Definition
Well water comes from below ground, not a municipal system—which means its safety is your responsibility. Quality varies wildly based on geology, depth, and contaminants.
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Well water quality must be verified through testing for bacteria, nitrates, minerals, and other contaminants. Testing is not included in standard home inspections. Buyers should conduct well water testing as a contingency. Well systems require regular maintenance including pump inspection, screen cleaning, and pressure tank evaluation. Old wells may have low yield or reduced capacity. Municipal water provides testing and safety guarantees; well water places responsibility on the homeowner.
Pro Tip
Always test well water quality before purchase. Understand maintenance responsibilities—you own the system.
Example
A home purchase included a well water test that revealed elevated nitrate levels, indicating potential septic system or agricultural contamination. The buyer negotiated a water filtration system installation ($2,000) before closing.