Did I make a mistake? I bought a home in Parker Colorado with a well. I hope you hired a good Realtor to help you with this process. I attend many classes on water issues in our State and it is very confusing at best. Staying educated on these issues is one way I help my clients.

Questions:

1. Did my Realtor and title company check the well permit?

Answer-

It’s very easy to check a well permit no matter what the type of real estate you are buying or selling in Parker Colorado and see who owns it and where they live. This should be one of the first documents the Realtor asks for when you are selling your property or the first one they talked to you about when you were buying the property. Checking ownership and verifying the permit numbers are crucial and don’t ever let anyone tell you different. Check it here at the Division of Water Recourses web site. If you want a good education on water, wells and augmentation plans in Colorado spend some time on their site and you will be amazed at how much you don’t know.

2. I never knew there were different types of well permits. What is the difference between a Domestic vs. Household well?

Answer-

Household use only wells are for just what the name implies. Inside watering ONLY! Not washing your car or watering the yard & flowers, filling junior’s blowup pool or keeping the horses alive. Just inside the house water use only.

The Domestic and livestock wells are for tracts of land 35 acres or more and can be used on smaller tracts if issued properly through the Division of Water Resources. Certain Domestic wells can serve up to three single family dwellings, irrigate one acre or less of lawn and garden and provide water for domestic animals and livestock properties. As a rule I always recommend checking the Division of Water Recourses site for each property I list for sale or help a buyer purchase. They are very friendly people and I’ve always had great success calling them directly. (Division of Water Resourses Main Phone Number: (303) 866-3581)

3. Did my Realtor or title company fill out the proper well permit transfer form (GWS-11 Change in ownership/address form) at closing?

Answer- The only way to know is check the division of water resources web site to see if you are listed as the owner. If not you better take the necessary steps to get it corrected immediately. It helps everyone if your records are correct.

4. Do we need to have the water and the well tested?

Answer- Of course! Have a Colorado licensed pump installer or well driller test the system. Water flow rates and recovery rates are important and only qualified testers can tell you this information. The chances are high that you home inspector cannot perform these tests and if they can make sure they are licensed before having it done. Most Realtors that sell land in rural areas know good well testers and will readily give you their contact info. Just don’t forget to have the septic system pumped and tested too!

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