AgentOkeyDokey Posted February 23, 2014 Share Posted February 23, 2014 I have just moved into a new house. It is nice in many ways. Well thought out design and many amenities catering to western tastes. The "owner" is a farlang married to a Thai wife and was in on the design and construction of the houses that he "owns" that stand side by side each other in an area 20 minutes from CM. I have the middle unit. The houses have been around a while for years. Not just built but newly built in the last ten years. Very well maintained. These houses and the property is obviously the "owner's" baby. He has even put a few street lights in at his own expense. They have well maintained and beautiful gardens and the use of foliage and walls and fences to increase privacy. Plus there is a "stream"/creek in back. Here's the rub. When I first viewed the house I smelled and felt something in the air. Some faint chemical like smell that I felt had something to do with the water. Being chemically sensitive that was a immediate concern of mine. Interestingly, the owner informed me that they were changing the water source on the house I was being shown to the government water grid system . I asked him where did the water come from presently. He said. "Underneath." (English is his second language.) I thought... "Oh, ok well water or water table . That's Ok." The rental broker that I have dealt with before reminded me that the previous house I was renting that I initially didn't like the smell in the house either and had my concerns and it was due to it be closed up and after I moved in and aired things out a bit it was fine. I kept that in mind. I also brought in a few friends and asked them if they smelled anything. They did not. Plus when I viewed it one final time in the late afternoon (not knowing that the timing was important) I hardly smelled anything and was not really bothered and chalked everything down to hyper-vigilance. So swayed by the beauty of the place I signed a year long lease gave the customary deposit and moved in. It's been less than a week. And I think I have found out the source of my original concern. It's the creek that is only thirty feet in the back and runs the length of the "owner's" properties. You see in the mornings the the automated sprinklers goes off and waters the yards. The first day I had spent the night it happened about 8:00 and I had all the windows open "airing out the house" as was my want and the mist of the sprinkler water vapor hit my stomach like a brick. My stomach started to bother me almost instantly and I knew that I didn't like breathing that water misting in. So I eventually shut all the windows after I figured out what was happening and found shutting them offered some relief. I didn't really know what was going on. But through exposing myself to the water's mist and then seeking shelter inside I could deduce that my body didn't like the spray. Here's the kicker. I started to talk to the "owner" about my experiences. He than told me that the sprinklers water source is the dirty creek with unknown pollutants. And his defense was that the Thai Farmers uses this creek to water their crops! My thinking is that people use pesticides on crops too but you don't want to breath it in or get it on you. In other words just because it is used on crops doesn't mean it is good for you. That is why so many people want to buy organic produce these days. Does anyone have any suggestions on this situation? I think it is reasonable to not to want to breathe in the spray misting of dirty creek with unknown pollutants. And even though it seems minute I appear to reacting to it. I have no idea of the health hazards. But if I don't want to drink it. I would think I don't want to breathe it in either. Does this make sense? And for the inevitable dim wads that will circle around this thread hoping to draw blood and revel in another's misfortune.... I got your number and you will be ignored. On the other hand..... I know there are lots of intelligent and thoughtful and experienced and helpful people here and I would appreciate and value your input, suggestions, remedies, approaches, and what have you. Wisdom is found in the counsel of many. In am in a little bit of a quandary. I can't afford to move again right away. Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post ttthailand Posted February 23, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted February 23, 2014 Shut the windows on the side of the house where they have the water sprinkler in the morning or when the sprinkler is in use. Also get an air cleaner to filter the air. Run your aircon more and make sure your filters are cleaned monthly. I think it is a bit too much to ask that the sprinklers be shut off as the grass and bushes may die and take away the beautiful environment. It is very difficult to keep a nice lawn in Thailand. After your year lease is up move. I think you should get a condo on the upper floors to avoid similar problems. It's not anyone's fault but you may have some health issues to address. You are a difficult person to please... very sensitive to your environment. Sent from my iPhone using ThaiVisa app 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Naam Posted February 23, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted February 23, 2014 as you seem to like the house what about shelling out some additional money and have the sprinklers connected to the well water supply? 9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krisb Posted February 23, 2014 Share Posted February 23, 2014 Turn the sprinklers off? