It’s a sad fact of life in the U.S. right now that, while the water source isn’t usually the first thing people looking for a new home will consider, it certainly should be. There is no getting around the fact that there is a fundamental problem today with contaminants in our drinking water. Moreover, these contaminants can come from an array of sources.
They can be pesticides from agricultural run-off, they can be water contaminants found in the water source itself (such as harmful microbes), or they can even be harmful substances coming from the plumbing of the home. Lead contamination is genuine problem in this area.
Synergy Science, a company specializing in alternative water products and hydrogen water machines, say that the entire market for such products is largely driven by concerns about the quality of drinking water. It’s not at all uncommon for American consumers to return from the supermarket well stocked up with mineral water, or for the more health-conscious to invest in innovative new water products such as hydrogen water and filtered water. Just as common is the decision of many American home owners to invest in home water filtration systems.
Well Water Systems
There is an alternative to filtration systems though. An increasingly popular water solution for American homes is well water. This might sound terribly old fashioned (and also somewhat prone to contamination), but this isn’t normally the case. Well water is drawn from deep underground, at a level of the Earth where the many harmful pollutants that effect the topmost layers, are not present.
If you are looking for a new home then, and you’re one of the millions of Americans concerned about drinking water quality, then investing in a property with a well water system could well be a winning solution. Nevertheless, the level of public ignorance about well water is pretty high, so you might be unsure about how to proceed.
What To Know About Well Water
The first thing to note about well water systems is that you will be cutting yourself off entirely from the mains water supply by relying instead on a local underground water source. This raises the first issue – you need to live in proximity to such a source. Indeed, there needs to be ground water to draw – you cannot create one.
If there is though, then well water could well be the way to go. However, there are several considerations to make to ensure the water is drinkable and in plentiful supply. Here they are:
You Need to Regulate it Yourself
When you install a well system, the quality of the water is no longer the government or municipal authority’s problem. Private wells are not regulated, so you need to take the right advice and ensure that yours is safe. Enlisting the help of a professional here is advised.
Consider the Source
We’ve mentioned that well water is derived from a deep underground source, but they can vary along so many parameters. This means the pipes and plumbing of the well are important, and so to is the geological profile of the ground around it. This can be complicated stuff, so again, call in the professionals.
There Can Be an Unusual Smell and Taste
This isn’t to say there’s anything wrong with that. But well water is not common enough yet for its taste to be broadly accepted. You might find it tastes and smells quite different from mains water.
It’s clear that something needs to be done about the water contamination crisis is the U.S. today. There is much to consider first, but well water could end up being the solution for you.
