Many people wrongly believe that only homeowners in remote areas use private water wells. More than 15 million households rely on private wells in the country. While a private water well is the only option for many households in remote areas, several families choose to have their own wells due to the following benefits of private water wells.
Reduces Dependence on Municipality Supply
In many areas, municipal water supply is unreliable. If you rely on a municipal water system and a water main bursts or contamination occurs at the treatment plant, you might not get water for days as repairing a water main or a system component usually takes time.
A damaged water main can leave you high and dry. You can use bottled water for drinking during this period, but activities of daily living such as toileting, washing dishes, showering and doing the laundry will become challenging.
Though municipalities around the world have started using advanced techniques to sanitize and decontaminate water, the quality of water from municipal water systems remains a major concern. Pipes in a municipal water system can break or crack, allowing contaminants to seep into the water.
Contamination might also occur at the treatment plant. By the time the authorities notice the signs of contamination and the public is notified, the system may distribute contaminated water to numerous homes dependent on the municipal water system.
A private water well helps address these problems. With a private water well, you will have unhindered access to safe drinking water.
Water From a Private Water Well Tastes Better
Municipalities around the world use additives to purify water. These additives make drinking water taste funny. Drinking water is often treated with fluoride and chlorine that, in addition to affecting its taste, can cause some serious health issues. Chlorine, for example, if ingested in large quantities regularly, can cause gut complications.
Water from private water wells often tastes sweet due to the minerals dissolved in it. The terrain over which your water flows (which affects the amount of minerals) primarily determines how sweet your water tastes.
You Won’t Pay For Your Water Again
Dread receiving your water bill? Install a private water well. Though the upfront cost of installing a private water well can be high, it will save you money and headaches down the line.
Municipal bodies increase water rates at regular intervals. With a private water well, you will have free access to healthier, better-tasting water, which means no more limiting shower time or reducing the frequency of watering your garden.
A Water Well Can Increase Property Value
Adding a private water well to a property is a great way to enhance its value. Generally, wells that produce water that is used throughout the home for different purposes are more desirable and add more value than those used solely for irrigation.
The better the quality of your well water, the more value it will add to your property. Other factors that will determine how much value your private water well will add to your property are its depth, well age and type, and the location of your property.
Private Well Water is Healthier Than Municipal Water
Water from a private well does not contain chemicals often used by municipalities to purify and decontaminate water. It is purified naturally through layers of rocks and stored in natural underground aquifers and contains minerals such as magnesium and calcium.
Private Well Waters Have Low Environmental Impacts Than Water Treatment Plants
Water treatment plants use chemicals and vast amounts of energy. Private well waters have lower environmental impact than treatment facilities. The water from a private well is purified naturally so there is no need for harsh chemicals. Additionally, private wells use small amounts of energy to push water.
Tips to Maintain Your Private Water Well
Every well owner should make regular well maintenance a priority. Periodic maintenance will detect issues before they snowball into major concerns. Periodic maintenance will even prevent problems from occurring. It will maintain the quality of water of your private well and add years to its useful life.
Have Your Well Water Tested
Have a professional check your well water for nitrates, nitrites, coliform bacteria, and other contaminants of local concern such as arsenic and radon and total dissolved solids at least once a year .
Have your well water tested more frequently if there are recurrent incidences of gastrointestinal illnesses among the members of your household. Test water pH. Water tests can reveal problems with your well water and the well water system itself.
Have your well contractor check your well for mechanical problems and cleanliness.
Periodically Inspect Your Well
Inspect different parts of your well such as the well water cap, the annular seal, and the well casing regularly. If you have a traditional well cap, replace it with a vermin-proof cap.
Check the structural integrity of your well cap and well casing. Check the annular seal to see if it has shrunk. If your water pump is damaged, hire a professional for water pump repair in Sonoma County.
Once your well has reached the end of its service life, have a professional decommission it and construct a new well.
Keep the Area Around Your Well Clean
Keep hazardous materials such as fertilizers, motor oil, paint and pesticides away from your well. Do not mix chemicals near your well. If this is unavoidable, take care to avoid putting the hose inside the mixing container or chemicals can get into your household’s water system.
Make sure there is proper separation between your well water system, waste system and storage facilities.
Weeks Drilling & Pump Co. is a leading pump contractor in Sonoma County. We are committed to helping well owners get the most out of their private water wells. To schedule an inspection, call 707-823-3184.