The Pros and Cons of Well Water

Well water is typically fresher than city water, and the relatively higher concentrations of nutrients and minerals it has gives it a better overall taste. If you’re using your own private well, you won’t have to pay a regular water bill. Further, if you’re using a septic system, you can avoid paying a sewer bill as well.

Well water is pumped out of the ground and is, therefore, dependent on electricity. If you lose power, you also lose your water supply. Well water also requires active maintenance. If your well becomes blocked or runs dry, you need to complete all necessary repairs and drilling, which can be pretty expensive. If you share your well or partake in a community system, you’ll split the costs with others. But even when split up equally, community well repairs can still be quite costly.



Further, you’re responsible for the quality of your well water. Your well could easily become contaminated by runoff from power plants, farms — and even decaying animals. When you tap into a well for your water supply, regular testing and treatment of your water are essential. Again, with a shared or community system, you will divide these costs among your neighbors. Depending on the well’s age, condition, and location, you could find yourself with higher annual water costs than you would have with a municipal system. 

The Pros and Cons of City Water

City water is regularly treated before it gets to you and other city residents, according to standard EPA guidelines. Because water treatment is the city’s responsibility and regulated by the state and federal government, the city must disclose how water is being treated, provide public reports on water quality, and handle all water supply maintenance and repair issues. Unlike a private well, or a shared or community system, you will generally enjoy a predictable water bill each month. While your rate and consumption habits may change over time, you’ll be able to anticipate your water costs each month, as you won’t be on the hook for well repairs. Further, because of the predictability of city water, lenders often provide borrowers better mortgage rates on properties that use city water.



However, city water is not as fresh as well water. While municipal treatment processes include re-adding minerals and nutrients lost during the filtering process, nine times out of ten, city water tastes worse than well water. Further, access to city water is dependent on you paying your bills on time, whereas you’ll never lose your water supply if you have a private well. And when natural disasters occur and a city’s water supply is contaminated, it can take a long time to remediate.

Making Sure Your Water Is Clean

Whether you choose a property with a well or city water supply, you must actively ensure that your water is clean. Changes in water taste and odor are obvious signs your water is dirty. But many potentially harmful pollutants, such as bacteria, can make their way into your water without presenting obvious signs.

If you have a private well or shared system, Mosman Well Works has the experience and resources to test your water regularly, or on an as-needed basis, for common and infrequent water contaminants. We also can evaluate and perform affordable, regular maintenance on your private well or shared system and carry out any necessary repairs. Servicing Woodbury, Southbury, and all of Connecticut, our expert team is ready to help you protect your well water and your health. Contact us today by calling 203-586-1688 or filling out this simple form.