We believe in keeping our clients informed about all aspects of home financing, including the nuances of water supply systems. If your property relies on a shared well for its water source, there are important guidelines you need to be aware of to ensure compliance with FHA standards.
Requirements for Shared Wells
When a property shares its well with a neighboring home, the FHA mandates specific criteria to ensure a reliable and sufficient water supply for all parties involved.
1. Water Flow Rate: The well must provide at least 3 gallons of water per minute to each property over a 4-hour period. This ensures that both homes have adequate water supply for daily needs.
2. Total Water Volume: Alternatively, the well should be able to deliver 720 gallons of water to each home over 4 hours. This requirement ensures that the water supply is consistent and sufficient in volume.
3. Available Water Capacity: Another option is for the well to have 1,200 gallons of water available to each home over 4 hours. This ensures that a reserve of water is available, providing peace of mind for homeowners.
Verification through Certified Testing
A certified pumping test or a similar test is required to meet these requirements. This test verifies that the well can meet the flow rate and volume standards the FHA sets. It’s an essential step in home buying for properties with shared wells, ensuring all parties can access a reliable water source.
For more information on FHA requirements and how they might affect your mortgage, contact us, and we’ll connect you with a loan specialist who can give you proper advice when buying or refinancing a property that shares a well.
