If you want to enjoy a rule lifestyle where you don't have access to the city water and sewer system, you will need a solid source of water. The best way to get a reliable source of water is by drilling a well when access to the city water system isn't possible. Before you can drill a well, you have to consider the feasibility of adding a well to your property and assess a few different factors.

Factor #1: Nature of the Groundwater Supply

First, you need to understand what type of groundwater supply you have on your property. If you have an underground reservoir, a well drilling company could add a well to your property. If the groundwater instead exists in different porous ground layers, it can be more challenging to drill a well. The nature of your groundwater supply will impact how easy it is to drill a well and will affect the cost of drilling a well.

Factor #2: Depth of Groundwater

Second, you need to establish the groundwater supply depth, which can vary significantly from one area to another. In some areas, you only have to drill down a short distance to assess the groundwater; in other areas, you will have to drill down hundreds of feet. How deep the groundwater is located will impact if you can drill a well on your property. You are going to want to drill deep enough to access potable water.

Factor #3: Local Utility Access

Just because you don't have access to city water and sewer service doesn't mean that you don't have access to other local utilities. You may have electrical or gas lines buried underground on your property. You need to be aware of where utility lines are located before scouting a location for your well.

Additionally, you need to check and see if there are any old sewer lines or septic systems on the property. If there are old sewer or septic systems, you will not want to drill anywhere near them when choosing a location for your well.

Factor #4: Local Building Codes

Just because you invested in a rural property doesn't mean you don't have building codes to follow. You will want to see if you need to get a permit to drill a well on your property and if there are any rules you have to follow. Well drilling rules are usually pretty common sense, such as not drilling too close to property lines or contamination sources. You generally need a permit to drill a well in most areas, as access to the water table is considered a matter of public health.

If you have purchased a rural property and need to drill a well to access water, you need to consider the nature and depth of the groundwater supply to determine if drilling a well is feasible. You also need to be aware of local building codes and utility access before you start drilling.