Issues with buying house needing hauled water? (Cave Creek, Carefree: insurance, buying a house)

[Foreis]

I am considering buying a house off the beaten path with dirt roads and no city water. The water needs to be hauled in. Any experienced owners with stories good or bad about the water? The overall house is considerably nicer for the price than anything in the city and the remoteness is not a problem, otherwise.

[azdr0710]

can you give the appx. location?....

water hauling is common in northern Arizona, so you may want to post in the Flag subforum for some comments

[magnum0417]

Originally Posted by azdr0710

can you give the appx. location?....

water hauling is common in northern Arizona, so you may want to post in the Flag subforum for some comments

Maybe he wants to commute an hour and a half by being on "Top of the World." LOL

[mrfritodude]

Many homes in the area of the town of Maricopa have hauled water as well. I have had the similar question as I have looked to purchase a house in this area. Does any one know an approximate cost to drill a well? Also, do you know the cost of water delivery? I want to say I remember reading a website or forum that mentioned $60 for 2000 gallons.

[AZJoeD]

Hauling water is not uncommon in many parts of the valley. Even in places like Carefree, Cave Creek and Rio Verde Foothills there are luxury homes that use hauled water simply because the area does not support wells with adequate flow.

Using hauled water requires you to be a little more diligent about how you use your water and to be aware of changes to your water usage when you have guests and parties, etc. Once you learn your patterns for how you use your water your can have the water company schedule the deliveries so you will never run out. It will just become automatic.

Of course your landscaping will be desert landscape or Xeriscaping to minimize wasting water.

Taking it to the next level, if you are smart you can become more sophisticated by installing a "gray water" system that uses water from showers and sinks (not toilets) that can be used to irrigate outdoor plants. Saving you money and helping the environment.

Since it sounds like the house is already built, I would take a little time to speak with the neighbors about how they get their water, their costs and the quality of wells in the area.

One other consideration is insurance. Remember insurance companies set their rates based on risk. One component is how far from a fire hydrant the home is located. Check with the fire department AND an insurance company. You do not want to be surprised by a $2K insurance premium or annual fire service contract.

[Foreis]

Thanks to all responders. The house is in the Rio Verde area and my understanding is that wells there are largely impossible. I had not considered the insurance aspect--I appreciate the information.