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WATER WELLS
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HOW DO THEY WORK? A well is a hole drilled deep into our naturally, water-bearing bedrock. A pump, usually located near the bottom of the well, pushes water up under pressure into a basement water tank. You just turn on the tap for cool natural unprocessed water. And there is no water bill! |
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IS THE WATER SAFE TO DRINK? Most probably yes. You should, however, have the water tested by a lab. Normally this is arranged through your Home Inspector. These tests check for certain possible contaminants as well as unwanted minerals. Treatment is available for undesirable water properties. Likely, this will be some of the best water you will ever drink. |
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| WILL MY WELL GO DRY? This is very unlikely. As opposed to most components of a home, a well does not systematically wear out over time. In fact, the ability of the earth to resupply water to the well shaft often improves with age. Some wells, however, never were very good producers or have become less productive over time. As a result, the family may temporarily run out of water after heavy use. In such a case, waiting an hour is usually sufficient to reestablish water flow. If a well actually does become insufficient, alternatives to reestablish water supply include hydrofraking (under high pressure the bedrock is cracked and allows more water to enter the well), drilling the well deeper or drilling a new well. Like most everything else, repairs are necessary from time to time. Repair needs may include pump replacement. There are plenty of local service people to choose from. Even though there is no bill for this natural unprocessed water, it is not completely free! |
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| WHAT SHOULD I DO NOW? Hire a Home Inspector to do a well water recovery flow test as part of his home inspection. This test will tell you the water production of the well in gallons per minute. Ask the present owner if there has been any trouble with the water supply. Often times with newer houses the original flow test is on file at the town hall. Have the Home Inspector take water samples for laboratory analysis. At a minimum the water should be tested for bacteria and chemicals. |
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| WHAT DO I DO WHEN I OWN A WATER WELL? Live normally and enjoy the home. Depending on the type of well water pressure tank present, you may need servicing every year or two. Any water conditioning equipment will also need periodic service. Retesting the well water for quality every year or two is prudent. |