shared well
- Thread starter mechanic
- Start date
- Views: 1915
KYErik
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Dec 2, 2005
- Messages
- 904
- Location
- South central IL
- Tractor
- 1977 AC 7000, 1980 JD 2840, 1963 Case 930, 1963 Ford 4000, 1943 Case SC, Case 530CK backhoe
I have my own well and I think it could get messy sharing well output with others. Just a few thing to consider:
Why are the sellers moving? How well has the well sharing arrangement worked out for the sellers in the past? Any disputes?
Who pays the electric bill for the pump? Or is it split 3 ways?
How many GPM's is the pump rated for? (what happens when both neighbors do laundry at the same time that you are trying to take a quick shower before going to work...)
Are there water shortages in the dry season? If so, what are the agreed upon "restrictions" on fair use? watering the lawn, car washing etc.
Who pays for pump repairs and who's land is the pump on? Do you have an easement so that you can dig up your water line if part of it on someone elses property breaks.
Be sure and have the water tested for fecal coliforms if plan on using the water for drinking, cooking or brushing your teeth ... or else plan on having gallon jugs sitting around on the kitchen and bathroom countertops and a sign reminding everyone to keep their mouth closed while taking a shower
Those chlorination systems are pricey to purchase- and I doubt the neighbors will share with the cost if they are fine with using the contaminated water.
Why are the sellers moving? How well has the well sharing arrangement worked out for the sellers in the past? Any disputes?
Who pays the electric bill for the pump? Or is it split 3 ways?
How many GPM's is the pump rated for? (what happens when both neighbors do laundry at the same time that you are trying to take a quick shower before going to work...)
Are there water shortages in the dry season? If so, what are the agreed upon "restrictions" on fair use? watering the lawn, car washing etc.
Who pays for pump repairs and who's land is the pump on? Do you have an easement so that you can dig up your water line if part of it on someone elses property breaks.
Be sure and have the water tested for fecal coliforms if plan on using the water for drinking, cooking or brushing your teeth ... or else plan on having gallon jugs sitting around on the kitchen and bathroom countertops and a sign reminding everyone to keep their mouth closed while taking a shower
Those chlorination systems are pricey to purchase- and I doubt the neighbors will share with the cost if they are fine with using the contaminated water.
mjarrels
Elite Member
- Joined
- Nov 19, 2005
- Messages
- 2,837
- Location
- Virginia
- Tractor
- 1949 farmall, 1961 Fordson Dexta, 1986 Duetz Allis, 2001 Kubota.
We had a shared well when we lived in Coupeville Washington and did'nt have any issues other than spitting the cost when the pump failed. Driveway was shared also. 80 yards of gravel cost split two ways also.
mark
mark
InlineDieselFan
Gold Member
I think KYErik, covered it, When I was asking about the well arrangment I would not only talk to the seller but also the other people on the well. About all of those issues.
steve
steve
BillyP
Veteran Member
mechanic said:
Whose land is this shared well on? If it was on land your thinking about buying, I wouldn't like the idea. If it's on one of the others, it might be OK
Seriously, I don't think sharing a well is a good idea, regardless.
midlf
Platinum Member
Is the well sharing agreement in writing? If so what does it say? If it is not in writing you could have trouble.
Not in writing scenario #1: Well not on your property. Pump fails. Well property owner wants you to pay what you think is more than your fair share of the replacement cost. You disagree, they cut off your water.
Not in writing scenario #2: Well on your property, pump fails, neighbor(s) refuse to pay fair share, threaten to counter sue if you consider suing for costs.
Write your own scenario. If it isn't in writing you don't have nuttun.
Not in writing scenario #1: Well not on your property. Pump fails. Well property owner wants you to pay what you think is more than your fair share of the replacement cost. You disagree, they cut off your water.
Not in writing scenario #2: Well on your property, pump fails, neighbor(s) refuse to pay fair share, threaten to counter sue if you consider suing for costs.
Write your own scenario. If it isn't in writing you don't have nuttun.
turnkey4099
Elite Member
I was on a community well. It originally went to 4 houses, was down to just two when it bought. The well was on the neighbor's land about 1/4 mile away.
Problems:
1. They were worried about well drawdown. Really wasn't a problem but... Thus they complained about excessive watering. Excessive as in just about any at all.
2. There were no written agreements other than the deeded right to use the well.
3. There was no clearly understood 'who does what'. I wound up being the de facto maintenance man for no pay. In many cases I had to eat the costs as well.
I finally bit the bullet and put in a well on my own property to get away from the problems. I still maintain a cross tie to that well and it has come in handy several times (going both ways). As it turned out, I am still the 'maintenance man' but I don't do anything any more. Just tell them what the probable problem is and how to fix it or who to call... In other words 'you have a problem, I don't".
Harry K
Problems:
1. They were worried about well drawdown. Really wasn't a problem but... Thus they complained about excessive watering. Excessive as in just about any at all.
2. There were no written agreements other than the deeded right to use the well.
3. There was no clearly understood 'who does what'. I wound up being the de facto maintenance man for no pay. In many cases I had to eat the costs as well.
I finally bit the bullet and put in a well on my own property to get away from the problems. I still maintain a cross tie to that well and it has come in handy several times (going both ways). As it turned out, I am still the 'maintenance man' but I don't do anything any more. Just tell them what the probable problem is and how to fix it or who to call... In other words 'you have a problem, I don't".
Harry K
