What You Should Know About Getting Water to Your Property
The Land Up Learning Series
As we’ve heard time and time again, food, water, and shelter are the three most important basic things that everyone needs. When owning a property where you intend to live or work, these necessities ring true and are important to prepare for from the very start!
For food, this can be as simple as being near a grocery store. For shelter, this can be anything from a shed to a home to an RV. And water? There are many options to get water to your property, even if there isn’t already a natural or readily-available supply.
In this blog post, we’ll walk through some practical ways of getting water to your property.
How Do I Know If My Property Gets Water?
Determining if your property gets water depends on the location and the type of water source available in your area. To help figure out what options are available to you, you can:
Check with the local water authority about available sources of water and the requirements for getting connected.
Review local maps that show the location of water sources such as rivers, lakes, and groundwater aquifers.
Look for signs of water on the land, such as signs of standing water or moisture.
Consider the climate, such as if there is typically high rainfall or if it’s usually dry.
Talk to neighbors who live in the area about their experience.
The Blanco River runs through the heart of Texas Hill Country in Wimberley, minutes from 11+ acres at TBD Fischer Store Road.
Different Ways to Get Water to Your Property
Municipal water
If you live in an urban area, you can connect your property to the municipal water supply. This can be as straightforward as contacting your local agency and letting them know your address, move-in date or when to start the service, and billing details. Keep in mind that this water is typically treated with chemicals to make it safe to drink, but may affect the quality of the soil and crops if used for agricultural purposes.
Groundwater
Groundwater lies directly beneath the earth's surface and it is the most common source of water - especially for agricultural purposes. To tap into your groundwater supply, one of the most common ways is by drilling a well. However, this can be an expensive option and the quality of the water may vary. Therefore, before drilling a well, it is crucial to hire a professional geologist or hydrologist to assess the water availability and quality.
Surface water
Surface water collects on the surface of the earth, such as streams, rivers, and lakes. If you live near a water source, you may be able to divert some of the water to your land. Keep in mind though, this process will likely require permits from local authorities and the water will need to be treated for pollutants to ensure it is safe to use or drink.
Rainwater harvesting
Rainwater harvesting is the process of collecting and storing rainwater. This method is becoming increasingly popular, as it is cost-effective and eco-friendly. You can collect rainwater in a tank or a cistern and use it for irrigation. Although, the amount of water collected will depend on the rainfall in your area, so keep that in mind - especially if your area experiences droughts.
Desalination
While this is less common in Texas Hill Country, if your property is near a salt water source such as the ocean or any brackish body of water, desalination is the process of removing salt and other minerals. This method is expensive and energy-intensive, but it may be a viable option for those who live in arid coastal regions.
Have Questions? Drop on in!
Pun intended. No matter the property, getting water will require some amount of effort, planning, and investment. As Central Texas Land Specialists, we are experts in the area and have helped our clients figure out their options and find properties that fit their needs. If you’re looking for land, a commercial property, or a place to call home in Central Texas, connect with us today!