Well Water vs. City Water: What You Need for Your Commercial Property
As a business owner, there are two basic ways in which you can supply water to your commercial property; you can either opt for well water or city water supply systems.
It might seem like going with one or the other is a no-brainer for your business, but there are many considerations that should weigh in on your decision.
From cost, business type, location, and more — we’ve documented everything you need to consider whether you’re building a new business, or a current business owner looking to switch from one water supply system to another.
Well Water vs. City Water By Explained
Well water refers to privately owned water sources whereby the water and septic system are located on your property, and you are responsible for testing, treating, and maintaining them.
City water supply systems, on the other hand, refer to public water systems maintained, treated and serviced by the municipalities. City water is paid for via regular bills or taxes.
Well Water Supply Systems
Well water can often be undesirable and in some (rare) cases unfit for human consumption.
It can have a foul odor and be too hard, causing damage to appliances and making it expensive to use because more softeners are needed to make it usable – for example during laundry.
The water can also be contaminated with bacteria, viruses and dissolved solids, leading to cases of waterborne gastrointestinal illnesses if not treated.
However, well water isn’t always undesirable. If the water has been tested for a variety of chemicals and heavy metals and is ultimately found to be safe — it can be treated further to become safe for consumption. If you are already using well water and don’t notice any issues with it, it might not be worth it to incur the expenses to make a switch.
Well water can also come in handy in areas where running water lines for the city water is a challenge, such as near steep hills and bridges. It can be too expensive to install city water here and therefore well water is the better option.
City Water Supply Systems
City water supply systems are often the best option for any commercial property.
Not only does the city water arrive at your property treated and ready for human consumption, but the municipality is also responsible for maintaining and servicing the water supply system. You are only accountable for the condition of the water lines within your property.
City water systems are also often used in conjunction with public sewers, and therefore you are not required to install a septic system like with the case of well water.
Additionally, with city water you don’t risk running out of water (as you sometimes do with wells) because most cities often have backup systems that they rely on in case of emergency malfunctions.
However, city water isn’t necessary for every single business. It’s a priority for:
- Restaurants – Food and drinks can be contaminated by bad water.
- Hotels – Guests don’t water to shower with hard water that may even have a bad odor.
- Laundromats – Hard water does not lather easily and can even discolor clothes.
- Food processing companies – Contaminated water can taint food products.
- Water parks and swimming pools – People don’t want to play in hard, cloudy or smelly water.
Cost Considerations of City Water
Though city water beats out well water in a lot of key areas, it can be more expensive.
For example, with city water you have to pay capacity charges. These charges are higher for businesses than residential lots, and are based on the size of the utility that you need.
What’s Best For Your Business?
It is evident that city water is arguably the better option when compared with well water for most businesses, but not all! Your water capacity needs, location, budget and other factors, can help you decide what’s best for you.
Still not sure? Contact us! We’re happy to walk you through what would be best for your commercial lot.