What are the problems of living next to a river?

Question

We are thinking of buying a house which is next to a river. We have eliminated flood as a risk - but what are the other hazards? We have small kids so we need to protect them. Are there any health issues? Building issues etc?

Answer 1

id do a check first and see when was the last time that river flooded and how far the water came too and if near or aorond where your goin to buy!! the price of the house can be a tell tale sign if it gets flooded or not!! cheap = it floods around there

Answer 2

Consider the drainage when looking into flooding, the water might not reach the house but it can overflow drains bringing raw sewerage on the street.

Another thing to consider is where's there's water, there's people.
We humans are attracted to it like flys to well, you know and that means particulally in summer time you might have the noise from boats going past, lots of people wandering past your house, gangs of kids, it's just the possibility that there will be a lot of chew as soon as the sun comes out.

Water also means wildlife in summer including flies, bugs, etc, it all depends on where you are in relation to the river.

There are of course many advantages and so i would suggest you talk to as many people who live around there, get into the local and start chatting about the area.
Ask about how busy the place is in summer, for people, traffic, etc as a nice place to live also means it's a nice place to visit on a day out.

I would also recommend you do a 3 or 4 visits at different times on different days, just sit in the car quietly watching how many people pass by, gangs of teens messing around, cars parking on verges and blocking your drive, etc.

Buying a house is difficult enough, put a river next door and it really does need a lot more research.

Answer 3

I wonder how you have ruled out flooding as a risk! I live something like 500 metres above sea level on a hillside but because there is a stream close by which becomes a torrent after very heavy prolonged rain we're in a designated flood area! There's a website to check whether your property is considered a flood risk and this also affects your house insurance! I think the website is a government one Department of the Environment but alas cannot recall it right now!Sorry!

Answer 4

Near rivers, but not in rivers. Mosquitoes have to have quite standing water to complete a life cycle. Most rivers in relatively flat areas have backwater areas. So, if you have those you will have mosquito larva and eventually adults. However, there are certain biting fly larvae that can live in rivers. Some of the no-see-um, a gnat, for example, has a larval stage adapted to moving water.

Answer 5

Flies in the summer. My son used to live next to a river and had to keep his windows closed all summer long. I think the came from the maggots left by men fishing.

Answer 6

Living near a river the humidity levels will be higher so you may get mold problems which can trigger asthma.

Answer 7

please, i beg you don't live next to a river. despite the fantastic view and an evening relaxing by the water, there are far more dangerous problems to face. especially with kids. mosquitoes will be the first major trouble, and then other kind of insects, risk of disease. and stagnant water can be another problem. water will stink if it doesn't move for a long time. you just can't bear it. trust me. live somewhere else.

Answer 8

Vermin; Insects; Potential for drowning (small children); Pollution from things washed downstream; Tainted well water; etc...

Answer 9

If there is no risk of floods then it will be a nice place to live.Just keep an eye on your kids.Good Luck in your new home.

Answer 10

You may have snakes,your children could accidently drown, and the waters now days are not healthy for us. You want to protect your children as much as you can. How old are your children?