Jan 31

Jan 31 Water Availability In Land Development

Where is the water and is it available to me?

Looking at a prime piece of land for development requires a full investigation of the available utilities to serve it, and one of the first things we think of is water.

What and where is the water source?

It could be an existing well, could be a public utility water main, could be a stubbed-out feeder line from a prior project, or even a collection cistern if it’s from way back in the day. No matter what it is, the water source must be physically located.

Proximity:

The distance from the point of tie-in to the water source gives a first indication of the cost and complexity. Whether a public water main, a feeder line, or a well head, the size of the water line and the distance it must travel to the service sites is critical. Every linear foot will add significant cost.

Number of meters (hookups):

The engineer will determine the line size needed for the run based on the number of homesite hookups in a given pod or section. Also considered are slope gradients and pressure needed to provide a flow rate within code requirements. The longer the distance and the smaller the line diameter, the more pressure reducing friction.

Future expansion:

Many public utility districts require a line size that takes into account future development beyond the immediate need of my project and its boundaries. The PUD may require a much larger line than I actually need myself to be run to the far property line of my project, thus making provisions to serve future projects of other developers.

Extra’s:

If there are going to be buildings, there is going to be a need for fire protection. Cost projections will be needed for fire hydrants and how many will be needed. They aren’t cheap!

Is Water Available?

Many a rookie land buyer with an eye on millions has failed to determine if the water company actually has the capacity to serve the project. You could have a massive water main running within feet of the project, but if the water system is at its maximum service capacity already it most likely will not be able to serve the projected new development.

Water quality:

What is the quality of water produced by the source? Is it potable? Although we tend to think of this primarily with well water, every water company routinely tests its water at defined intervals. Tests include bacteriological, other organics, and inorganic solutes like minerals. There is a range that determines the minimum and maximum allowable concentration of individual solutes. Naturally occurring toxins like arsenic leaching into the water source from granite rock, are identified and measured.