The Comer City Council is considering an ordinance that would regulate private wells intended for non-household use in Comer. A number of residents have expressed interest in installing wells to water gardens or fruit trees, fill swimming pools and for other non-household use. Two problems must be overcome, according to city clerk Steve Sorrells. Any such wells must not interfere with the city's wells, nor must it be allowed to contaminate city water systems. The aquifer in Northeast Georgia consists of a granite formation with cracks that contain water.
Wells have to hit one of the cracks to be productive.
The city has three wells that are producing up to 150 gallons each per minute. However, a new well tapping the same crack might reduce the water flow in city wells. This will likely be a problem if a commercial water producer installs a nearby well. The other problem is back flushing private water into the city water system. State law prohibits having a private well connected to the same plumbing that uses city water, Sorrells said.