Massachusetts homeowners know that water bans and the high cost of water bills can make having a beautiful green lawn and garden in the summer a challenge. If you have a lawn irrigation system, want to get one, or simply want to save money on your summer water bills, an irrigation well might be for you.

Although irrigation wells come with some cost, it’s a cost that can be recovered. It’s not unusual for a homeowner to report $1,000 in water costs over the course of a summer. That’s money that could largely be saved with an irrigation well.

Irrigation systems are better for your yard

You might be surprised to learn that certain irrigation systems are better for your plants and will cut down on your weeding time. Instead of watering your garden by spraying it from above, specialized drip irrigation systems direct water specifically to each plant's root ball. This makes it harder for weed seeds to germinate, so you'll have less weeding to do. Watering at the roots also prevents leaf diseases and blight caused by standing droplets on the foliage.

Irrigation systems also prevent over watering, which can leach important nutrients from the soil and away from your plants. Watering on the surface, as opposed to directly at the root, also compacts the soil, which can bring on root disease or cause plants to wither. A drip or sprinkler irrigation system produces small droplets, helping to preserve nutrients and reduce soil compaction.

If you’ve been considering an irrigation system, installing it at the same time as drilling an irrigation well can ensure the well can produce enough water to efficiently run the system.

How much money can I save?

Active gardeners on city water can save significant money over time, especially if you already use an irrigation system for watering your lawn and garden. Let’s look at the numbers:
The average irrigation system runs for about 3 hours a day., A 3-hour run time would equal 300 cubic feet, or 1,800 gallons. If the cost of your city water is $3 per 100 cubic feet, daily watering on an irrigation system will cost $7.20 a day or $216 a month.

By running an irrigation system off of an irrigation well, the only cost to you beyond installation is electricity to run the pump. The average system, running 3 hours a day, would cost about 36 cents a day or $10.80 a month. The median cost of an irrigation well is about $7,000. At this price, the cost savings on city water would mean the well would be paid for in about 6 years.

Other Irrigation Well Benefits

Once an irrigation well is installed, it is hardly noticeable in the average yard. It looks like a small capped pipe extending about 18 inches from the ground. You may also want to consider installing hose bibs on your house so you can access the well water for washing your car, filling the pool or spraying down the deck or patio. This will further reduce your city water usage and water bill.

The other benefit of an irrigation well is that you can continue to water your lawn under municipal water bans. Some towns in Massachusetts restrict the use of municipal water during dry periods, but with an irrigation well, your lawn will be green when others around you have turned brown.
If you have questions about whether your lawn and garden could benefit from an irrigation well, call Skillings & Sons today to speak with one of our well drilling experts.