What we look at
- Soil — river sand, silt, clay, and how they're layered
- Groundwater — depth and signs of seasonal high water
- Wells — yours and your neighbors'
- Ditches and drainages — irrigation ditches and arroyos
- Space — room for a field and a reserve area
Test pits
Most evaluations involve digging test pits to see the soil layers directly. Valley soils can change a lot within a few feet of depth — a sandy top layer over clay, or wet soil where you didn't expect it.
Thinking of buying a lot?
Ask for a septic site look before you buy. It can tell you whether a conventional system is likely or whether you should budget for advanced treatment.
See septic and irrigation ditches.
Common questions
How deep are test pits?
Deep enough to see the soil below where the field would be.
Can you evaluate before I buy?
Yes — it's a smart step.
Do neighbors' wells matter?
Yes, setbacks apply to nearby wells too.