Where does private well water come from?

The main source of water for private wells is underground aquifers. Individual underground aquifers are water sources that are connected to one another. Underground aquifers are found just about everywhere. But where your well water comes from is dependent on where you live. Water wells may be connected to rivers, lakes, ponds, groundwater or underground aquifers.

Where does private water come from?

Geography plays an important role in where water wells are drilled. For example, an area that is home to a lot of lakes and rivers is likely to be rich in groundwater while an area that is heavily populated may run out of groundwater much faster than it is replenished.

How does my neighbor get their water?

If you live in a rural area, you may have a neighbor who gets their water from a private well. Depending on the size of their property and the number of people living there, that well can use a significant amount of water each month. If you have concerns about the amount of water your neighbor is using, it’s a good idea to talk to them about conserving water.

How to tell if your neighbor's water is public water?

If you live in an area where groundwater or a well is used as a source of drinking water, you can ask your neighbors for a water sample to test for contaminants. If you live in an area where water flows from the town or county water supply, you can ask your neighbors for a consumer information packet for their water system.

Where does my neighbor get their water from?

If you don’t live in a community served by a water association, your private well water likely comes from groundwater. Depending on where you live, groundwater may be drawn from the underground aquifer or from a river. If you live in an area with a lot of groundwater, you might be able to tap into a nearby lake or river for an additional fee.