease the amount of sediment or chlorine, filtration systems for well water supply can be more elaborate. It can have multiple layers for the filtration system, including the mechanical sediment filter, a water softener to remove iron, and even the ability to disinfect the water with UV light.
Determine what levels of filtration you need based on your water quality test, and then assess whether a point of use (POU) or point of entry (POE) is an ideal filtration setting. A drinking water system is an example of a point of use, where you filter water as you use it. A whole-house filtration system will treat your water at the point of entry into your home, and will filter the water that is distributed for purposes other than your tap, such as your washing machine, shower, and dishwasher.
Water Pressure Adjustment
If you are moving from the city to the country, your city's municipal water supply has likely increased with a standard water pressure of 60 psi. With well water, it is a slightly more difficult challenge to achieve.
If you are operating on a well water supply and the pressure is low, you should first inspect your pipes for blockages. Sediment and buildup can clog waterways over time and lower pressure. If you have a new appliance that uses a lot of constant water, this can also lead to lower pressure.
If neither of these is the case and you are still experiencing low pressure, it is possible to increase the water pressure manually using the well pressure switch. You can call a professional to do this or do it yourself. Make sure to turn off all electricity to your water system before beginning the adjustment.
Good luck!
Maintaining a well is a safe and healthy way to maintain your own water supply without relying on the city's municipal systems. With the proper filtration system, accurate testing, and a professional to help ensure that a well can meet your home's needs, you are ready to complete the rural home of your dreams!
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