If you're buying land in a rural area with a high risk of drought, you need to make a plan for water. Before buying, don't just look at the sticker price of the land. Take some time to carefully consider other costs and in particular water. Here are some tips to point you in the right direction.
1. Assess Your Water Needs
To get a sense of how much water you're likely to need, estimate your water usage. Look at how much water you're currently using in your home, but beyond residential use, think about what you need for farming or agricultural purposes.
Are you going to be watering plants? Watering livestock? Or using water in other ways? If you're new to the world of agriculture, do some research on expected water usage for your crops and livestock.
2. Talk With Other People in the Area
The people who have lived in the area for a long time can be a great resource when it comes to water. They can talk with you about the water that has historically been available in an area. For instance, they may know whether or not wells in the area have recently gone dry or the best spots to buy water for hauling.
To get in touch, consider looking for community boards on social media sites or go to a town hall meeting to get to know the locals.
3. Contact a Well Drilling Company
It is a good idea to look for water well drilling companies and ask them to give you an upfront quote but also talk about how much water your well is likely to produce.
4. Look Into Hauling Water
Hauling water can be an alternative to digging a well or it can be a back-up plan in case your well doesn't produce enough water. Because water doesn't cost that much, this option can look less expensive than digging a well, but keep in mind that the costs add up.
With hauling water, you need a reliable truck and a big tank. You also need to be willing to drive in the elements, and this is especially important if you live in a snowy rural area. These costs can add up and ultimately become more expensive than just digging a well.
If you are interested in learning more about water well drilling, reach out to a local well drilling service.