Water on Raw Land in Costilla County: Well, Cistern, or Haul?

There is no municipal water on our parcels, and that surprises some buyers — so let me lay out the three options honestly, the way I explain them to people who ask.

Option 1: Drill a well. A permitted well is the closest thing to a normal water supply on raw land. In this area, wells are commonly in the 100-300 foot range, and you need a permit through the Colorado Division of Water Resources. Depth, yield, and cost vary a lot by location — I will not quote you a number for a specific parcel, because I do not know it until a driller looks at that ground. If you want a well, talk to local drillers and the state water office before you buy, and ask what they have seen near that parcel.

Option 2: Install a cistern. A cistern is a storage tank — you fill it, and you draw from it. Some owners fill from a well, some from delivered water. It is simpler than drilling, and it works well for weekend and seasonal use, but it is storage, not a supply: when it is empty, you are out of water until you refill it. Size it for how you will actually use the land, and ask about freeze protection if you plan to use it through winter.

Option 3: Haul water. Hauling means bringing water in by truck or tank, either yourself or through a delivery service. It is the lowest-upfront option and a good way to start, but it is also the most hands-on over time — you are managing every gallon you use. For a weekend camp, that is often fine. For full-time living, most people eventually move to a well or a larger cistern system.

What I would do, if I were buying: Start by asking the county and the state water office what is allowed and what permits apply to the parcel you are looking at. Then talk to neighbors and local drillers about what actually works in that area. Then match the option to how you will use the land — a weekend camp and a future home are different water plans, and it is better to know that before you buy than after.

If you are looking at one of our parcels and want to talk through which option fits it, tell me what you plan to use the land for and I will send you the details for that parcel. And as always: check the county's rules for what you want to do, and walk the parcel yourself before you decide.