Mní wičhóni, as the Lakota say: Water is life. Access to potable water for residential use is essential. Only about 13 million people get their water from a well in the U.S., as compared to 280 million who rely on city water. Although not everyone has a choice of where their water comes from, it’s still wise to understand the differences between well water vs. city water.
The primary difference between well water and city water is its source, but treatment of the water also constitutes a significant dissimilarity. Having a private well vs. public water may also impact a home’s value and resale potential—more good reasons to understand the differences between well water vs. public water.
I’ve lived in both rural and urban areas, and the water source can really shape your day-to-day life. Whether it’s the taste of your morning coffee or the cost of your water bill, the choice between well and city water carries weight. Beyond the source, factors like maintenance and environmental impact come into play, and knowing these can help you make informed decisions about your home.
Water Sources and Treatment
Original Content: Both city water and private wells supply an important natural resource to households. As the term implies, well water is sourced from natural underground aquifers through a private residential water well that is drilled deep enough to reach bedrock. From there, water is pumped to the surface for residential use. Instead of being chemically treated, well water is naturally filtered by the rock and soil it moves through.
City water is commonly acquired from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs. After being treated at a municipal treatment plant to remove impurities, it is piped to individual residences and businesses. Many municipalities add chlorine, chloramines, or ammonia to kill bacteria, coliform, and E. coli, as well as fluoride to fight tooth decay.
Considered “purer” because it’s not chemically treated, water from home wells may contain minerals such as iron or manganese, which results in a noticeable taste difference between well water vs. tap water; these minerals can cause staining. Well water is generally considered more eco-friendly because it isn’t chemically treated and doesn’t require energy for distribution. “Well water can be better than city water,” says Chris Gordon, sales manager and former technician for The Water Specialist in Hillsboro, North Carolina. “It may even be safer than city water because it doesn’t have chemicals added for treatment.” That said, well water still requires frequent testing, filtering, and sometimes chemical treatments similar to those used to purify city water.
Additional Content: The natural filtration of well water through layers of rock and soil is a fascinating process. It’s like Mother Nature’s own water purifier, stripping away many contaminants as water trickles through porous materials. However, this doesn’t mean it’s free from all impurities. For instance, I’ve noticed in rural areas that well water can sometimes have a metallic tang due to minerals like iron, which isn’t necessarily harmful but can affect taste and stain laundry or sinks.
City water, on the other hand, undergoes rigorous treatment processes, including coagulation, sedimentation, and disinfection. According to the CDC, about 90% of public water systems in the U.S. meet federal safety standards, but the addition of chemicals like chlorine can leave a distinct taste. If you’ve ever filled a glass from a city tap and noticed a slight pool-like smell, that’s likely the chlorine at work. For those sensitive to chemicals, a simple pitcher filter can make a big difference, though it adds a small cost to your routine.
From an environmental perspective, well water’s lack of chemical treatment is a plus, but don’t overlook the energy used by well pumps. A typical well pump might consume 500-2,000 watts per hour of use, depending on the depth and pump size, which can add up on your electric bill. Still, it’s often less energy-intensive than the vast infrastructure needed to pipe city water across towns.
Cost Considerations
Original Content: Well water is considered more affordable than city water. A familiar adage in the water industry holds that the water is free; it’s just the delivery that folks pay for. That applies to water wells and city water alike. There may be no monthly bill for well water, but there’s an additional electrical cost for pumping it. And there are other costs associated with a home well, from the one-time cost of drilling and outfitting a new one to maintaining an existing one to treating the water.
Gordon estimates the cost of digging a well between $5,000 and $15,000, but it could be higher if drilling must go deeper than 400 feet. A whole-house water filtration system can cost between $1,000 and $4,000. Inspections typically run $250 to $550. It may seem like there are more costs involved with a well as opposed to getting water from a municipal source. But Gordon says if the cost of buying a new pump, tank, and the electrical component, amortized over a life expectancy of 40 years, equals about $40 per month, it compares favorably with the average monthly municipal water bill of just over $45, per Statista, or as much as $1,000 per year, according to the EPA.
Additional Content: Breaking down the costs of well water versus city water feels a bit like comparing apples to oranges, but it’s worth digging into. When I looked into well systems for a friend’s rural property, the upfront cost of drilling was daunting—$10,000 just to get started! But once it’s set up, the absence of a monthly water bill feels like a small victory every month. The catch is the ongoing maintenance, like replacing a pump, which can cost $500-$2,000 every 10-15 years, depending on usage and water quality.
City water bills, on the other hand, can sneak up on you. In my old apartment, the water bill crept up to $60 a month during summer when we watered the lawn more. According to the EPA, the average household uses about 300 gallons per day, and in high-cost areas, that can translate to $70-$100 monthly for city water. If you’re budget-conscious, well water’s predictable costs might appeal, but don’t forget to factor in electricity for the pump—typically $10-$20 a month for moderate use.
One tip: If you’re considering a well, get a detailed quote that includes soil testing. I’ve heard of folks hitting unexpected rock formations, pushing drilling costs closer to $20,000. Planning ahead can save you a headache.
