Water, Land, and Colorado (Grand Junction, Canon City: home, buying, subdivision)

[mhouse2001]

I know that buying land in Colorado is a tricky proposition, especially when considering what water, if any, will be available. I've never bought land before, so any advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm considering building a small (< 800sf) eco-conscious home on as small as one acre.

Can you buy an acre and dig a well?
Do you have to buy a certain amount of acreage before you can dig a well?
If you can't dig a well, what are your alternatives?
If you dig a well or one already exists, how can you test the water?

Currently uncertain on location. Will be traveling in the next two weeks to pick a spot from Grand Junction to Montrose to Salida to Canon City.

THANKS!

[BenWolfe]

Generally speaking a lot is virtually worthless if it does not have access to some sort of water supply (well or city). The county and/or subdivision will have regulations regarding the minimum size of a lot that can be serviced by a well. If the lot is not on City or Community water you will want to make certain you receive water rights with your lot. If a well already exists it can be tested for flow and quality. If a well does not exist you will want to interview the neighboring lots and speak with local well drilling companies.

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[synchro]

Can you buy an acre and dig a well?

Probably not - It depends upon your location

Do you have to buy a certain amount of acreage before you can dig a well?

Probably - see above answer

If you can't dig a well, what are your alternatives?

Hooking up to city water, hooking up to a shared well, or hauling water

If you dig a well or one already exists, how can you test the water?

The local health department will be able to help.