Well woes, a deep subject!

We recently had some well problems and while "a well, that's a deep subject!" is an old corny joke, I wanted to mention it here since the subject is an important one, and common living in the country. We were into the 3^rd day without water before we got water back, and it’s vital that we have a backup plan in the event something like this occurs. Life in the country is idyllic, but the reality is when you live in a remote area you must be aware of survival threats and prepare for problems big and small.

We had already taken action toward water storage, and fortunately we had had a substantial enough rain to fill our containers. This made it easy for us to at least use the “facilities” in the house by filling up the tanks after flushing. David drove to Golconda and purchased plenty of bottled water. Meals were either cold (and simple so dirty dishes at a minimum) or timed with going into town and having a bite to eat at one of our local eateries. Bathing was…rustic. Grab a sponge, soap and a bucket of water and do your best. I discovered it can be rather refreshing standing out on the deck in all my glory in the brisk night air. I gave silent thanks that everyone seemed to be tucked in their beds at the time…or at least on other roads. Not that anyone could have seen anything…but it’s funny how vulnerable one can feel and how a heard-too-many-stories feeling of eyes staring at you begins creeping upon your thoughts. Especially since those eyes, were they there, would more than likely belong to a coyote, owl, raccoon, deer....you get the idea.

 We were aware of some water problems lurking shortly before…pressure had seemed to drop in the taps. For quite some time since moving here and hooking up the washing machine, there were some mysterious bits blocking the washer hose occasionally, and that had occurred again. While trying to isolate the problem, we found ourselves without water. Period.

 Now, David fits in quite well in a remote environment. He’s very logical and handy with mechanical whatnots and can normally repair whatever decides to break down. I knew he would figure out what the source of the problem was. He did reason it all out and found out that unfortunately this was a time to call in the professionals! The well service came out the next morning, investigated and discussed the situation with David and then said he could come out the next day to fix the well (since he also needed his son to complete the project). David had thought he would need special equipment to remove the failed pump, and when the well service came by the following morning, we had to chuckle since it’s doubtful we would ever have this type of equipment around, or ever be able to afford it!

 

 

We were both very impressed with the well service, and will mention their names here since it’s a positive review! Horman Pump and Well Service from the Metropolis area is a father and son business, and they were prompt and professional. The contraption required to complete the job was quite a beast! The mysterious “bits blocking the washer hose” was also solved; the cheap pump that had been installed previously had a plastic propeller that was gradually being chewed up and was grinding itself away, and of course going into the various hoses and pipes. The unit wasn’t that old but unfortunately by trying to save a few bucks an inferior product was used by a previous owner, so we were glad to be rid of it!

They had to do pretty much everything to put in a well except bore the hole and it was painstaking work; it was quite a job that took around 4 – 5 hours. I’m glad the weather was great that day!

 

So we are glad that we have all new equipment inside and outside the well; the "big blue tank" was fine so it was left intact. Mr. Horman stated our water was great (which we already knew but were glad to hear!) but of course he did treat the water to avert any problems of contamination since the well was exposed.

 

Situations like this really get you thinking…what if it had been worse, which it easily could have been. Had we not had that rain beforehand, there were other contingency plans but it would have made our situation that much more difficult, especially with David's shoulder still undergoing physical therapy from his surgery.

 

We take many things for granted and that can be dangerous, especially in the country. How spoiled we are, how long ago was it that they had to walk and get water from nearby creeks? Turning on the faucet and hearing the air blow through followed by water gushing out couldn't have thrilled me more if it had been oil! I’m glad we had already realized the need to “hoard” water, although we need to ensure we continue to broaden our knowledge and take more steps for emergencies.

 

All is well (no pun intended) again, and it's a beautiful day! Much to get on with (catching up with laundry is one!) so will leave my diary entry as is. Tomorrow's subject will be much more fun...the bluebirds caring for their young!

 

Until next time...