How Much Does It Cost to Convert a Home from Well Water to City Water?

Funky-smelling water, low water pressure and frequently backed-up toilets are just a handful of reasons homeowners make the switch from well water to city water. If your well system has seen better days, you may be wondering how much it costs to convert well to city water.

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The short answer? Anywhere from $1,000 to $6,000 (CAD1,409 to CAD 8,455) and up. Factors such as water line installation costs, your location and the amount of work required can vary, and you'll need to pay monthly water bills. The following guide offers some helpful information on the process and potential costs of switching your water system to city water.

Can I Switch From Well Water to City Water?

As long as your home is located in close proximity to the city water connection, you should be able to switch from well water to city water. However, several steps are involved, and you'll need to consult with your city water service before moving forward.

The process to switch from well water to city water includes:

• Consulting with city water services. The first step in making the switch from well to city water is to contact your city water services agency. It can verify if your address can access the city water supply and advise on any required permits and/or fees.

• Hiring a plumber for water line installation. It's usually necessary to hire a plumber to assist with inspecting your existing water line and/or installing a new water line.

• Installing a water meter. While specific requirements can vary, most cities are responsible for installing your water meter. Water meters measure your water usage to determine your water bill.

• City inspection. Once your installation is complete, a representative from your city water service should perform a final inspection to ensure your system is ready to go.

• Disconnecting your well. Lastly, you'll need to disconnect your well's plumbing connections and make sure it's properly capped and sealed. Your plumber or a professional well services company can assist with the process.

How Much to Convert Well to City Water?

The cost to convert well water to city water can vary significantly. Your location, ground conditions and the overall distance from your home to the city main line can all affect pricing. When calculating your final costs, it's also important to consider your monthly water bills and meter charges (installation, meter fees, connection, etc.).

Here's a breakdown of potential costs:

• Water line installation. According to data from HomeGuide, the average cost to install a main water line can range from $1,000 to $6,000 (CAD1,409 to CAD 8,455) and up or $25 to $200 (CAD 35 to CAD 282) per linear foot.

• Water meter installation. On average, water meters range from $300 to $800 (CAD 422 to CAD 1,127). It's also a good idea to inquire about separate installation and connection fees.

• Water line connection permit fee. Your city may require that you obtain a permit and pay a fee before installing your water line. The average cost of a water line installation permit generally ranges from $30 to $500 (CAD 42 to CAD 705).

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Can You Have Both Well Water and City Water?

If your property lies within the city's designated water and sewer service area and has a reliable groundwater source to install a well, having both well water and city water is possible. Some homeowners with existing wells opt for both city water and well water for added convenience, as one or the other can serve as a backup water source. Well water is also sometimes used for irrigation and gardening. However, you must follow certain safety protocols to have both systems running simultaneously.

Whether you currently use city water and are thinking about installing a well or you'd like to keep your existing well and incorporate city water, isolation is extremely important. To have both systems running at the same time, they must use completely separate plumbing systems. Your city may also require that you install a backflow prevention system on your well. All these steps are necessary to help prevent cross-contamination from your well water into the city water supply.

The cost to drill and install a well can also vary, depending on factors such as well depth, well location, permit costs and materials. On average, pricing generally ranges from $1,500 to $30,000 (CAD 2,114 to CAD 42,274).