Wells/Water Systems

1.  Does VA require a well water test and does the local health authority need to perform the test?

VA's general individual (well) water requirements are found in VA Lender's Handbook, chapter 12, Minimum Property Requirements.

2.  Does VA require connection to a public or community water/sewage disposal system?

Connection to a public or community water/sewage disposal system is required whenever feasible.

3.  Does VA require a specific water quality level?

Water quality for an individual water supply must meet the requirements of the health authority having jurisdiction.  If the local authority does not have specific requirements, the maximum contaminant levels established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will apply.  Additionally, the well must provide for a continuing supply of safe and potable water for drinking and other household uses.

4.  If the local health authority is unable to perform the water quality analysis in a timely manner, is a commercial testing laboratory or a licensed sanitary engineer acceptable to VA?

A commercial testing laboratory or a licensed sanitary engineer acceptable to the local health authority may take and test the water sample.

5.  Is there a VA Well Certification form?  The local authority does not monitor wells.

VA has no water or well certification forms.  The VA requirement for individual water supplies is for local health department approval of the system.  If the local health department does not monitor wells, as in your case, only a water quality test is required.  A commercial testing laboratory or a licensed sanitary engineer acceptable to the health authority may take and test the water.

6.  Does VA approve community water systems and where can I find a list?

VA must be satisfied that organizational documents of community water systems ensure an adequate and continuous supply of water at reasonable rates.  The local or State health officials must approve the quality of the water.  Most C&V sections at the Regional Loan Centers maintain a list of approved community water systems.  Inquiries should be made to the appropriate office.  Refer to Lender's Handbook, Section 12.09.

7.  Does VA accept a property with a dug well and, if so, are there any requirements on the well?

Dug wells are more vulnerable than drilled wells to surface water contamination because they draw from shallow water tables.  However, a properly constructed dug well in a good location can produce high-quality water.  VA has no specific requirements regarding dug wells as opposed to driven wells and/or drilled wells.

Any individual well providing water for domestic purposes should meet the local, County, State or EPA standards for acceptable well construction and for well placement and location.

8.  If the local authority does not have specific well requirements what will VA accept?

If the local authority does not have specific well requirements, the maximum contaminant levels established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will apply.

9.  Will VA allow a property to have a cistern (a holding tank for water) on it?

A cistern is not considered a continuing supply of safe and potable water.  If there is no other source of safe water, a determination would have to be made on the specifics of the situation by the VA office of jurisdiction.  Contact information for Regional Loan Centers (RLC) is available online at: http://homeloans.va.gov/rlcweb.asp 

10.  What are the setback distance guidelines regarding septic and wells?

VA has no specific minimum property setback distance between the well and the dwelling or property line.  Additionally, VA has not established a minimum acceptable "separation distance" between an individual well and a septic tank/leach field.

However, there should be adequate separation distance between these facilities to preclude contamination of the well water by the septic tank or its leach field.  Determinations such as minimum distance from property lines or "acceptable" separation distance between well and septic tank (or septic field) are typically made by the local/county building, planning, and/or environmental health authority.

VA's general individual (well) water requirements are found in VA Lender's Handbook, chapter 12, Minimum Property Requirements.

11.  Is there a published list of VA approved water companies?

VA does not have a nationwide requirement for approval of water companies and does not maintain a list.  The state or county usually regulates water companies.  This is acceptable to VA.  The Construction and Valuation Section at the VA Regional Loan Center having jurisdiction over the location of the property may be able to provide more information.