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John Daley ReportingStormy late March weather has caused severe headaches for some homeowners, especially those who live near flood plains. Often it's a case of buyer beware.
As Utah grows, more and more development is happening in places it didn't used to and in places prone to flooding. There is a lot of information out there, including on the web, but mostly it's up to homeowners to check it out.
Flood season is back and the watch is on in southwest Utah where a flash flood warning is in effect. Last year Gunlock was cut off by floodwaters. Today, rebuilt roads and bridges look fine, though rivers and streams are running high.
Dean Cox, Washington County Emergency Services: "If the moisture were to continue on unabated for another day or two, then my concern would get a lot greater."
In Draper, heavy rains exacerbate a chronic problem. Brad and Linda Fellows say their home floods every time it rains, about two dozen times in two years. An Ivory Homes development was built on the hill above their home. The city recently put in a pipe that was supposed to help, but the family says it hasn't and the costs are piling up.
Brad Fellows, Draper Homeowner: "Legal costs, cleaning up the mud, debris, the stink, every time it happens. A third of our home was destroyed the first time it happened. Yeah, it's getting difficult to get by and survive at this point."
In South Jordan last night was a similar scene. There the problem was rising ground water due to a seasonally high water table. The homeowner says he wasn't properly warned.
Andy Meisenbacher, South Jordan Homeowner: "I wish somebody had told us this was a possibility."
Don Bruly, South Jordan City: "When you buy a house there is a lot of paperwork, but it is up to the homeowner to know what he is buying and the builder to know what he is selling."
One great resource is the state's Emergency Services division. Another is the Internet where you can find maps for both 100 and 500-year flood plains. They show where homes can be built, with some restrictions.
Judy Watanbee, State Floodplain Manager: "You can build in a flood plain. You just have to elevate. So no basements in flood plains and then the home is required to have flood insurance."
One great resource is FEMA's website. It allows you to type in your address and zip code, and then you can look at a map to see how close your home is to a flood plain. It works for every street in the country.
