Well, Well, Well … Are You Considering a Fresh-Water Investment?

Well, Well, Well … Are You Considering a Fresh-Water Investment?

Many homeowners report positive outcomes as a result of owning their own water source, such as health-related benefits and less costly monthly expenses. Making the switch to maintaining your own well can offer you the opportunity to enjoy the cool, refreshing taste of all-natural water that is free from city contaminants, harsh chemicals, and hefty monthly fees.

Understanding Well Types

Dug/Bored Wells

The oldest and most basic concept of the water well is the dug/bored well. These are dug out of the ground by a backhoe and are typically shallow, ranging from 10 to 30 feet deep. The casing is lined with stones or bricks to retain shape and prevent collapse. However, the walls are not continuously cased, making them susceptible to contamination.

Driven Wells

Driven wells are similarly shallow, usually 30 to 50 feet deep, and continuously lined with plastic or piping. However, they draw water from surface-level aquifers, leaving them prone to contamination.

Drilled Wells

Drilled wells can extend from 100 to thousands of feet underground. With consistent casing, they have the lowest contamination risk. Installation costs range from $5,000 to $15,000 for a new well.

Key Considerations Before Buying

Ask Questions and Research

Consult a qualified expert to test water quality and inspect the well. Request records from the seller or local municipality, and ensure compliance with local/state codes. Key questions include:

• When was the well built?
• Has it ever been unused?
• What is the maintenance history?
• Is the water pump under warranty?

Properties with wells should have at least two acres of land to prevent cross-contamination. Maintain a minimum 100-foot distance between the well and septic system.

Testing: Quality and Quantity

Test water for both quantity and quality:

• Flow Rate: Measured in gallons per minute (GPM). Aim for 3–5 GPM and ~100 gallons per person daily.
• Quality: Lab-test samples for contaminants. Discuss results with a professional to address impurities.

Maintenance Essentials

Filtration Systems

Well water requires tailored filtration based on test results. Options include:

• Mechanical sediment filters
• Water softeners (for iron removal)
• UV disinfection systems

Choose between point-of-use (POU) systems (e.g., drinking faucets) or point-of-entry (POE) whole-house systems.

Adjusting Water Pressure

Well systems often lack the standard 60 psi pressure of city water. To address low pressure:

• Inspect pipes for sediment buildup.
• Check for high-demand appliances affecting flow.
• Adjust the well pressure switch manually if needed.