Purchasing a home is a significant investment, and it’s important that you understand the ins and outs of the property that you might be purchasing. If you are considering buying a home with a private well, you should make sure that you understand the risks, benefits and costs. At Hague Quality Water of Maryland, we work with many private well owners who enjoy clean, safe water thanks to our treatment options. We are here to help and educate you!

Learn About the Well

When you are preparing to buy a home with a private well you should collect any information you can about the condition of the well, its maintenance history and the construction of the well. The seller’s well log will give you detailed information like when the well was drilled, who owned the home at the time the well was constructed, and where the well is located. The log should also provide construction information such as the drilling method that was used, the depth of the well, the depth and type of casing, and the depth and size of the pump.

If you are looking to purchase a home with a private well that is shared with other properties, your real estate agent should still be able to get the relevant paperwork. You should also ask for a copy of the Shared Well Agreement so that you can review the exact details. Reading and understanding this information can prevent unpleasant situations in the future.

Have an Inspection Performed

In addition to the home inspection you will have performed on the structure of the home, you should have another inspection performed on the well system and septic system (if one is present). A certified home inspector can thoroughly examine a home with a private well and report on the condition of the well, the operation of the well components, and the water quality. A few items that will also be checked during the well inspection include:

• If the well is located far from potential pollution sources
• If there are permanent structures located within 10 feet of the wellhead
• If the wellhead is visible
• If the ground around the well slopes down and away to encourage proper drainage
• If the well construction and components are up to code
• If the well pump and pressure tank are over or under 15 years old
• If there are preventative measures in place to prevent backflow
• If the well has regular inspection and maintenance records available
• If any existing water treatment devices are properly working and maintained

Don’t Forget Water Testing

One of the most important things that you should do before moving into a home with a private well is water testing. Well water testing is the only way to know precisely what your water contains and what treatment might be necessary to keep it safe for use. Once you move into a home with a private well, you will need to complete annual water testing for bacteria and any other known contaminants like arsenic, lead, nitrate, radium, or radon. Hague Quality Water of Maryland is state-certified for testing. We help determine what you should test for and help you through the testing process. It’s our goal to educate well owners so that you feel confident in making decisions about your water treatment.

Once you have your test results, the next step is to explore the various methods you can use to remove contaminants from your water. Depending on what is present, reverse osmosis might be a great way to improve drinking water or you might only need to decrease the hardness level using a water softening system. We have many different well water treatment solutions available to help ensure you are consuming and using water that is completely odor-free, great tasting, and safe to use. If you aren’t sure where to start with well water testing or treatment, contact us today.

Check Existing Water Treatment Systems

If the home you are buying has an existing water treatment system in place, it is also crucial to inspect this before purchasing the home. There are a few questions you should ask:

• Are all of the parts in good working order?
• Does the treatment system and well capacity cover your usage needs?
• Does anything (such as chemicals) need to be purchased to maintain the system?

Maintaining a water treatment system and making sure it is functioning properly is crucial in protecting the quality of your water. If the previous owner did not have an existing system, Hague Quality Water of Maryland offers a variety of water treatment options, such as the Hague WaterMax® System, to give you peace of mind that the water you are drinking is clean and safe.

If You Live in a Home With a Private Well, You Need Hague Quality Water of Maryland

If you are concerned about the quality and contents of your water, we are here to help with your water improvement projects. Whether you need the Hague WaterMax® System or additional filtration beyond that, our team cares deeply about the health and safety of your family. For additional assistance, call Hague Quality Water of Maryland at (410) 757-2992.