Many houses you encounter during your hunt for the best home might have some unfamiliar features that are surprisingly beneficial. One of these beneficial unfamiliar features is well water. It is very common for rural and country houses to have wells.
This article will discuss the things that might help you decide whether having a private well at home will be beneficial for you or not.
Well Water
A well is a naturally filtered water source from the ground. A pump and pipes are required to pull out water from where the well is drilled. It might not be bacteria-free, but it should be free from chemicals like chlorine.
It is estimated that about 40 million people supply water to their families with private wells.
Advantage and Disadvantages
Let’s compare the advantages and disadvantages of well water to help you check if having it will work for your home or not.
Advantages
- It’s healthy.
- The water coming from the ground is chemical-free, and it is healthy because you can get minerals from it.
- You know the source.
- Compared to tap water, you will have peace of mind since you know that your water came from the ground and has not been treated with chlorine or any other chemicals.
- No need to worry about issues with the water supply.
- Having your well means you will not be affected by water cut-offs or interruptions caused by emergencies and natural disasters.
- No one charges you for it.
- This is very helpful if you are trying to lower your expenses because having your private well means you will no longer need to pay for monthly water bills.
Disadvantages
- Contamination Risk
- It could be healthier than tap water but not bacteria-free since it did not undergo chemical treatment. In addition, some water wells are undrinkable, and some are prone to pollutants that could be pumped into your home. Contaminated drinking water caused by toxic material dumped or spilled near your well is hazardous.
- It’s up to you.
- Since it is private, you are also responsible for the cost of repairs for any issues your pump system or pipes will experience.
- It might stain or have an odor.
- Due to the mineral content of the water from the ground, it could create some unpleasant side effects.
- No power = No water.
- Since your pump relies on electricity, you’ll not be able to pump water during power interruptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
These are some questions usually asked by homebuyers who haven’t tried living in a home with private well water.
- Will it ever run out of water?
- Yes! Drought can cause water well to run dry. If you see that your tap is running low or muddy, ask your local well professional for options in fixing or replacing your pump.
- Can you use well water to fill a pool?
- Yes! It could be costly depending on the size of your pool because you are aware that your water pump relies on electricity, so watch out for your electric bill.
- Is it safe to use a water well for laundry?
- Yes! You just have to observe if mineral content from the well water causes any stains on your clothes. You can also check for treatment systems that can soften the water or remove some minerals that cause stains.
- Is it safe to drink?
- Yes! It is safe to drink and use for cooking. You just have to ensure that the well water has been tested and maintained correctly. You can also add a filtration system directly to your tap for your peace of mind.
Well Maintenance
- Your well water should be tested more than once a year, especially if there are gastrointestinal illnesses among family members.
- Keep chemicals like motor oil, pesticides, fertilizer, and paint away from your well.
- Ensure that the well cover cap is intact. The well top should be at least one foot above the ground.
- Keep in mind that a new well needs to be installed by a professional pump installer if your old well has been there for 20 years.
- Have your well inspected annually for any presence of contaminants, cleanliness, and mechanical problems.
Now you have an idea of what a well is, its pros, and cons. You should be able to identify if having one in your home is beneficial for your household. If you are now convinced to purchase a home with a well, make sure that the well has been thoroughly inspected.
Some other articles that you might find interesting are Buying a House With a Pool and Are You Using Too Much Water?.