3 Common Misconceptions About Water Wells


A private water well is ideally the best solution for homeowners who do not have access to municipal water systems. Modern wells are constructed to provide the most cost-effective and safe supply of water to your home for drinking, cooking, bathing, etc. However, many people are hesitant to install water wells because of common misconceptions about wells these days. Below are these common misconceptions debunked: 

1. Municipal Water Is Higher Quality

Since well water comes from the ground, many people fear possible contamination of their water source. However, as long as proper testing and filtration are provided, private wells can offer a safer alternative to municipal water. City water often contains chemicals that disinfect and purify the water, which is why well water tastes fresher and cleaner. 

2. Private Wells Frequently Dry Up

Well contractors drill deep down until they reach the aquifer beneath a property. This in turn supplies homeowners with a steady stream of groundwater from precipitation and natural drainage. In order for a well to become completely depleted, extreme drought conditions would have to occur. This is rare in areas that receive lots of rain and snowfall. 

3. It's Better to Oversize Your Pump

The pump is a vital piece of any water well system because it is responsible for pumping the water into the tank so it can be made accessible. When choosing a pump, homeowners often times think a larger size will increase their water supply, however, it's important to know that an oversized pump can reduce the well's efficiency and performance. Before selecting a pump, make sure you consult a professional for a recommendation on the pump that will best serve your unique home. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Buying a Home with a Water Well

Image
  So you've found your dream house, the perfect size in the perfect location.  A beautiful property with scenic views, a large garage and maybe even a pool! But, the property is not connected to municipal water and relies solely on a private water well to supply all the household water needs. No worries; with proper attention, maintenance and inspection, well water can be cheaper and cleaner than city water! Water wells tap into groundwater found deep under the surface, under layers of soil and rock. These layers provide the first round of natural filtration, while also adding a higher mineral content to the water that public water supplies typically have. Well water is considered 'Hard Water', as it contains a higher mineral content than public water, which causes a build up of minerals and scale. A water softening system will remove some of the excess minerals from your groundwater and reduce the amount of scale.  Proper maintenance is the key to keeping your well in go...
Read more

So You Need a Well on Your Property, Now What?

Image
Whether it's an old farmhouse or new construction, some properties are just too far from a town to be connected to a public water supply. Having a well drilled will provide you and your family with a reliable source for clean, potable water. The first step is to choose a location for your well. This should start with a site survey from a licensed drilling contractor. You will need firm and level ground that is at least 50 feet away from your septic tank (and your septic system drain fields should be at least 100 feet away from your well), in an area that is accessible to drilling equipment. This location should be close enough to the house that a pump will not struggle to move the water to the home. Your licensed drilling contractor should be able to give an estimated drilling depth to find water, based on data of existing wells in the area. Please remember that these are just estimates and you will never truly never know where the groundwater level is until it is reached. Next you...
Read more

The Difference Between Dug, Driven, and Drilled Wells.

Image
  If you have a private water well for drinking water, then it falls into one of these three types: dug, driven, or drilled. Take a look at what the difference between these wells are, and some key things you should know about them.   Dug Wells Dug wells are dug by shovel or backhoe before being lined with a casing to prevent the well from collapsing. This casing is typically made of stone, brick, or tile, but other materials can be used. These wells have a much wider diameter than the other two and are relatively shallow in comparison, stopping around 30 feet deep. These are what you likely imagine an old well looks like, with a bucket and rope or chain used to draw water. These wells work by digging below the water table so that the well is filled to the same level as the water table. Dig deeper and the well will completely fill or even overflow. Driven Wells Driven wells are created by driving pipe into the ground, ending around 50 feet deep. These wells are cased...
Read more