Backup Borehole or Well: A Viable Alternative to Municipal Water Supply

According to many homeowners, maintaining a backup borehole or well alongside a municipal water supply is a practical and cost-effective measure. This is especially relevant in areas where the municipal supply is unreliable or where water restrictions are common.

For many years, homeowners have relied on additional water sources, not only for financial savings but also for added security. One homeowner mentions, for instance, that they had a backup well before the city water supply, using it for various domestic purposes like lawn watering, vehicle washing, and filling a hot tub. This well provided a steady supply not only during financial savings phases but also during municipal water interruptions or boil water advisories.

Why Maintain a Backup Well?

Keeping a backup well can be beneficial for several reasons, especially in regions where municipal water supply is a concern. One user mentions that it is essential to "run it for about 30 minutes each week to keep it fresh as it will be stagnant in the pipe." This action helps prevent the water from becoming stagnant, which can lead to bacteria and other contaminants.

However, the issue of maintaining a backup well is not only about water quality but also about legal considerations. In the United States, many municipalities try to decommission private wells if a reliable municipal water supply is available. This practice can be problematic for homeowners who wish to retain their well for irrigation and other uses. The discussion highlights a conflict between the homeowner's rights and the municipality's regulations.

Legal and Practical Considerations

The legal battle over well usage is significant, as exemplified by a homeowner's insistence that the city "cannot step on my property to run water and sewer mains." This resistance is rooted in the idea of maintaining property sovereignty and the right to use natural resources for personal needs.

Some municipal authorities attempt to enforce laws mandating the decommissioning of private wells, but many homeowners resist. As one user points out, "you have no business on my property to run the water and sewer main and I will not be capping anything on my property." This resistance is supported by laws that protect homeowners' rights to use private wells for irrigation and other domestic purposes.

Despite attempts to enforce regulations, many private wells remain functional and provide a reliable water source. This is evident in the statement, "My well is still working fine and when I don't want to use the city's water, I have an endless supply that comes out of the ground with a flip of the switch." The cost of using municipal water has also become a significant consideration, with some places matching the price of gasoline.

Conclusion

While maintaining a backup borehole or well comes with legal and practical considerations, it offers significant advantages in terms of water independence and security. The example of homeowner resistance to municipal water regulations highlights the value of such alternatives. For those concerned about the reliability and affordability of municipal water supplies, a backup well is a worthwhile investment for ensuring a consistent and affordable water source.

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Conclusion

Whether you're in the UK or the US, having a backup borehole or well can provide peace of mind and security during times of water scarcity or municipal supply issues. By understanding the legal and practical considerations, you can make an informed decision about whether to invest in a backup water source.