As many as 13 million households nationwide rely on wells to supply them with fresh, clean water for cooking, drinking, and cleaning. However, if you’ve never used a well and are considering purchasing a home equipped with one, it’s important to understand both basic water well maintenance and what to look for in an existing system. Keep the following points in mind while viewing homes to make an informed decision.

What Homebuyers Should Consider Regarding Water Wells

1. Measure the Flow Rate

The flow rate describes how water enters your well from the surrounding water table. This affects how quickly you can expect a well’s pressure tank to refill as well as whether an existing well can be relied upon for the foreseeable future. A good flow rate can fall anywhere between six to 12 gallons per minute for the average household.

2. Check the Location

Under public health regulations in states like Georgia, water wells must be located at least 50 feet away from the nearest municipal sewer line and 100 feet from a septic drain field on a property. The purpose of this requirement is to ensure well water remains uncontaminated by sewage, and it can simplify your water well maintenance efforts by minimizing the risk of harmful bacteria entering the water supply system.

Before purchasing a home equipped with a water well, have an inspector verify that the well is sufficiently far away from nearby sanitation features. If it’s too close to a septic system or sewer line, it may be necessary to have a new well drilled or dug.

3. Test the Water

One of the most important things to check when buying a home is the quality, safety, and purity of its water. A certified inspector will take a water sample and submit it to a lab to determine its pH levels, turbidity, and alkalinity. They’ll also look for excess mineral content, bacteria and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and toxic substances like industrial solvents, petrochemicals, and cleaning chemicals. If concerns are found, a well cleaning will be needed.

If you’re new to water well maintenance, count on Bishop Well & Pump Service to provide reliable, prompt assistance. Based in Tifton, GA, and serving Tift County residents for over 80 years, they offer a full range of maintenance and repair services along with drilling and installation, inspections, and water softeners. Call (229) 382-6117 to request a quote or visit them online to learn more about how they can help.