Advantages of Well Water

• Better Taste & Higher Mineral Content – Well water is often fresher and more natural-tasting due to the higher presence of minerals like calcium and magnesium.
• No Monthly Water Bill – Unlike city water, private well owners don’t pay a monthly utility bill for water usage.
• No Water Shutoffs for Non-Payment – Since your well is your own independent water source, you’ll never face water shutoffs due to missed payments.
• Septic System Savings – If your property also has a septic system, you avoid paying sewer fees that come with municipal water connections.
  

• Power Dependency – Well water systems rely on electricity to pump water. If the power goes out, so does your water supply unless you have a backup generator.
• Ongoing Maintenance & Repairs – Well owners are fully responsible for their water system’s upkeep, including repairs, drilling, and pump replacement, which can be costly.
• Water Quality Testing & Treatment – Unlike city water, well owners must regularly test their water for bacteria, heavy metals, and contaminants.
• Potential Contamination – Runoff from farms, power plants, septic tanks, and even decaying animals can contaminate well water. Proper filtration and treatment are essential.
  

If you use a shared or community well, costs for maintenance, testing, and repairs are typically split among the users. However, unexpected expenses can still arise, potentially making well water more expensive than city water in the long run.

Advantages of City Water

• Consistent Water Quality & Treatment – City water is filtered, treated, and regulated according to EPA standards, ensuring safe drinking water.
• Less Maintenance Responsibility – Municipal water systems handle all testing, repairs, and infrastructure upkeep, so homeowners don’t have to worry about well failures.
• Predictable Monthly Bill – While you’ll pay a monthly water bill, it’s a predictable cost that helps with budgeting. Unlike private wells, you won’t face unexpected repair expenses.
• Better Mortgage Rates – Some lenders offer better mortgage rates for homes connected to city water, as it’s seen as a more reliable utility.

Disadvantages of City Water

• Lower Water Quality & Taste – City water is often treated with chlorine and fluoride, which can affect its taste and smell. While minerals are added back after filtration, many homeowners prefer the natural taste of well water.
• Water Bills & Potential Rate Increases – Unlike private wells, municipal water requires monthly payments, which can increase over time.
• Supply Disruptions & Contaminations – City water supplies can be affected by water main breaks, natural disasters, or contamination issues, sometimes leading to boil water advisories or long-term outages.

Regardless of whether you have well water or city water, you should actively monitor your water quality to ensure it is clean and safe. Here are some key indicators of water contamination:

• Unusual Taste or Odor – A metallic, soapy, chlorine-like, or rotten egg smell may indicate contamination.
• Discoloration & Stains – Brown, red, or green stains on sinks, toilets, or tubs can signal the presence of iron, copper, or bacteria.
• Frequent Illness or Skin Irritation – If you or your family experience stomach issues, dry skin, or rashes, your water may contain harmful bacteria or chemicals.

City water is routinely tested and treated, but well owners are responsible for ensuring their water is safe. Annual water testing is essential to detect bacteria, heavy metals, nitrates, and other contaminants that could pose health risks.

If you have a private well or shared water system, Mosman Well Works provides professional water testing, filtration solutions, and well maintenance services to ensure your water is safe and clean. Serving Woodbury, Southbury, and all of Connecticut, we offer affordable well inspections, water quality testing, and system maintenance to protect your home’s water supply. If you're considering a home with a private well, we can assess its condition, water quality, and potential long-term costs. Contact us today to schedule a water test or get a quote!