Would you, part 2

[simpleman]

Found a nice 2009 single-wide mobile/manufactured/trailer home way out in the sticks of Georgia. 10 miles to the closest traffic light. Good price, block foundation, acre of land, all good. Except, bored well. Haven't heard anything good about these type wells.

Would you buy? Why or why not?

[sweetana3]

I would need a complete inspection of the water, including water tests for contamination, and the septic system. I would be checking out the surrounding properties by talking to the residents and making a visit to the local government offices to talk to various officials to see if there is any info on the property or surrounding properties that might affect the use of the property.

Is adequate medical care available? How far are groceries and supplies?

The following is from Wikipedia:
Shallow pumping wells can often supply drinking water at a very low cost, but because impurities from the surface easily reach shallow sources, a greater risk of contamination occurs for these wells when they are compared to deeper wells. Dug and driven wells are relatively easy to contaminate, and dug wells are unreliable in most of the U.S.[9]

The quality of the well water can be significantly increased by lining the well, sealing the well head, fitting a self-priming hand pump, constructing an apron, ensuring the area is kept clean and free from stagnant water and animals, moving sources of contamination (latrines, garbage pits) and carrying out hygiene education. The well should be cleaned with 1% chlorine solution after construction and periodically every 6 months.

Most of the bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi that contaminate well water comes from fecal material from humans and other animals. Common bacterial contaminants include E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella, and Campylobacter jejuni. Common viral contaminants include norovirus, sapovirus, rotavirus, enteroviruses, and hepatitis A and E. Parasites include Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora cayetanensis, and microsporidia.[9]

Chemical contamination is a common problem with groundwater. Nitrates from sewage or fertilizer are a particular problem for children. Pollutant chemicals include pesticides and volatile organic compounds from gasoline, dry-cleaning, the fuel additive methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), and perchlorate from rocket fuel, airbag inflators, and other artificial and natural sources.

Several minerals are also contaminants, including lead leached from brass fittings or old lead pipes, chromium VI from electroplating and other sources, naturally occurring arsenic, radon, and uranium—all of which can cause cancer—and naturally occurring fluoride, which is desirable in low quantities to prevent tooth decay, but can cause dental fluorosis in higher concentrations.[9]

Some chemicals are commonly present in water wells at levels that are not toxic, but can cause other problems. Calcium and magnesium cause what is known as hard water, which can precipitate and clog pipes or burn out water heaters. Iron and manganese can appear as dark flecks that stain clothing and plumbing, and can promote the growth of iron and manganese bacteria that can form slimy black colonies that clog pipes.[9]

[razz]

There are water purification systems like reverse osmosis for drinking water.

What about flooding, surface drainage across the whole property, development proposals in holding pattern, snake population.... Who are your neighbours, how long have they been there, have their children stayed in the area?

[SteveinMN]

Might you have options in drilling another well?

[simpleman]

Thanks for the replies.