Well water in a mobile home park

[Gulliver R.]

Hello BP, I am potentially going to buy a park with well water and City sewer. I have two questions: During Diligence what are the action items I need to do and things I need to keep in mind? Once I own the park, what are the on-going action items and things I need to think about? Many thanks! Gulliver

[Frank Rolfe]

When you own a park with well water, you are responsible for the safety of that water. As a result, you need to get the certified water operator (the person who tests the water monthly) to give you a complete summary of everything wrong with the system and what their recommendations would be to make it better. You will also want to review the past operating reports to make sure the water was fine. You should also ask the city if there have been reports of water problems in the past (most residents call the city when the water goes out because they don't understand how it works). You will also want to talk to your state mobile home association to get the water rules in that state. Finally, make sure that the state, county and state will allow you to make repairs and/or re-drill the well and that there are no outstanding violations.

Once you own the park, the key is to proactively insure that there is never an interruption in the water and that it is perfectly treated. Never scrimp on any suggestions to replace worn equipment. And keep perfect records to make sure that, if a problem does ever arise, you are clearly doing your best to be a good water provider.