Water Supply and Drainage Issues

If you are buying property you need to consider your water supply, particularly in areas, towns etc where excessive development has taken place, often with more thought for developers profit than the good of the population.

The affect on the local water supply and the additional sewage and waste disposal problems has, in many areas, been deplorable and will most likely in the near future escalate the cost of providing quality drinking water. We have already seen water rationing and cutting off of water supply in past summers, yet development and demands for more building seem unabated.

Luckily the water supply and its quality in the Gandia area is very good. We use tap water for tea,coffee etc, but bottled water for cold drinks. The water is hard and we strain all water for drinking as there is an excess of calcium.

Lead Water Pipes

Many older properties have lead pipes, it is advisable to have these replaced with copper piping, also check if the pipes are corroded, replacement will be expensive and be cause for a lower purchase offer.

Water Supply

Not all water sources are owned by the Local Authorities, nor are they all on tap by demand. In some areas water sources are privately owned and it depends on your contract with the owner as to how much water you can draw or how often your water system will be refilled. Some systems are not linked directly to the source and need filling by tanker. Also check on the state of your water Deposito/tank, how old it is (does it need replacing), how much it holds and cost of refilling.

Water Supply Pipes

Beware If you find pipes buried on your land, you must make sure what your legal responsibilities are before you consider removing or tapping into them. You can not rely on the property plans to show the course or presence of all such pipework.

One reader was required to reinstate an unmarked system of pipes on his land, at a cost of several thousand pounds.

If you have been considering moving to any area within the Valencia Region, don't give up. We live here and both the province and the people are delightful. I'd not live anywhere else. Just be very careful, your legal adviser should check all the legal points but many of the queries I outline are not legal points, they are common sense items you should query yourself.

Before considering a property, please read about the other property purchase problems which may affect the enjoyment of your new home. They may also have serious financial implications and I would urge you to seek appropriate professional advice and assurance before proceeding with a purchase.