Water due diligence

“Water available” is the beginning of the question.

First determine whether the real plan is public or rural water, an existing private well, a new well—or no confirmed source yet.

If the plan is public or rural water

Identify the actual provider for the parcel. Then ask whether it is accepting new connections, whether a meter or membership is currently available, where the nearest eligible line is located and what charges or construction are required.

  • Does the provider serve this exact parcel?
  • Is a new meter or connection available now?
  • What are the tap, meter, membership and extension charges?
  • Who pays to cross a road or extend a line?
  • What pressure and capacity should be expected?
  • Where would private line installation begin and end?

If the plan is a private well

Do not assume a neighbor's well predicts the cost, depth, yield or quality on the parcel. Investigate available well records, local geology, drilling access, setbacks, testing and the ongoing responsibility for operation and water quality.

The EPA notes that private wells are not regulated under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and that owners are responsible for maintaining and testing their water. State and local requirements can still apply.

Oklahoma Water Resources Board maps

Public-water-system, groundwater, water-right and related map resources.

Open OWRB maps ↗

EPA private-well resources

Owner-focused information on protecting and testing private well water.

Open EPA resources ↗

Oklahoma well drillers

State water-board information and licensed-well-driller resources.

Open OWRB ↗

Development-cost planner

Carry the local connection or well range into the full property budget.

Plan the cost →