If you're buying a property with an existing well, regardless of whether the well is the primary water source or an auxiliary one, it's important that you do your due diligence concerning the well when considering a home or property purchase. Here are a few questions that should help you figure out what you need to know about the well before you commit to the property purchase.

1. What Is the Age of the Well and Its Components?

Like most things, a water well cannot last forever, especially if the well hasn't seen any maintenance in a while. Knowing the well's age can help you ascertain what type of life the well might have left. Additionally, you should understand that the well itself isn't the only concern. The well pump, piping, controls, tank, and other components will all have an age you should know about as well. The well itself can last for decades or even upwards of a century, depending on several factors. Nevertheless, age will tell you a lot before you even start to look at other important factors.

2. What Is the Groundwater Quality in the Area?

Before accepting a well as a primary or even secondary water source for the property, make sure you know something about the groundwater in the area. Groundwater testing isn't something you should skip. Even before you pay for testing, you can look at the EPA's data and reporting for the area. Contamination of groundwater can come from various sources, both natural and man-made. In addition, the well itself can contaminate water if it's unclean. Old or decaying piping can also contaminate water. The municipality will likely have a water-testing program. You can also gain fuller reports from third-party water-testing services or some well-drilling services.

3. What Is the Capacity and Flow Rate of the Well?

Your household may have a wildly different makeup than the one that lived on the property previously. Your water needs may differ and the well may not have the right capacity or flow to accommodate you and yours. Always ascertain the capacity and flow rate of the well. Compare those numbers to your own well yield needs.

4. When Was the Last Well Inspection and What Did It Reveal?

The property owner should have all the paperwork concerning the well, including the well's maintenance, repair, and inspection documents. The best way to obtain all the information you need about the well will come from a qualified inspection, so either you or the current property owner should have one completed prior to the sale of the property.

For more information, contact a well-drilling service, such as Russell Well Drilling. 

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