Water Quality and Responsibility
Original Content: Homeowners are responsible for well water quality, whereas city water is regulated by the government. One potential advantage of city water is that the city is responsible for managing water quality. However, in some areas (such as Pittsboro, N.C.), Gordon says the municipalities don’t do enough to filter microplastics, so it’s up to the consumer to purchase a water filtration system or a reverse osmosis system to filter out microplastics, chloramines, and chlorine. Homeowners can be proactive about their water safety through testing, treatment, and maintenance.
Testing: The EPA does not regulate well water; however, Gordon says, the agency does recommend annual testing. “The five things I test for onsite are iron, manganese, pH, hardness, and sulfur,” Gordon says. Additional issues commonly tested for include E. coli and coliform bacteria. Most counties can do the job, but a private lab can usually do the job more quickly, for a price. Test kits can be purchased as a DIY testing option, but homeowners will still have to wait for lab results.
Treatment: Homeowners who use a well for water supply may need to treat it occasionally—particularly if it’s an older well. “Older wells are shallower,” Gordon explains. As such, they rely on surface water rather than water from the aquifer. Surface water is more easily contaminated and, thus, may need more frequent treatment. Treatment depends on the issue. “Shocking” a well is a process that can rid water of E. coli and coliform bacteria, Gordon says. Just as municipalities use chlorine, shocking a well involves chlorination as a sort of “water well cleaner” to kill bacterial contamination. If that’s unsuccessful, Gordon recommends a UV light.
Maintenance: Maintenance depends on the water quality, Gordon says. He suggests changing the sediment filter to improve water quality and reminds that water quality testing is a must. Annual well maintenance should include water testing, a flow test to determine output, water level check, pump motor performance and electrical check, valve inspection, and a check of the pressure tank and pressure switch contact. The well cap should be intact and the top of the well should be a foot above the ground and the proper distance from the house and septic drain field. Hazardous materials should never be stored near the well.
Additional Content: Taking charge of your well water quality can feel empowering, but it’s also a big responsibility. When I helped a neighbor test their well, we used a DIY kit, which was straightforward but took a week for lab results. The peace of mind was worth it, though—knowing there was no E. coli was a relief. Gordon’s point about testing for iron and manganese hits home; I’ve seen sinks in older homes with reddish stains from high iron levels, which a simple filter can fix.
For city water users, the government’s oversight is reassuring, but it’s not foolproof. A 2023 study by the NRDC found that over 8% of U.S. public water systems had violations related to contaminants like lead or PFAS. If you’re on city water, a reverse osmosis system (around $200-$500) can be a game-changer for removing microplastics, especially if you’re in an area with aging infrastructure. For well owners, I’d suggest scheduling annual maintenance in the spring—it’s easier to spot issues like a loose well cap before heavy rains muddy the water.
Outages and Reliability
Original Content: Home wells and municipal water supplies are both susceptible to unexpected outages. Both sources of potable water are susceptible to unplanned-for outages. Any time the power goes out, water cannot be retrieved from a well because a well pump runs on electricity. Perhaps one of the most common causes for unexpected outages of city water is a water main break. This could be the result of freeze-thaw cycles, damage done during construction, damage done by severe weather (such as hurricanes and floods), or aging and/or corroded infrastructure. Tree roots can also damage pipes of either system, interrupting service. Corrosion, age, and construction can also damage a home well.
Additional Content: Outages can be a real pain, whether you’re on a well or city water. I remember a winter storm knocking out power for two days, leaving my friend’s well system useless—no water for showers or even flushing toilets. A backup generator (starting at $500 for a small one) can be a lifesaver for well owners in areas prone to outages. City water isn’t immune either; a main break in my old neighborhood left us without water for a day, and it was a hassle to boil bottled water for cooking.
Data from the ASCE’s 2021 Infrastructure Report Card shows that the U.S. has about 240,000 water main breaks annually, often due to aging pipes. For well owners, regular checks for pipe corrosion or tree root intrusion can prevent surprises. If you’re on a well, keep an eye on nearby trees—roots can sneak into pipes faster than you’d think!
Impact on Home Resale Value
Original Content: Whether a home has well water vs. city water can impact resale value. Some experts believe that a well goes hand-in-hand with higher resale value. This may largely be due to the fact that most municipalities have minimum land size requirements for a well and septic system. More property typically comes at a higher price. Some home buyers prefer side-stepping the monthly bill and the chemical treatment that comes with city water. Some consider well water cleaner and fresher. The bottom line: If the property has a well-maintained well with quality water, it may increase the home’s value.
Additional Content: When I was house hunting, I noticed homes with wells often came with larger lots, which bumped up the price but also added appeal for privacy lovers. A 2022 National Association of Realtors report noted that rural homes with wells can sell for 5-10% more than similar homes on city water, especially if the well is well-maintained. Buyers like the idea of no water bill, but they’ll ask for recent water quality reports, so keep those handy if you’re selling.
That said, some buyers shy away from wells due to maintenance concerns. If you’re on a well, investing in a modern pump and filtration system can make your home stand out. It’s like giving your house a shiny badge of self-sufficiency that appeals to eco-conscious or budget-minded buyers.