Advise: Sink a well or connect to mains

orlaithd

Hi guys

Just a quick one here for people's opinions.
Which do the experienced boardsies feel is better? Connecting to the mains water supply or sinking a well? Which would you go for and why?

Just a background after 3.5 years in the planning process we got permission in Meath for a 1.5 storey build in September. Got site cleared in October and foundations in- floor poured before big freeze- was on hold for six weeks and now up to first floor level and up more every day!

Wanna make a decision on the well vrs mains soon as really so any thoughts appreciated.

Thanks

LoTwan

My choice is well over mains for a few reasons, not least of which are the cost to hook up to the mains & the introduction of metering.

Check your planning application & conditions because I know we had to stipulate in the application that we would be using a well & therefor weren't charged a "contribution" for hooking up to the mains as part of our conditional planning permission.

rayjdav

Imho a well. Far more control over pressure and quality. As stated above, if there is a mains "outside" your site, you may well (excuse the pun:rolleyes:) have to connect to same. Councils are really doing what they can to control services etc in so far as they can.
I have a well and kills me to drink mains water now. Some serious difference.

beyondpassive

Option 3. Rainwater harvesting and treated potable water?

SARAH ANNE

def sink the well, but be careful of rogue contractors, there is one good man in meath tom sommit or other, call him.no connection to his business.

Tifosi

Yeah check your planning submission, I think you would have been requested to stipulate the water source.

Mekaneck

Worth double checking but most likely you can decide well or water even after you've submitted plans. I was able to sink well after stipulating mains in plans no problems in Meath.
There are plenty reliable and good people in Meath who can sink a well also.

Cost of mains can increase if there needs a lot of pipes to the nearest mains connection.
Cost of well can increase depending on 'water treatment' required
But remember any well water can be treated nowadays.

Mains
- Already treated
- Low maintenance
- Contamination risk
- Can be shut off
- Water rates in next few years

Well
- Usually requires some water treatment (esp for drinking)
- Maintenance depends on pumps/filters, etc
- Usually very good quality
- Reliable private water supply
- Will not be subject to water rates

Other options
Rain Water Hrv System
- Popular in Europe esp for for showers/toilets etc
- Not ideal for drinking as def req alot of treatment due to contamination form bird droppings, etc
- Can work very well along with well or mains
expensive
- maybe worth laying pipes for RWHS in event ever deciding to fit in future.

Finally
- If pricing for a well - def get at least 2 or 3 quotes
- & Bearing in mind the prev couple winters - when laying any pipes for water outside, put them well below the ground to safeguard against freezing

nophd08

I would sink a well but also lay pipes for mains connection which can easily be tied into mains if the need ever arises. ie if well ever dries up in future.
Rainwater harvesting, as already mentioned would be easy to do at this stage.

Tifosi

Tifosi wrote: »

Yeah check your planning submission, I think you would have been requested to stipulate the water source.

Sorry for bumping up this thread but i have a question. If you do specify your Water supply as main but then change your mind and sink a well then are you still eligible to pay a Water charge to the development contribution scheme of your local authority?

Also is planning permission required to sink a well or fit water harvesting facilities?

No6

Deleted User wrote: »

Sorry for bumping up this thread but i have a question. If you do specify your Water supply as main but then change your mind and sink a well then are you still eligible to pay a Water charge to the development contribution scheme of your local authority?

Also is planning permission required to sink a well or fit water harvesting facilities?

Check with your council if you can prove you have sunk a well and the water is at drinking water standard you may be ok.

Planning is not required as far as I am aware to sink a well but there are set seperation distances from setpic tanks and percolation areas which must be observed to avoid contamination.

rayjdav

No6 wrote: »

Planning is not required as far as I am aware to sink a well but there are set seperation distances from setpic tanks and percolation areas which must be observed to avoid contamination.

Planning is not required for the sinking of a well (Article 6 and Schedule 2, Part 1, Class 44 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001) but if you have been granted permission with an attached condition of a contribution towards a mains supply connection, I cant see how now you can get out of it?

As No6 said, check with YOUR local LA. Seperation distances might not be achievable on your site and if not, you have no option but to go mains. Also, worth exploring availability of water too. I know you will always find it but at what cost (depth). Actually did my own "divining":cool: and found it at 15 feet, highest place on the site... Quiet proud of that btw:D

rayjdav

rayjdav wrote: »

Planning is not required for the sinking of a well (Article 6 and Schedule 2, Part 1, Class 44 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001) but if you have been granted permission with an attached condition of a contribution towards a mains supply connection, I cant see how now you can get out of it?

As No6 said, check with YOUR local LA. Seperation distances might not be achievable on your site and if not, you have no option but to go mains. Also, worth exploring availability of water too. I know you will always find it but at what cost (depth). Actually did my own "divining":cool: and found it at 15 feet, highest place on the site... Quiet proud of that btw:D

Thanks guys.

Wow 15 feet! That saved you a few bob