In the United States, there are quite a few areas where people live without being connected to municipal water and power systems, relying instead on private water and off-grid power.

Notable examples include Alaska and Texas. Of course, in many remote areas of each state, there are no public water lines, so using wells is standard, and electricity is often generated by generators or solar power. I've also heard that many people in the West Virginia and Kentucky areas use private water and off-grid power.

In Texas, where I live, the land is over seven times larger than South Korea, so it's common for ranches and private homes in rural areas to use wells and wind power together. Even in homes connected to the state power grid, many maintain independent systems to prepare for outages or billing issues, and in West Texas, the wind is favorable, making small wind turbines quite common. 

Private Wells are Common in Texas

According to EPA statistics, about 13% of the total population relies on private wells for their water supply. In Texas, that percentage is even higher. In areas like Hill Country or West Texas, there are much larger regions without municipal water connections. Just a 30-minute drive from Dallas or Austin into the suburbs, you can easily find homes using well water. Drilling a well typically costs between $5,000 and $15,000. In Texas, where the groundwater levels are deeper, costs can be a bit higher.

However, once you have a well, your monthly water bill is $0. There are, of course, no usage limits. Whether you want to water your yard or fill a swimming pool, it's entirely up to you. The downside? Water quality testing is entirely your responsibility. The government does not do it for you. If the pump breaks, you'll have an immediate water outage. You have to call a service provider to fix it yourself.

Off-Grid Power: A Self-Sufficient World

The same goes for electricity. More households are steadily adopting complete off-grid living by equipping solar panels with battery systems. Texas has some of the highest solar efficiency in the U.S. due to its abundant sunlight. With the availability of home batteries like the Tesla Powerwall, the technological barriers have significantly lowered. The initial installation cost ranges from $20,000 to $50,000, but with zero monthly electricity bills and federal tax credits (ITC), the long-term ROI is definitely favorable.

Complete Self-Sufficiency with a Septic System

It's not just about water and electricity. In areas without sewer connections, septic tanks are installed. In rural Texas, septic systems are actually the norm. The maintenance cost is minimal, as you only need to pump it out every 3 to 5 years. With a private well, solar power, and a septic system, you can achieve complete independent living. This is the reality of rural Texas.

So, My Thoughts Are

The essence of this lifestyle is ultimately self-reliance.

It means controlling your life without depending on government infrastructure. Of course, there are initial costs and ongoing maintenance efforts required. Nothing in this world is free. But remember that during the Texas power crisis (Winter Storm Uri) in 2021, homes connected to the power grid shivered in the cold for days, while off-grid homes remained unaffected. It's worth seriously considering whether a life that relies 100% on the system is truly safe.