If you’ve had well water in your home for years, the idea of paying the county for public water probably doesn’t sound too appealing. Perhaps you have public water but are debating well drilling Tampa FL to add an additional water source to your property. Each water system has its pros and cons. By becoming knowledgeable about both systems, you can choose the option that works best for your situation.
Cost
The average cost to dig a well can vary from $1,500 to $12,000. This figure changes depending on the type of terrain, your location and the depth you need to drill. The cost of hooking up to public water can vary even more. This hinges on how far the city needs to run pipes and whether they receive grants or special financing to complete the project.
However, that is where the similarities end. Once you have a well, you do not have any water bills. You do have some maintenance costs, depending on whether you have a treatment system, but that is it. Homes on public water get billed monthly or quarterly.
Maintenance
When you are hooked up to public water and paying the county every month, maintenance is not your problem. However, wells do require some maintenance and attention. You should test your well water yearly to make sure it is safe to drink and track any changes in the groundwater. You must also be careful not to contaminate your well. Plants, fertilizers, pesticides and animal waste should be kept at least 100 feet from the well.
Safety
As long as you are testing your well yearly for contaminants, your well water is cleaner and more natural than city water. Counties use herbicides and chemicals, such as chlorine, lead and mercury, in the water. While the EPA regulates 91 common chemicals, there are over 60,000 used in the United States. Since it is filtered naturally through the ground instead of using chemicals, well water is also better for the environment.
