The thought of private well ownership grows increasingly attractive as the cost of municipal water skyrockets. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), residential homes use upwards of 82 gallons daily at an average annual cost that may exceed $1,000.
Installing a private well typically involves an upfront cost that differs significantly from state to state. But after the well has been drilled and water flows freely through the house, maintenance and upkeep drop household expenses to a few hundred dollars per year. These attractive benefits, coupled with eliminating reliance on municipal resources, sometimes prompt property owners to leap before they look.
If you are considering drilling a private well, these are things you should know before breaking ground.
Zoning and building code regulations typically require property owners to position a well away from roadways, abutters and septic fields, among others. A typical setback from the street may require upwards of 100 feet. That distance may also apply to the safe distance from greywater fields and sewage holding tanks. The conventional wisdom stems from avoiding drinking water contamination.
One requirement that sometimes gets skipped or passed over involves placement concerning abutting properties. Cities, towns and counties may have a hard-and-fast rule about property line distances. But one measurement that too often gets overlooked includes the distance from a neighbor's septic system. Drilling a well without accounting for safe and regulated distances could cause the project failing inspection.
It’s not uncommon for residential property owners to use a wide range of products to maintain a robust landscape. But items such as lawn fertilizer and weed killers often include toxins. When the potable water comes from underground municipal pipes, minimal risk of contamination exists. But that changes when someone gets off the local water system. The EPA ranks the following among the most common well water hazards.
Homeowners who plan to transition to private well water may want to consider taking an inventory of potentially toxic agents they leverage. Whatever goes down the drain or lands on the topsoil can end up in the drinking water.
An issue that few property owners consider involves well depth. Conventional thinking revolves around hitting sand-free water and wiring the pumping system. But a more robust and secure aquifer may reside deeper. That’s one reason property owners work with well-drilling professionals. A deeper well may prove invaluable when droughts occur.
With some due diligence, property owners can enjoy all the benefits of low-cost clean drinking water. Investing in a private well also minimizes reliance on quasi-governmental outfits.
Kim Cuomo brings a 25 year wealth of experience and passion to the world of real estate, having dedicated over two decades to serving clients across the vibrant landscapes of South Florida. With a background as a paralegal, Kim's transition into real estate was not just a career change, but a discovery of her true calling. Her deep-rooted love for the industry is evident in the personalized, hands-on approach she adopts with each client, ensuring they feel valued and supported through every step of their journey.
Whether navigating the complexities of a first-time home purchase or orchestrating the sale of a luxurious $30 million estate, Kim's expertise spans the full spectrum of residential and commercial real estate. Her reach extends across Palm Beach County, Martin County, St. Lucie County, Broward County, and Miami-Dade County, offering a comprehensive understanding of the unique markets within each area.
Kim Cuomo's dedication to excellence and her ability to forge meaningful connections with clients make her not just an agent, but a trusted advisor and friend in one of the most significant transactions of their lives. Her commitment to providing exceptional service is unwavering, making her a standout professional in the South Florida real estate scene.
