Your property holds several key indicators of current or potential water problems.

First, check your soil surveys or map books for nearby flood plains. We have copies of soil surveys in the Conservation District office.

If you own land in a flood plain, it is reasonable to assume the area will be inundated by water at some point.

Flood plain designators may also be an indication that your property may hold hydric soils. These may be gray, blue or black and smell sulfurous or sour.

These areas also might be muddy, collect water and be incapable of supporting certain types of vegetation.

Structures built in these areas will probably need to comply with specific regulations.

Also, check the map for drainage easements. They should be labeled "d.e." and are usually located along property lines.

A drainage easement indicates that water will be flowing across that stretch of land during a rainfall. Erosion is usually a common problem along such easements. Permanent buildings and fences should not be constructed in these areas.

Check for nearby rivers, creeks and other bodies of water that would increase the probability of flooding and indicate that hydric soils are present. A creek can be an attractive feature until you consider potential conflicts with your planned usage of the property.

The water flow in any creek will increase as upstream development increases. If you acquire property near a stream, do not remove the vegetation within at least 50 feet of the water line adjacent to and along the stream bank.

The vegetation buffer zone will help maintain the water quality and curb erosion.

Any excavation disturbing an acre or more probably requires a permit from the Department of Environmental Protection. Any work that increases a permitted water flow discharge will likely require a new permit.

Contact the Conservation District for more information.

Ron Fodor is district manager of the Butler County Conservation District.