Those who live in rural areas may be too far away to hook up with the local water system. In that case, you may need a well. Not being part of the city supply has both advantages and disadvantages. Many people think well water tastes better. Even if taste or hardness is a concern, you can still use treatment systems like reverse osmosis, just as you would with a city supply. Having your own well means you don't have to worry about additives like chlorine or fluoride, which are often used by municipal facilities. Then again, you alone are responsible for ensuring the water's safety. There's no treatment plant to automatically disinfect the water, or scientists to test its quality. You'll have to do that yourself. You should also be on the alert for any possible sources of contamination, like nearby barnyards, ponds or septic tanks, that might enter your well. Probably the best thing about city water is its reliability: it rarely, if ever, runs dry. Wells vary in their ability to produce water. If yours produces less than two gallons per minute, you'll probably need a storage tank, too. For more information about well water versus city water, visit the library, or consult a water quality expert.
