A dry well can be used for a variety of purposes, such as draining water from your property, collecting and redirecting rainwater runoff, or wastewater disposal. They are often installed near the home to collect and drain water from gutters, roofs, and sidewalks. Dry wells can also be used to dispose of gray water (wastewater from baths, sinks, dishwashers, and washing machines) or black water (sewage). Gray water can generally be disposed of by using a landscape irrigation system or by pouring it onto the ground away from any plants. Black water should always be disposed of through a sanitary sewer system.

A dry well is a pit that is used to discharge wastewater or stormwater runoff from a property. The wastewater or stormwater enters the pit through a pipe, and the natural soil filters and breaks down the pollutants in the water before it seeps away. A dry well can also be used to disperse irrigation water from sprinkler systems.