Markdown_files/FHA handbook/page_217.md

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## II. ORIGINATION THROUGH POST-CLOSING/ENDORSEMENT

### A. Title II Insured Housing Programs Forward Mortgages

#### 3. Underwriting the Property

##### (b) Required Documentation

The Mortgagee must obtain a valid water test from the local health authority  
or a lab qualified to conduct water testing in the jurisdictional state or local  
authority. When a well test is required, the report may not be more than 180  
Days old from the Disbursement Date.

###### (3) Shared Wells

The Mortgagee must confirm that a Shared Well:

- serves Properties that cannot feasibly be connected to an acceptable public  
  or Community Water supply System;

- is capable of providing a continuous supply of water to involved Dwelling  
  Units so that each Existing Construction Property simultaneously will be  
  assured of at least three gallons per minute (five gallons per minute for  
  Proposed Construction) over a continuous four-hour period. (The well  
  itself may have a lesser yield if pressurized storage is provided in an  
  amount that will make 720 gallons of water available to each connected  
  existing dwelling during a continuous four-hour period or 1,200 gallons of  
  water available to each proposed dwelling during a continuous four-hour  
  period. The shared well system yield must be demonstrated by a certified  
  pumping test or other means acceptable to all agreeing parties.);

- provides safe and potable water. An inspection is required under the same  
  circumstances as an individual well. This may be evidenced by a letter  
  from the health authority having jurisdiction or, in the absence of local  
  health department standards, by a certified water quality analysis  
  demonstrating that the well water complies with the EPA’s National  
  Interim Primary Drinking Water Regulations;

- has a valve on each dwelling service line as it leaves the well so that water  
  may be shut off to each served dwelling without interrupting service to the  
  other Properties; and

- serves no more than four living units or Properties.

##### (a) Requirements for Well Water Testing

A well water test is required for, but not limited to, Properties:

- that are newly constructed;

- where an Appraiser has reported deficiencies with a well or the well  
  water;

- where water is reported to be unsafe or known to be unsafe; or  
  located in close proximity to dumps, landfills, industrial sites, farms  
  (pesticides) or other sites that could contain hazardous wastes.

**Handbook 4000.1**  
**Last Revised: 01/10/2025**  

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