Buying a Home with a Water Well

 


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 good repair. You are solely responsible for maintaining the quality of your well water. Your water should be tested annually by a licensed contractor, checking for harmful bacteria, dissolved solids, nitrates and its pH level. An annual inspection of the system is also recommended, which looks for cleanliness, mechanical issues and contaminants throughout the entire water system (well, pumps, water lines, pressure tanks, filtration system and faucets). 

The pros far outweigh the cons of having a water well. Immediately, there are no water bills from the city! On top of owning your water, it can taste much better and fresher than a public water supply as it contains a higher mineral content, and no unnecessarily added chemicals. Groundwater is also typically unaffected by natural disasters, and you are not dependent on 'the grid' if there is a sudden problem or natural disaster that affects the city water supply or distribution.

There are some things to consider about ownership of a well, first and foremost being its delivery method. A well pump relies on electricity to move the water from below ground to your home. In the event of a power outage, you will be unable to use that pump. It is recommended to keep an old fashion style hand pump for these situations so a power outage will not disrupt your water supply. There is also a chance of your well getting contaminated from chemicals, waste or deceased animals. Your annual inspections and water test will greatly reduce this risk and a certified inspector will check the integrity of the well casing and well cap.

For more information or advice on well drilling preparation, contact AMBER Water Pros, LLC
Licensed by the New York State DEC (NYRD No. 10967) | Certified members of the National Ground Water Association

315-484-5959 | 607-218-8744 | 518-323-6959 

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