If you are considering buying acreage, your real estate agent will probably supply you with basic information about the soil quality, zoning and property boundaries. Whether you intend to build a vacation home or a working horse ranch, you'll also need to know about the water quality and quantity.

If the land is not in an area where water is supplied and tested by a municipal water system, you will need to drill a well for drinking water even if the land has surface sources that provide water for irrigation. Instead of paying monthly water bills, you'll be investing a substantial sum to drill the well and maintain it over time. Contact the county water department to determine how many gallons per minute you and your family (or agricultural business) will require. Talk to the neighbors to find out how long it actually takes to obtain permits to drill for water in that area, and get estimates from local companies on drilling costs.

With a little detective work and help from your agent you can discover any local problems with contamination of the water supply due to toxic substances. Surface waters such as streams, ponds or lakes may be considered public property, and may require you to obtain a water use permit from the state in order to dam a creek or pump water from a supply that sits on your land.

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Stewart J Lowe
RE/MAX Real Estate Central
#206, 2411 - 4th Street NW
Calgary, AB T2M 2Z8
Cell: 403-850-0669
Fax: 403-547-5195
Office pager 24/7: 403-216-1600
StewartJLowe@shaw.ca

Remax Real Estate Central is the Number One Remax in the World based on closed transactions. Stewart J Lowe is a 2009 Top Producer, and member of Remax Western Canada 100% Club based on sales and service, and the Executive and Chairmans clubs. Quote from Stewart J Lowe "I want to be the real estate professional that really helps you, and keeps you in total communication. We like to work with a limited number of clients, individually taking the time to understand their lifestyle and their individual needs. Buying High End Real Estate with us as your team will be an enjoyable experience"