What should I look for in a greenhouse’s irrigation water source and storage?

Water problems are rarely visible on a tour. Ask the seller to show you the source in person, whether it is a well, a pond, municipal service or collected rainwater, and to explain what happens when that source runs low. A greenhouse with one source and no backup carries a risk you should weigh and discuss with your advisers.

Walk the storage and delivery system next. Look at the tanks for cracks or algae, the pumps for age and the lines and emitters for blockage or mineral buildup. Ask for maintenance records and the date of the last major repair. An equipment appraiser can help you judge what is near the end of its life.

Request any water test results the seller has on file, and ask how the crops have responded over time. Salts, pH and contaminants can quietly reduce quality. Check whether the water arrangement transfers to a new owner or depends on a verbal understanding with a neighbour or local authority. Your lawyer can read whatever is written down. Ask, too, how the greenhouse copes with a pump failure at night, and who is called first when an alarm sounds.

Key takeaways

• Visit the source and ask what the backup plan is.
• Request maintenance records and past water test results.
• Confirm that water access passes to you, not just to the seller.