Mortgage Navigator • USDA Property & Special Transactions
USDA Wells, Septic & Access
Rural properties often depend on private utilities and private roads, so these issues deserve early review.
Water and wastewater
USDA requires the site to have acceptable water and wastewater facilities under current Chapter 12 requirements.
Private systems are not automatically a problem
Private wells and septic systems can be acceptable when they satisfy applicable health, safety and program standards.
Road access and maintenance
The property must have adequate access, and private-road ownership/maintenance arrangements can become an underwriting issue if access is not legally and practically supportable.
Official USDA baseline
Educational summary. Current handbook, GUS findings and approved-lender requirements control the actual transaction.