No matter where you are, you need to get water from somewhere. In almost all cases, your water is coming from a private well water system, or from a public municipal water system. These two main water systems provide water to nearly everyone in the United States, but what exactly are they, and how do they work?
Private Water Systems
Private water systems are private well systems that typically are on your own property and serve a single-family home. Occasionally, you’ll see private wells that provide water for a couple different homes in a small area. You’ll find private wells in more rural, mountainous areas, or sometimes even in suburbs, but it’s definitely rare to find a home run on well water in a town or city.
Private wells function by running pipes from an outside well into your home. They work by absorbing groundwater and using a well pump to bring you usable water. If you’re using a well as you water source, you should also be using a water filter to ensure that your water is free from any contaminants and is safe for consumption.
The good thing about private well systems is that as long as you’re able to care for it, you’ll always have a reliable supply of running water. Your water supply relies entirely on you. So, if something were to go wrong in the municipal supply, you’d still be fine. However, on the other hand, your water supply relies entirely on you. Any well maintenance, testing, and care, or water filter maintenance and care all falls onto your shoulders as your responsibility.
Municipal Water Systems
Municipal water systems, otherwise known as public water systems, are almost the exact opposite concept to private water. They serve a large amount of people, and are mostly seen in towns, cities, and suburban areas.
If you’re a part of a municipal water system, water enters your home via a single pipe that comes from a main water pipe. You’re also billed for your water use.
The good thing about being on a municipal water supply is the simplicity of it all. You have no responsibilities and no part in caring for the water entering your home. And so long as you’re willing to pay for it, you’re able to use as much water as you want at any time. However, having no control of your water also means that you’re at the constant mercy of your water supplier.
Water Supply
The differences in your water supply choices mainly rests in responsibility. With private water systems you have much more responsibility, but in most cases, much more control. And with private water systems, you have almost no responsibilities other than the bill, but you rely on the water company entirely. They are almost exact opposite ways to come to the same conclusion of having a safe, accessible water supply.
At Faulstick Plumbing, we specialize in installs, repairs, and inspections for all of your well, water, and plumbing needs. Our family-owned and operated business has built a reputation as the best-doing things the right way with the customer in mind, every time. Give us a call at 570-992-0447 to discuss your needs today!
