Well, Well, Well

Thinking of purchasing a rural property?

Get the know on water source types for properties not connected to a municipal water supply.

It’s important to get an understanding of the 3 main types of well’s that you may encounter in rural properties.

Keep in mind I am not a well expert, technician or otherwise but I have sold enough rural homes to give you the good and even the bad for each well scenario.

The first and most preferred type of well is what’s known as the drilled well. A drilled well consists of hole bored into the ground with the upper part being lined with a casing. The casing protects the groundwater source, provides a housing for the pumping mechanism and for the pipe that moves the water from the pump to the surface. Most drilled wells are 150 feet or deeper in depth and because they reach such deep depths then are at lower risk of contamination and have a more constant temperature. The average depth is somewhere between 150-250 feet (50 – 75 metres).

Another fairly common type of well is what is known as the bored well. These types of wells are constructed with an auger that digs until it reaches the water table or encounters a material such as rock, which restricts or stops the auger. Unlike drilled wells bored wells are more shallow in depth and draw water from above the bedrock. Bored wells are more common in rocky areas/terrain where a drilled (deep) well may not be possible.

The dug well is my least favourite kind of well. The dug well is shallow and typically 50 feet or less in depth. They are a relatively inexpensive well to construct as they are commonly dug using an excavator or backhoe. Dug wells are generally not recommended to supply your drinking water. Public water systems here in Canada cannot use a dug well as water source because of possible bacteria. It can be difficult keeping a dug well sanitary.

Dug wells lower the value of a home and you are best to try to stay clear of them if you can. Dug wells have been known to decline in water levels in the dry season and you could be forced to bring in a water truck to fill your well from time to time. This of course, comes with an expense.

If you own a well you are responsible for it. You must ensure that it has been constructed to provincial standards. You must also arrange to have your water tested regularly to ensure water quality and safety.

Well water does have many benefits such as a nearly endless supply of water and no water bills. Well water is the most cost effective way to deliver water into your home and are a great way to bring water into your home in almost any region.

When you drink well water you are avoiding harmful chemicals that can be found in regular tap water. The fact that well water tastes so good means that you will drink more of it and we all know the benefits of drinking lots of water.

The water source is reflective on the value of any home. It is imperative to that your water source is potable (drinkable for human consumption) if you are acquiring a mortgage for the home. The lender will not lend for properties without a potable water source (unless certain circumstances of correction are already in place).

Do your homework and make sure that you are hiring the right Realtor.