Need advice: New homesite, low yield well

Paul Franklin · 2005-08-13T12:18:25+00:00

Sorry for the long post, but I need some usenet points of view....SWMBO and I are looking at homesites for a new custom home.We found a lot we like in an area we like (Northeast Ohio). There arenot a lot of available sites in the area to choose from. It's one of9 lots converted from an old farm field. 6 of the lots have beensold.The developer drilled test wells on 3 of the lots, one of which is theone we're interested in. Here's the problem.The test well was drilled 140', and tested out at only 1 gpm. Italked to both the well driller that drilled the well, and anotherthat does work in the area. Both indicated that reliable wells havebeen hit or miss in the general area. I'm told that 10 gpm is aboutthe minimum they like to see for unrestricted use, and 20 is muchbetter. The other two test wells tested at 10 and 15 gpm respectivelybut are at the other side of the development, about 1500 and 2500 feetaway respectively. None of the sites closer to the good wells areavailable. The drillers indicate drilling deeper won't help becausethere is a salt water aquifer farther down. Wells on the propertiessurrounding the development range from 3 gpm to 20, with more on thelow side.I'm told with a low yield well, I can put in a storage tank of 500+gallons that is supplied from the well and it then allows normal flow.I'm also told this would be adequate for normal household use, butwould not be sufficient for lawn watering or extensive gardening, etc.I'm not too worried about the lawn, other than putting it ininitially, but do garden and landscape extensively.Other option would be a big cistern, rain fed or supplied from atruck.I"ve lived the last 10 years with a low yield spring feeding a storagetank, and it has been a problem several times, so I am not keen onthat approach.My options as I see them:1. Walk away and wait for a better lot. We do know of another lotthat is less desireable for other reasons but in an area of reliablewells.2. I've talked to the developer and...

Aug 13, 2005 22 Replies

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Duane Bozarth 21 years ago

Harry K wrote: ....

Only other thought I would have would be is there any possibility of a joint effort to get Rural District water (or whatever they have as equivalent in OH?)

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Duane Bozarth 21 years ago

....

One additional thought--have you thought about the possible resale value down the road when/if there does become an issue of the marginal (at best) well goes south? In such an event any possible bargain up front (and more) may easily be lost in a forced "fire sale"...

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