Well Water vs City Water: The Complete Comparison for Homeowners
Whether you're buying a home with a well, considering drilling one, or debating switching to city water, understanding the real differences matters. Both have genuine advantages — here's an honest comparison.
Cost Comparison
| Expense | Well Water | City Water |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly water bill | $0 | $50 – $100 |
| Initial setup | $6,000 – $16,000 (new well) | $1,000 – $10,000 (connection fee) |
| Annual maintenance | $100 – $500 | $0 |
| Pump replacement (every 10 yrs) | $1,500 – $4,000 | N/A |
| Water testing | $50 – $500/year | Included (utility tests) |
| Electricity for pump | $30 – $75/month | N/A |
| 20-year total cost | $10,000 – $25,000 | $12,000 – $24,000 |
Over 20 years, the costs are surprisingly similar. Wells have higher upfront costs but no monthly bills. City water has predictable monthly expenses but rates tend to increase 3–5% per year.
Water Quality
City water is regulated by the EPA under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Your utility must test regularly and publish annual water quality reports. It's treated with chlorine (or chloramine) for disinfection and often has added fluoride.
Well water is not regulated — you're responsible for testing and treatment. Well water is naturally filtered through rock and soil but can contain iron, manganese, hydrogen sulfide, arsenic, or bacteria depending on your geology.
Neither is inherently "better" — both can be excellent or problematic depending on your specific situation.
Independence and Reliability
Well water advantages:
- No water bill — use as much as you want
- Independent from municipal infrastructure and water main breaks
- No chlorine, fluoride, or other treatment chemicals
- Water during boil-water advisories (your well is a separate system)
Well water disadvantages:
- Requires electricity to run the pump — no power means no water (unless you have a generator or hand pump)
- You're responsible for all maintenance and repairs
- Water supply depends on your aquifer — droughts can affect shallow wells
- You must test your own water quality
Maintenance Responsibilities
With city water, maintenance is the utility's problem. With a well, you're responsible for:
- Annual water testing ($50–$500)
- Pump and pressure tank maintenance
- Well cap and casing inspection
- Treatment system maintenance (if installed)
- Emergency repairs when something fails
Impact on Home Resale Value
In rural areas where wells are standard, a well has minimal impact on home value. In areas where city water is available, some buyers may see a well as a disadvantage — especially first-time buyers unfamiliar with well ownership.
A well-maintained well with documented water tests and recent pump service can actually be a selling point: "no water bills" is attractive to many buyers.
Taste Difference
Most people find well water tastes better than city water because it lacks chlorine. Well water often has a "fresher" or more mineral-rich taste. However, high iron or sulfur content can make well water taste metallic or like rotten eggs — both are treatable issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is well water safer than city water?
Neither is inherently safer. City water is regulated and tested by the utility. Well water can be just as safe — or safer — but only if you test regularly and treat as needed. The risk with wells is that contamination can go undetected without testing.
Can I switch from well water to city water?
Yes, if city water lines are accessible near your property. Connection fees range from $1,000 to $10,000+ depending on distance to the main line. Many homeowners keep their well as a backup for irrigation even after connecting to city water.
Does a well increase or decrease property value?
In rural areas, wells are expected and have neutral impact. In suburban areas with available city water, some buyers prefer city water. A well-documented, well-maintained well with clean water tests is generally neutral to slightly positive for resale.
What happens to my well during a power outage?
Your well pump stops working during a power outage. You'll have water in your pressure tank (typically 10–40 gallons) until it runs out. Solutions include a backup generator, battery backup system, or a hand pump installed alongside your electric pump.