Off-Grid Water Options

by Emily Nicolosi. May 21 2020.

Obtaining water off-grid can be a challenge, but there are several solutions available for a variety of situations that may present themselves. Also, because off-grid water is the most common of off-grid utilities, legal, technical, and professional pathways are well established. Below is a basic primer to off-grid water, with 5 options and two general recommendations to keep in mind.

5 Options

Well Water

Well water is the most common method for obtaining off-grid water, as underground aquifers are present at most locations. In most states, you will need to obtain a permit and use a licensed well-driller- consult your county office. Drilling a private well can range in price from $3 to $15k depending on the depth that needs to be drilled. Wells need a pump and a source of energy to draw the water up from underground- make sure to do your research if you are going for a renewable energy route, because the drilling companies will often try to sell you a standard set up.

Well, how bucolic! Image: Shutterstock

Spring water. Image: Ken Steinhoff.

Spring water

The difference between spring water and well water is depth- springs break above the surface of the ground. Spring water can be used as a water source, but it does require some work- it will need to be dug out, lined with a containment barrier, and so on. As always, the water must be tested before being considered potable. In many places, springs and other forms of surface water are not considered safe for drinking. In addition, in the Western US you will likely need to apply for a permit to use any form of surface water, even for irrigation.

Rain Water

It is possible to harvest rain from rooftops. The potability of rain water is highly contingent upon the type of roof covering and proximity to industrialized areas. Ever heard of acid rain? Even far from cities, depending on weather patterns, rain can be contaminated. All water should be carefully tested. Rainwater is great for the garden, however! It is easy and cheap to retrofit rainwater barrels directly onto rain gutters, or rainwater could be collected into a larger cistern for distribution. Rainwater collection is legal in most states.

A rainwater collection system. Image: Common Sense Home.

Surface water is great for plants and animals. Image: Running Bug Farm.

Surface Water

Just because it’s natural, does not mean it’s safe! Surface water is great for animals and the garden, but any standing water is likely to contain bacteria, parasites, and even chemicals like fertilizers and pesticides that cannot be filtered by a water purification system.

Water Fill Stations

Many rural areas especially in the Western United States have water fill stations. A tank must be hauled to the location, and the user must pay for the water. This solution is highly inconvenient, but could be used in a pinch.

A water fill station. Image: USEMCO.

Recommendations

Get a cistern

A great strategy for off-grid water systems is to have a large cistern located as close to your home as possible. This method allows for a range of water collection strategies to be used and to run the pump to refill your cistern when that energy is available in your system. A minimum of a 400 gallon tank is recommended.

A cistern set up for rooftop rainwater collection. Image: MetalRoofing.Systems

Always test water quality

Drinking river water, untested, unfiltered, unpurified is a dangerous gamble. While drinking water directly from nature may seem tempting- spiritual even- it cannot be overemphasized that doing so could make you very sick. Even high in the mountains, a nearby dead animal or pile of feces could contaminate the water. Nearby industrial plants or agricultural fields likely mean chemical contamination. Plus bacteria, parasites, and viruses. Don’t. Do. It. Local officials can test your water for quite a low price.

Water from a stream must be tested or treated before being consumed. Image: SectionHiker.com