Well Water

· 2 min read
Well water comes from a private well drilled on your property that taps into underground aquifers — and unlike municipal water, nobody’s testing it for…

Well water comes from a private well drilled on your property that taps into underground aquifers — and unlike municipal water, nobody’s testing it for you.

How It Works

A submersible pump sits at the bottom of the well (typically 100-400 feet deep) and pushes water up to a pressure tank in your home. The pressure tank maintains consistent water pressure throughout the house. No monthly water bill, but you pay for electricity to run the pump and you’re responsible for all maintenance and testing.

Testing Is Your Responsibility

The EPA doesn’t regulate private wells. You should test annually for bacteria (coliform), nitrates, pH, and total dissolved solids. Test for lead, arsenic, radon, and pesticides every 3-5 years or if you notice changes in taste, color, or odor. A basic water test runs $50-$150. A full panel with heavy metals and volatile organic compounds costs $200-$500.

When buying a home with a well, get a water quality test and a flow rate test (measuring gallons per minute). A flow rate below 3 GPM means you might run out of water during heavy use — multiple showers, dishwasher, and laundry running simultaneously.

Costs and Concerns

Drilling a new well costs $5,000-$15,000 depending on depth and geology. Well pump replacement runs $1,000-$2,500. Treatment systems for hard water, iron, or contaminants add $500-$5,000 upfront plus ongoing filter costs. No water bill sounds great until you realize you’re your own water utility — and a pump failure on a Saturday night means no water until a plumber can get there.

The buying guide covers well inspection contingencies, and the renovation ROI calculator can help you weigh the cost of water treatment upgrades against property value impact.