Country Water Systems: What You Need to Know Before Buying Property

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The dug well is the oldest type of well. Usually 3 to 4 feet in diameter, it is dug with a pick and shovel.
The dug well is the oldest type of well. Usually 3 to 4 feet in diameter, it is dug with a pick and shovel.
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Drilled wells are the most common type of well in use today.
Drilled wells are the most common type of well in use today.
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A driven well is usually cheaper to construct than a drilled well, but the ground must be soft and the attainable depth is limited.
A driven well is usually cheaper to construct than a drilled well, but the ground must be soft and the attainable depth is limited.
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In arid regions, elderberry shrubs usually mean that good water is available within 10 to 20 feet of the surface. 
In arid regions, elderberry shrubs usually mean that good water is available within 10 to 20 feet of the surface. 
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Rabbitbrush is another indicator of water near the surface level. 
Rabbitbrush is another indicator of water near the surface level. 
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Mesquite suggests good water within 10 to 50 feet of the surface.
Mesquite suggests good water within 10 to 50 feet of the surface.
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Black greasewood indicates mineralized water within 10 to 40 feet of the surface.
Black greasewood indicates mineralized water within 10 to 40 feet of the surface.
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Choosing a water-delivery system is often determined by the lay of the land. In some cases, more than one system will be required to provide enough water.
Choosing a water-delivery system is often determined by the lay of the land. In some cases, more than one system will be required to provide enough water.

Most people buy land in the spring and early summer when creeks are full, springwater is bursting from the hills and the meadows are green. In late August and September, the early buyer is often shocked to find that all of his water has dried up. If you have lived primarily in urban areas where water has always been just a turn of the tap away, you don’t realize the work and expense involved in setting up and maintaining country water systems to bring water where you want it. Just to get running water into your house might involve installing a generator, pump, pipeline, holding tank and well. You might see land with a beautiful creek and not realize that it is too far away from the nicest building site to be of any value.

If there is no water visible on the land, you will be told that everyone in the area uses wells and that if you dig deep enough you will find water. The facts are that not all land has underground water, finding any is often difficult and drilling a well is expensive. A big creek or a good well on a neighboring property does not mean there is water on your land. Do not be fooled by such misconceptions.

Locating Water Sources

Water sources are either on the surface or underground. Surface waters include rivers, streams, creeks, ponds, springs and cisterns.

Water is trapped underground in two types of areas: in aquifers, loose water-bearing materials such as gravel, sand and clay; or in consolidated water-bearing rocks, notably limestone, basalt and sandstone. In many cases, surface water sources are excellent for irrigation, livestock, fire fighting, ponds and other uses, but cannot be utilized for drinking. Therefore, a well is often a necessity regardless of the presence of surface water.

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