I worked on a very old house once that was only one step up from a wattle and daube affair that had a well in the scullery that had raised sides and a 'lid' on it about 3ft in diameter. It had been in daily use right up until we began work on it when the previous owner snuffed it. As I recall the water level was really quite high only being I would estimate about 10ft down and pretty foul stuff which is probably how the last owner died!!
And my present neighbouring farmer in Cornwall has a brook that actually runs through part of his farmhouse. It's really odd to go in and stand there talking to him in this room with a stream running past you!!