Since Fannie Mae requires the appraiser to comment on the effect of a hazard on the value and marketability of the subject property, the appraiser would have to note when there is market resistance to an area because of environmental hazards or any other conditions that affect well, septic, or public water facilities.
When the lender has reason to believe that private well water that is on or available to a property might be contaminated as a result of the proximity of the well to hazardous waste sites, the lender is exercising sound judgment if it obtains a “well certification” to determine whether the water meets community standards.
For more information, see B4-1.4-08, Environmental Hazards Appraisal Requirements.