With increasing interest in self-sufficiency, sustainability, and reducing monthly utility bills, more homeowners are considering the idea of installing private backyard water wells.
Whether for everyday use, irrigation, or emergency preparedness, having your own water source can be both empowering and practical.
But is a backyard water well setup for homes feasible?
The answer depends on a combination of geographic, legal, financial, and technical factors.
In this article, we’ll explore the feasibility of backyard water wells, including home water well benefits, challenges, regulations, and the installation process, to help you decide if it’s the right option for your property.
Why Consider a Backyard Water Well?
Should you, as a homeowner, consider getting a backyard water well setup for homes on your property?
Yes, and here are some home water well benefits to consider.
1. Self-Sufficiency and Emergency Preparedness
A private well gives homeowners an independent water source.
This is especially valuable during emergencies when municipal water systems may be disrupted due to natural disasters, infrastructure failure, or contamination.
2. Lower Utility Costs
While there’s an upfront cost for drilling and installation, once a well is established, the water itself is free.
Homeowners can save on monthly water bills, especially if the well is used for high-consumption needs like landscaping or filling a pool.
3. Sustainable Living
Using groundwater can reduce strain on local municipal supplies, particularly in areas experiencing drought.
Wells can also help homeowners with eco-friendly gardening and rainwater conservation strategies.
4. Property Value Enhancement
In rural or semi-rural areas, having a reliable private water source can increase property value.
It’s a feature that may appeal to buyers looking for off-grid potential or agricultural use.
Is It Legal to Drill a Well in Your Backyard?
The first question you must ask before digging a well is: Is it legal in my area?
Here’s what you need to know.
1. Permits and Regulations
Most states require permits before a residential water well can be drilled.
In the U.S., regulations are governed by state and local health departments or water boards.
These laws are in place to prevent groundwater contamination and ensure water safety.
2. Zoning Requirements
Some neighborhoods or homeowners’ associations (HOAs) prohibit private wells, especially in densely populated or suburban areas.
Check local zoning codes and HOA covenants before planning your well.
3. Water Rights
In certain states (e.g., those in the Western U.S.), water rights are tightly controlled.
Even if groundwater runs beneath your land, you may need legal permission to access and use it.
4. Well Registration
Most jurisdictions require the well to be registered with the local or state agency, and periodic water quality testing may be mandatory.
Tip: Contact your local or state health department or water authority before making any plans for residential well drilling.
What Does the Installation Process Involve?
If your area allows backyard wells and you’ve obtained the necessary permits, the next step is installation.
This is a complex process that must be handled by licensed professionals, so you should avoid a DIY backyard well setup.
1. Site Evaluation
A hydrogeologist or well contractor will assess the site to determine the best location and the likelihood of finding sufficient, clean groundwater.
Factors include soil composition, water table depth, and proximity to contamination sources like septic systems or agricultural runoff.
2. Drilling
Professional well drillers use rotary or percussion drilling equipment to bore a hole, sometimes hundreds of feet deep, depending on your water table.
Drilling can take a few days to a week.
3. Well Casing and Screen
After the hole is drilled, it’s lined with a well casing (usually steel or PVC) to prevent collapse and contamination.
A screen is attached at the bottom to filter sediment.
4. Pump Installation
A submersible pump is installed to draw water to the surface.
Shallow wells may use jet pumps, while deeper ones require submersible systems.
5. Testing and Disinfection
Once the well is operational, water quality must be tested for bacteria, nitrates, arsenic, and other contaminants.
Chlorination or filtration systems may be required based on test results.
Cost of Water Well Installation
The cost of installing a backyard well can vary widely based on location, depth, and soil conditions.
Typical Costs Include:
- Site Survey and Permits: $300-$1,000
- Drilling: $15-$30 per foot (average depth 100-400 ft)
- Pump and Pressure Tank: $1,000-$3,000
- Water Testing and Treatment System: $500-$2,000
- Total Estimated Cost: $5,000 to $15,000 or more
While the initial investment is high, the long-term water savings can make it worthwhile, particularly for homes with high water use.
The following are some potential drawbacks to installing a backyard well.
1. Maintenance
Wells require regular maintenance, including pump inspections, pressure checks, and water testing.
A typical pump may last 10-15 years, while the well itself can last decades if properly cared for.
2. Contamination Risks
Backyard wells are vulnerable to surface contamination from nearby septic tanks, pesticides, or industrial runoff.
A well cap and proper siting help reduce this risk, but filtration may be necessary.
3. Limited Flow or Dry Wells
In areas with low water tables or rocky ground, wells may have limited output or run dry during droughts.
Backup storage tanks or municipal water hookups may still be needed.
4. Not Suitable for All Properties
Urban or densely developed areas may not have enough space or legal allowance for a well.
Rocky or impermeable soil types also make drilling harder and more expensive.
Alternatives to Traditional Wells
If a deep water well isn’t feasible, there are a few alternatives.
They are:
- Rainwater Harvesting Systems: Can supplement or replace groundwater for irrigation and greywater use.
- Shallow Sand Point Wells: Less expensive and easier to install, but only work in certain sandy soils with high water tables.
- Cisterns or Water Storage Tanks: Store water delivered from off-site or captured from rain for later use.
Backyard Water Well Setup for Homes – Get Yours Today
A backyard water well setup for homes can offer independence, cost savings, and environmental benefits, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.
At Pump It Up, Pump Service, Inc., we have been offering residential and municipal water well and pump service for Arizona residents since 2001.
Our unmatched experience and expertise will ensure you have nothing to worry about with our backyard well installation solutions.
Contact our team to learn more.
Looking for Residential Well Pump Repair Contractors?
Trust Pump It Up Pump Services, Inc. for expert residential well pump repair across Arizona. Our experienced team delivers reliable and efficient solutions to keep your home’s water system operating at its best.
Call 623-582-5069 or request service online today!