Can I have utility water and a well at the same time?

You cannot have both utility water service and another water source (such as a private well) connected and available on your property. This prohibition protects the public water supply from contamination through cross-connections.

The rule: No person may connect to the utility system while still physically connected to any other source of water. This includes:

• Private wells
• Other water utilities
• Alternative water supplies of any kind

Before utility service can begin:

• Your well (or other water source) must be permanently disconnected
• Pipes connecting the other water source must be cut and capped
• The disconnection must be verified by the utility
• Simply having well water “readily available” prevents utility service

Why this matters: Cross-connections between different water sources can allow contaminants to enter the public water supply, potentially affecting the entire community. The utility takes cross-connection control very seriously and may deny or disconnect service if other water sources are found to be connected.

Limited exceptions: Very limited exceptions exist only for critical facilities like hospitals or federal agencies with approved backflow prevention systems, and for properly tested fire sprinkler systems.

Tariff Reference: Section W-017, Section W-022-Q