This is a ranch in the boonies. And one of the pleasures of living on the ranch is that we have our own well water. There is a 5000 gallon tank on the property by the main road that stores water to be used by the fire department just in case there is a fire. Next to the water tank is the water pump shed – this is a massive pump that pumps the water to the house. If there is a power outage, the breakers on the shed may need to be reset. If there is no water coming from the faucets, this is the first thing to check (besides making sure the water valves by the house are on the “on” position.

The smell and taste. You will find that if the water has not been circulating for a while, it will smell (and perhaps taste) a bit like sulfur. Never fear – this is not an attack by Satan, this is natural and harmless. After a couple of days of running the water (showers etc.) the smell will subside. This is life in the desert. I would recommend using jugs of bottled water from the local supermarkets – all of which have refill stations – for coffee, or for drinking. That is up to you.