Should I buy a house with a private well?

There are many considerations when buying a new home. One is whether you want city water or if you're OK
with a private well.

When you’re a potential home-buyer, there are many factors to consider. For instance:

• How is the school district in the town?
• Do you like the layout of the home?
• Can you afford the payments?
• What are the taxes for the home?
• Does the home have city water or a private well?

With that last question, is more than just whether you will choose one or the other; it’s also a question of which is better for you.

City Water vs Well Water

Private Well Water Quality: With a private well, you could have bacteria or viruses and other dissolved solids in the water. These are not inevitable, which means that, if you properly care for your well, you can virtually eliminate the threat of bad water quality from your well. First and foremost, you’ll want to chlorinate the well annually. It’s also not a bad idea to have the water quality checked each year by sending a water sample to a reputable laboratory or government agency that can thoroughly check the quality of your water.

City Well Water Quality: With city water there is also a risk of bacteria, viruses and other unsavory particles in the water. With the city water, however, someone else is charged with maintaining the water quality. If they do a good job, you shouldn’t have a problem. But, we’ve all heard about communities that had boil orders in effect because the water wasn’t safe. Just because you have city water doesn’t mean you’ll never have problems with water quality.

Cost of City Water vs Well Water

Private Well Water Cost: With a private well, the cost of maintenance and repair falls squarely on your shoulders. If something breaks – for instance, if the well pump breaks – it’s your responsibility to fix it or hire a well technician to repair it for you. It’s also your responsibility to maintain the well – to chlorinate and perform other maintenance and checks that will keep your well system operating properly with safe, quality water.

City Well Water Cost: With city well water, you’re reminded each month of just what it costs to use water in your home. The amount you’re required to pay each month depends on where you live and how much water you use. But, don’t get too comfortable with the amount you pay for City Sewer & Water; before you know it, the city will come along and pass a rate increase.