Setting Up Utilities on Remote Land: Full Guide

by discovernwrealtygroup-chime-me

If you’re considering buying rural property in Washington, one of the biggest challenges can be installing utilities on vacant land. Whether you’re planning to live off-grid or build a full-time home, understanding how to set up water, power, septic, and internet is critical to budgeting and planning your project. This guide walks you through the key utility steps, costs, and county-specific tips to help make your land livable—without surprises down the road.

Why Utility Access Matters When Buying Vacant Land

Installing utilities on vacant land is a major factor in determining how usable—and valuable—your land will be. In Washington State, rural parcels often lack connections to public systems, especially in areas like Okanogan, Ferry, or Yakima Counties. Before purchasing, it’s smart to assess:

Distance to utility hookups
Availability of wells or water rights
Septic approval potential
Internet or cell service options
Terrain, soil type, and access roads

Vacant land that already has utilities (or easy access to them) can save you thousands—and significantly reduce project delays.

Installing Water on Vacant Land in Washington

Washington’s approach to water access depends on location and lot history:

Well installation is common in rural areas. Drilling can cost $10,000–$30,000 depending on depth, geology, and permitting.
Water rights are often needed for new wells. Use the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Water Rights Search to check for existing rights.
Shared water systems or small public systems are available in some areas, particularly near rural subdivisions.

Some counties, like Lewis and Clark, require you to prove access to potable water before issuing a building permit.

Septic Systems and Soil Tests

If public sewer isn’t available (and it usually isn’t on remote land), you’ll need to install a private septic system. Here’s the general process:

Perc test (soil test) – $500–$1,500 depending on lot size
Septic design approval – Submitted to your local health district
System installation – $8,000–$20,000 based on terrain and tank type

Counties like Yakima and Skagit have clear permitting steps through their health departments. See the Yakima County Septic Permitting Guide for details.

Bringing in Power: Grid vs. Off-Grid Options

Electricity is usually handled through regional utility companies. The cost to bring grid power to a rural parcel varies based on proximity to the nearest pole:

0–300 feet: $0–$5,000 (some utilities offer free first 300 ft)
Over 500 feet: Can exceed $20,000 depending on terrain and line extension

Utility providers include:

Off-grid power setups—such as solar arrays, batteries, and generators—are growing in popularity for remote sites. Expect to spend $15,000–$30,000 for a complete off-grid solar solution.

Internet and Cell Service in Rural Washington

High-speed internet can be hit-or-miss depending on your location. The best options include:

Starlink satellite internet – Fast-growing coverage and reliable for remote areas (starlink.com)
Fixed wireless internet – Available through providers like Whidbey Telecom
Cellular hotspots – Only viable where LTE or 5G is strong enough

For better connectivity, some off-grid homeowners install booster antennas or mount dishes on towers to reach nearby signals.

Final Thoughts: Is Installing Utilities Worth It?

Installing utilities on vacant land in Washington takes research, planning, and often significant investment—but it can transform raw acreage into a fully usable homesite. The key is to understand what’s needed before you buy, and to work with local professionals familiar with regional permitting and terrain.

Looking at raw land in Washington? Download our free checklist for evaluating utility access—or contact a rural real estate expert for help.