Private wells and septic systems are the rural norm

Outside the towns of Shelbyville, Shelbina, and Clarence, many Shelby County homes do not use city water and sewer. Instead, they use a private well for water and an on-site septic system. A septic system cleans and holds wastewater right on the property. If you want to buy a place like this, two checks are worth making first. One is testing the well water and looking at the well’s condition and records. Two is having the septic system inspected, ideally confirming it is permitted (approved by the proper office) and big enough for the home. The Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Health and Senior Services set Missouri’s well and septic rules. Local permits often go through the county health department. A rural home is not necessarily on public utilities, so the water and wastewater setup is worth confirming, along with planning for any repair costs, before you buy.