In the great debate between well and city water, which comes out on top? Chances are, regardless of whether you’re a homeowner or renter, you don’t get much say in whether you depend on a well or the city for your water source. It is what it is, unless you want to spend a small fortune connecting to the city’s plumbing — however, most well owners don’t. When a well is installed correctly and maintained properly, well owners are happy to stick with it for life.
But why?
Healthy well water (emphasis on the healthy aspect) and city water have a few key differences. One of the biggest is mineral amounts and taste. A well-maintained well will have more natural, good-for-you minerals and other nutrients compared to city water, which is processed. Regular testing is required to ensure your well water is safe and has the right mineral balance, but this is fast and affordable. You can get a DIY testing kit or (even better) let a well professional take care of testing during your annual or bi-annual inspection. Ultimately, many people simply prefer the taste of well water.
All about the Money
Money is a big factor when comparing well to city water. With a city system, you pay for water along with sewer. Excepting maintenance, well water is basically free. With a well, you buy the system when you purchase the property (or install a well). You’ll need electricity for the pump, but that cost is minimal. For households that use a lot of water, whether due to frequent showers or high dishwasher and washing machine usage, a well is a fantastic way to save money.
Another issue is fluoridation, which may or may not be important to a homeowner. Some cities add fluoride to their water, others don’t, and a big controversy rages over the pros and cons. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral, and may or may not be present in well water (but never to the degree some cities add fluoride). If you do want more fluoride for tooth health, a mouth rinse is a great solution.
Who’s in Charge Here?
Finally, keep in mind that if you own a well, you’re wholly responsible for it. This means you’re in charge of inspections, repairs, testing and everything else. You shouldn’t skip an inspection, since sometimes issues aren’t obvious — you may not get a strange taste, smell or color, but still have a problem. If you have city water, the city is in charge of maintenance. Of course, that means you’re trusting your health to the government, which isn’t ideal for many.
Many well owners are happy to have their own, personal water source that they can manage as they see fit. For all your water well needs in Utah, contact Mike Zimmerman, the local professionals who prioritize your health and safety.
