How Water Quality Affects Home Value
The hidden impact of hard water, PFAS, and lead on property values.
Buyers are paying attention
Water quality is increasingly part of the home buying decision, especially in PFAS-affected areas. A 2022 study in the Journal of Environmental Economics found that PFAS contamination disclosure reduced home values by 4-7% in affected areas. Hard water is less of a value concern but affects buyer experience during showings (spotted fixtures, scale buildup).
Disclosure requirements
Most states require sellers to disclose known material defects, which can include water quality issues. Well water properties typically require water testing before sale. Municipal water issues may not require disclosure but are increasingly requested by informed buyers.
Value-adding improvements
Installing a water softener before selling can improve buyer impression (clean fixtures, soft water during showing). Providing a recent water test shows transparency. In PFAS areas, a certified PFAS filtration system can be a selling point.