What are USDA Loan Well Water Requirements?
What are USDA Loan Well Water Requirements?
In the rural communities that we serve, you can probably guess that this is a common question. However, it is surprising that some lenders do not even know there are USDA loan well water requirements!
For example, I was recently told by a Realtor that a loan officer for a large online lender had told them that private well water tests were not required on USDA loans. Needless to say, that agent was driving around the day before closing scrambling to get a water test because that lender finally realized that USDA requires it!
In today’s short video I will break down the details to help you understand USDA loan well water requirements.
With that being said, make sure to take advantage of FREE USDA LOAN BLUEPRINT FOR SUCCESS this guide is designed to walk you through the USDA process step-by-step for both home buyers and realtors alike!
What are USDA Loan Well Water Requirements?
Private wells are common throughout rural communities and understanding the USDA loan well water test requirements are extremely important towards keeping the timing of your transaction on track.
Pursuant to the USDA 3555 handbook guidelines, USDA loan requirements for “individual water systems” that are owned and maintained by the homeowner, must meet the requirements of the local and/or State Health Authority codes. 
Additionally, USDA loan well water testing requirements include the following
- The water quality of the well must meet the requirements of the state or local authority. If the state or local authority does not have specific requirements, the maximum contaminant levels established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will apply.
- The local health authority or a state certified laboratory must perform a water quality analysis. The Safe Water Drinking Act does not apply to private wells.
- The well location for individual water supply systems must be measured to establish the distance from the septic system. The separation distance between the well and septic systems must meet the SF Handbook (HUD Handbook 4000.1.) or be found acceptable by the local and/or State Health Authority.
- Individual water systems/wells should be located on the subject property site. If located on an adjacent property, evidence of water rights and recorded maintenance agreement must be retained in the lender’s permanent loan file as acceptance of the well as the primary source of water.
In summary, when it come to USDA loan well water requirements, don’t be scared – be aware!
As a USDA Approved Lender we offer in-house underwriting and are know
n for our extensive USDA home loan knowledge and experience. Remember to make sure are use my team as a resource and call if you have any specific questions about USDA loan well water testing requirements so we can review and advise.
As you know by now, USDA loans are a core focus of my entire team, and we are dedicated to making your USDA home loan process simple and easy! As an approved USDA lender Metroplex Mortgage Services is proud to serve our rural communities.
Just call or email to discuss your scenario and let us show you the “Metroplex” difference!
(800) 806-9836 Ext. 280
SeanS@MPLX.org
We hope you make today a great day, and as a friendly reminder don’t forget to download our USDA blueprint for success, and check out our weekly blog posts for more USDA loan tips!