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kitsune Posted February 23, 2014 Share Posted February 23, 2014 The question is though: Is there an unpolluted creek available near-by to provide you with fresh scented mist ? Chiang Mai is one of the most polluted city in the world Don't get fool by the scenery 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post uptheos Posted February 23, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted February 23, 2014 (edited) Chiang Mai is not the place for you if you don't want to breath in pollutants + the smog soon to descend upon us. It's these things that make Chiang Mai paradise. Edited February 23, 2014 by uptheos 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sam sen Posted February 23, 2014 Share Posted February 23, 2014 The rental broker that I have dealt with before reminded me that the previous house I was renting that I initially didn't like the smell in the house either and had my concerns and it was due to it be closed up and after I moved in and aired things out a bit it was fine. typical irrelevant thai response to a problem - no connection between the two situations - as you found out! i disregard such statements immediately. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Dante99 Posted February 23, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted February 23, 2014 as you seem to like the house what about shelling out some additional money and have the sprinklers connected to the well water supply? That should not be a big deal to do. In the mean time, change the timer on the sprinkler to run when you are not home, may not be best time for the plants but they will survive. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eyecatcher Posted February 23, 2014 Share Posted February 23, 2014 During my time in construction whenever staff came to me with a problem I used to send them away and ask them to come back to me with 3 solutions. I asked for the quickest solution I asked for the best solution I asked for the cheapest solution. In the end it was usually an economical best solution. You have a list already, from timers,to changing the source to using standard tap water,closing windows to moving out. Find the quickest, the best and the cheapest.....my guess is the timer clock will be the answer to all 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beetlejuice Posted February 23, 2014 Share Posted February 23, 2014 Firstly I would never stay in that property, it sounds like there are serious health hazards there plus the possibility that these unknown chemicals could be contaminating the main water supply. My advice is; to tell your illegal property owning farang landlord who is running an illegal property renting business, that you want to leave a.s.a.p due to health hazards and you expert back any deposits due to you If the illegal farang property owner tries to give you a hard time, than inform him you intend to take legal action and if the illegal landlord ignores the warning, then hire the services of a reputable lawyer and have a lawyers letter sent directly to him. Explain in the lawyers letter that you want to see a work permit, company registration papers for the renting business, and 3 years audited accounts for the company, which if requested under the right authority you are entitled to inspect. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post FiftyTwo Posted February 23, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted February 23, 2014 Turn the sprinklers off, water the garden yourself using the domestic water supply. 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Somsrisonphimai Posted February 23, 2014 Share Posted February 23, 2014 Go buy lots of air fresheners (: Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post naboo Posted February 23, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted February 23, 2014 Once again Beetlejuice goes all western in his solution to a problem. Hard to figure how he's lived here so long in that mindset without going crazy. His suggestion wouldn't help the OP anyway, the guy will point to his wife as owner and say 'not me sir' and with a small gift the police will take his word. OP, shut the windows. If that doesn't work, tell the landlord you're taking care of the watering of the garden and that you don't need his sprinkler system. When the rains return the smell should go. 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
circusman Posted February 23, 2014 Share Posted February 23, 2014 I would never buy a house in a foreign country. If you rent, you change houses easily. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamborobert Posted February 23, 2014 Share Posted February 23, 2014 (edited) I would never buy a house in a foreign country. If you rent, you change houses easily. OP is renting. Title of "My new rented house...." gives a clue. Would it not be possible to see landlord and explain condition...or at least seek his permission to sublet or find another tenant for him? Edited February 23, 2014 by mamborobert 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AgentOkeyDokey Posted February 23, 2014 Author Share Posted February 23, 2014 as you seem to like the house what about shelling out some additional money and have the sprinklers connected to the well water supply? Yes I started to try to have that conversation. It went south really fast for some reason. Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AgentOkeyDokey Posted February 23, 2014 Author Share Posted February 23, 2014 Shut the windows on the side of the house where they have the water sprinkler in the morning or when the sprinkler is in use. Also get an air cleaner to filter the air. Run your aircon more and make sure your filters are cleaned monthly. I think it is a bit too much to ask that the sprinklers be shut off as the grass and bushes may die and take away the beautiful environment. It is very difficult to keep a nice lawn in Thailand. After your year lease is up move. I think you should get a condo on the upper floors to avoid similar problems. It's not anyone's fault but you may have some health issues to address. You are a difficult person to please... very sensitive to your environment. Sent from my iPhone using ThaiVisa app thx. Did most of this already. Also have the aircon on dehumidifier mode. It helps a little. Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kjhbigv Posted February 23, 2014 Share Posted February 23, 2014 (edited) As someone else said.... why not just turn off the sprinkler system and water the garden yourself? Sent from my GT-I9300T using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app Edited February 23, 2014 by kjhbigv Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AgentOkeyDokey Posted February 23, 2014 Author Share Posted February 23, 2014 (edited) Take a sample and get it tested. Either its ok, or its polluted. Either way, you will know what to do next. If polluted, you can show the landlord the report and have him change the water source, or, allow you to leave on the grounds that the property has been "contaminated".How can I start this process? Where do I go? Who do I ask? I like this suggestion? Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app Edited February 23, 2014 by AgentOkeyDokey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AgentOkeyDokey Posted February 23, 2014 Author Share Posted February 23, 2014 During my time in construction whenever staff came to me with a problem I used to send them away and ask them to come back to me with 3 solutions. I asked for the quickest solution I asked for the best solution I asked for the cheapest solution. In the end it was usually an economical best solution. You have a list already, from timers,to changing the source to using standard tap water,closing windows to moving out. Find the quickest, the best and the cheapest.....my guess is the timer clock will be the answer to all 3 I like how you think. But I don't think the timer is a good solution as I am a homebody and like to be at home. There is not a regular time I am away. I will talk to the broker as direct communication with the owner has broken down. I think changing the water source to tap water would be a good solution. I am willing to help pay for it as Naam suggested. Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hellodolly Posted February 23, 2014 Share Posted February 23, 2014 Chiang Mai is not the place for you if you don't want to breath in pollutants + the smog soon to descend upon us. It's these things that make Chiang Mai paradise. I have to agree with uptheos Chiang Mai will soon have plenty of smog plus the normal pollution in the city if you enter it. For most of us the normal pollution is not that bad all by it's self but it is soon to be aided by farmers and forest fires as well as people burning garbage. Much as I love Chiang Mai there is no defense for it against some one as hyper sensitive as you are. It is a shame that your body betrays your mind so to speak but you sadly have no recourse in much of northern Thailand. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AgentOkeyDokey Posted February 23, 2014 Author Share Posted February 23, 2014 I was here last year during the smoggy season. I did not have a problem. But I do have problem breathing wet particles or droplets of water for some reason they seem to go straight into my body and I react. I am not hypersensitive and i have seen some people that are diagnosed as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and they can not be around perfumes. It's something about this water that makes me react. I ask again where can one get the water tested? Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThaidDown Posted February 23, 2014 Share Posted February 23, 2014 Water testing can be carried out at Chiang Mai University as per this old thread. Still valid or not, no idea, but a start. http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/513023-well-water-testing/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AgentOkeyDokey Posted February 23, 2014 Author Share Posted February 23, 2014 Water testing can be carried out at Chiang Mai University as per this old thread. Still valid or not, no idea, but a start. http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/513023-well-water-testing/ Thx. Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Naam Posted February 23, 2014 Share Posted February 23, 2014 as you seem to like the house what about shelling out some additional money and have the sprinklers connected to the well water supply? Yes I started to try to have that conversation. It went south really fast for some reason. Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app for "some reason" you seem to be not only helpless but also resistent to advice. grow a pair of balls and good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hellodolly Posted February 23, 2014 Share Posted February 23, 2014 I was here last year during the smoggy season. I did not have a problem. But I do have problem breathing wet particles or droplets of water for some reason they seem to go straight into my body and I react. I am not hypersensitive and i have seen some people that are diagnosed as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and they can not be around perfumes. It's something about this water that makes me react. I ask again where can one get the water tested? