Collapsed Well Replacement Fund

We have been without water since March 29th.

We have had quite the whirlwind of events over the past few months. Nothing we could have expected, and nothing we were prepared to take on.

After our van's transmission went along with the heater core after just spending over $1,600 in repair costs between both vehicles, we had no choice but to replace it. We were unable to get a car loan since our income has changed.

My husband is back in school and only working part time. We had enough money saved to get us by until he graduates in August.

Well... we used the cash we had to buy a used car,putting an additional $3,000 on our credit card. I knew I would have a couple commission checks coming up so I wasn't too worried. We should still be just fine.  

Tax time! We filed our taxes and owe more than anticipated. Ok. We can do this. Just break up the payments. 

Then along comes storm Riley. We lost power, resulting in damage to our furnace, washer, dryer, air conditioners, tools,  personal belongings and unfortunately other people's belongings. Estimated loss was around $4,000, the insurance would not cover any of it.  We have not been able to replace these items yet, but it's OK. We have time. 

Once our power came back on, our sump pump kicked on and got rid of the 10 inches of water that was down there. As it pumped out, all that water saturated the ground even more than it already was, which resulted in our artisan well collapsing. 

Our water pressure went down, so we replaced the filter. Then we replaced it again the next day. And the next day. We had to put the filtration system on bypass so we could at least get running water. As the water started coming through our pipes, we realized it was only getting thicker. We thought if we flushed it out with the hose outside we might clear it out. It continued to get thicker until it stopped coming out completely. The well pump that we just replaced in August 2016 had burnt out. 

After contacting just about every company within 30 miles of here, they all came to the same conclusion. One guy came out and attempted to pump the well to see if it was salvageable, but ultimately told me there was no saving this one. 

We are down to the last few thousand dollars and do not have room on our credit cards for any more surprises. We were fortunate to have had the money to cover these last few unexpected costs, but we have been quoted between 7k-12k for the new well installation, pump and connection. We just can't cover this one.  

We are reluctantly reaching out for any kind of help we can get. We have tried finding financial assistance or programs that would help, but the only option is for us to get another loan through USDA, which we should qualify for but it will add to the debt that we already have. 

The installer requires a down-payment up front which we will be able to give him right away, but the remaining balance is due on completion.  None of the well drillers I have spoken to have been able to offer financing. 

For the people who know me, I am extremely stubborn.  We have always been able to get by on our own and we have never been in this much of a bind. I am looking ahead and trying to figure out how to pull this off, and I am realizing just how far back these events have sent us. Working as an independent contractor means my income is unreliable, and unfortunately I do not have anything under contract right now, which is pretty scary for me. 

I am reaching out for help because it is not just me I have to think about. We have 3 daughters here ages 3, 8 and 9 and we have 26 small animals to take care of. I am also 6 months pregnant as a gestational carrier.  We have been traveling for showers and laundry, filling up jugs of water for flushing the toilet and cooking etc. and we will continue until the new well is installed (hopefully by the end of April).  We just need to catch a break.

Thank you for considering a donation, and I hope this is the only time I ever need to ask.