Outside village and city limits, many Dane County homes rely on a private well for water and a private septic system, known in Wisconsin as a POWTS, for wastewater. Neither is a reason to avoid a home, but both deserve attention before you buy.
Test the well water
A private well isn’t covered by a municipal testing program, so it’s up to the owner. At a minimum, test for bacteria and nitrate. Depending on the area, testing for other contaminants may also make sense. Build water testing into your inspection contingency so you have time to act on the results.
Evaluate the septic system
Wisconsin requires private onsite wastewater treatment systems to be inspected or pumped on a regular schedule, generally at least once every three years. Ask for the maintenance records and the date of the last pump-out. A septic evaluation by a licensed professional can identify problems with the tank, the drain field, or the system’s size compared with the home.
Check the records
Dane County keeps records on permitted septic systems. Your agent or inspector can help you track down permits, which show when the system was installed and its design capacity, an important detail if you plan to add bedrooms.
Budget for ownership
- Regular pumping and maintenance of the septic system
- Annual well water testing
- Eventual replacement of the well pump, pressure tank or septic components
Use the right contingencies
Your offer can include well and septic inspections as part of the inspection contingency. If a problem turns up, you’ll have a defined way to request repairs or walk away.
Thinking about acreage? Rural options around Mount Horeb, Oregon and Stoughton often include well and septic. Talk with us about what to look for.