What Everybody Ought To Know About Water In The Mountains
November 19th, 2007Categories: North Georgia Cabin Buyer's reVIEWS, North Georgia Real Estate VIEWS, Professional Associate reVIEWS
Legal Advice from J. Byron Wyndham and Associates
I am often asked about the difference between buying property and living only in the mountains, and owning mountain property but living in a metropolitan area. Aside from the fresh air, bubbling streams, and beautiful mountain views, there are some other differences that people in the mountains take for granted, which visitors or part-time owners may not notice.
We have recently been enduring a terrible drought in Georgia. Virtually the whole state is under a watering ban that includes watering for yards, for washing cars, and for other personal purposes.
However, the ban does not apply to most of the mountain area of north Georgia. Why??
Most visitors are unaware that residents of the mountain areas in Georgia obtain their water from wells. We rely on the water table to supply us with water. Even though there may not be a government-issued watering ban, in times of drought wells can also be affected.
People moving to this area often just turn on the spigot, see that water comes out, and then they think no more about it. But when you buy a house or cabin in this area, it becomes apparent that water is to be handled differently from areas that have municipal or county sources for water. Wells are often shared.
When you buy real estate in the mountains, you need to ask about the water delivery method for the house or the lot.
You may purchase a lot that has its own well, which means that the owner does not have to pay for water but does have to pay for repairs in the well if the pump or water system fails. Many developments have a shared well system. The well system is often part of the Covenants for the development. As part of the Homeowners Association fees, the Community supplies the water for an annual fee to the home owner (or lot owner). If the well fails, the Homeowners Association moves to deal with it.
If there is a catastrophe, there may be a special assessment but at least you will be sharing, and defraying, the costs with others.
There may also be a shared well agreement with one or more neighbors. A “water agreement” is signed so that your neighbor would supply you water from his/her well in return for you paying a monthly water fee to the well owner. If a problem occurs, the type of problem and where it is located are the issues that determine the significance of the problem and who is responsible to pay for the repairs. The owner of the well is usually responsible for the pumping process and pumping system, but each member of the water agreement is responsible for the pipes once the pipes leave the well and pumping station.
When you buy land or developed property in the North Georgia Mountains, find out about the water system.
It is better to bother your real estate agent or your seller with lots of questions before you buy than to discover a problem after you’ve moved in. You need to know the water system, and you need to know the total cost!
Byron Wyndham
11 Comments »
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Water is such an important issue. If you get it from a well having it inspected can save you headaches further down the road. - Ashley
Comment by Albuquerque NM Real Estate — November 19, 2007 #
Water is becoming more and more important everywhere. Good news that your North Georgia region’s wells are all sitll working! Timely post
Terry McDonald Charlotte NC
Comment by South Charlotte Real Estate — November 20, 2007 #
You have some of the same issues regarding water supply in the North Georgia Mountains that we have in Alaska.
We also get most of our water from wells. Sometimes they are private and sometimes they are community wells for a subdivision.
I always suggest that people periodically have their water tested so that they know what they are drinking. I’m sure there is a way to do that in North Georgia as well.
Marty, Wasilla, Alaska
Comment by Wasilla Real Estate — November 20, 2007 #
Chad- I love coming to your blog- sometimes just to look at your pics- so beautiful.
Learning how to buy property in a mountain area is so important for us “city folks” We just think it comes from the faucet! That’s why it’s so important to have an agent like you who knows the area, can teach people what’s important to look out for, lives where he sells and is now helping other people live there also.
Comment by Mary De Luca — November 20, 2007 #
Ashley,
Thanks so much for coming by the porch again. I think you are so right, having your well inspected is so important, especially during a severe drought.
Thanks,
Chad
Comment by Chad — November 20, 2007 #
Terry,
Hey thanks for stopping by on the porch! I seriously hope that more and more people are taking this drought a lot more serious. Actually it is affecting a bunch of people in the North Georgia Area. There are many wells that are going dry.
Thanks again,
Chad
Comment by Chad — November 20, 2007 #
Hey Marty,
I really appreciate you commenting on the Porch! I think you have a really good point. In the North Georgia Mountains, we have some pretty strict guidelines that we have to follow in order for our community water systems to be approved.
Thanks,
Chad
Comment by Chad — November 20, 2007 #
Mary,
As always, it is such a pleasure having you on the porch! Thank you so much for the kind compliments. Have a great Thanksgiving!
Chad
Comment by Chad — November 20, 2007 #
Isn’t it funny how we assume there will always be water. When we lived in Arizona, water rights are a huge issue. There, water rights are by doctrine of prior appropriation and while many areas are first in line, someone could buy a home which has no guaranteed water supply if they do not know about such things.
One more reason buyers need a good agent when searching for a home in the North Georgia Mountains, where wells could leave you with no water supply.
Comment by Indianapolis Real Estate — November 21, 2007 #
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