Acceptable Water Supply? (and other issues)

[J. Michael Armour]

Subject property consists of a .7 acre site with a 2+ car garage and 700 sf garage apartment above. A septic system for a 2800 sf house exists and a level building site sits next to the garage. Property is located in a hodge podge area with both site built and manufactured housing. I do not think conformity is an issue as all sorts of "unique" dwellings exist in the area, including those with an arrangement like the subject.

A water line exists +/- a block away and some houses are tied into this source, but many sites have wells. The subject property has neither. Sitting on the slab behind the garage is a 3000 gal. holding tank supplying water to the apartment above and a private company is called out when water is low. The garage apartment is fully plumbed and water reaches all faucets, the shower and commode.

I have researched 4150 and cannot seem to see where this type of supply is OK or not.

Has anyone ever encountered this sort of water supply arrangement and is it acceptable?

Thanks

 

[RSW]

Is the holding tank a cistern that is next to the dwelling or is it up on a hill with a gravitational lead to the dwelling?

 

[J. Michael Armour]

The tank sits under the dwelling and a pumping mechanism forces the water up to the second level/dwelling.

 

[CANative]

The system does not meet HUD/FHA MPR's and the appraisal should be conditioned upon development of an acceptable water supply (well or connection to the public system). It's up to the DEU to decide which is most feasible. A well, casing, pressure tank, pipes and connection might be $10k to $15k. Connection to the public system might be as much as $100 per foot plus tie in, permits, fees, and meter.

 

[Restrain]

If a public water supply is in reasonable proximity or a well can be drilled, I agree with Greg. However, there's a lot of subdivisions in AZ, etc where water hauling is a way of life. I wouldn't buy one, but they exist. I think I would bump this one up to the HUD office.

 

[J. Michael Armour]

Thank you, I suspected as such but will contact HUD.

 

[The Sheriff]

No hauled water for FHA... Condition the puppy... Depending on how deep the dig on the well (past 600 ft can exceed $20K), the water supply can get pretty expensive.

 

[Doug in NC]

"[FONT=&quot] a continuing and sufficient supply of potable water under adequate pressure and of appropriate quality for all household uses[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Connection must be made to a public water/sewer system or a community water/sewer system, if connection costs to the public or community system are reasonable (3% or less of the estimated value of the property). If connection costs exceed 3%, the existing on-site systems will be acceptable provided they are functioning properly and meet the requirements of the local health department"[/FONT]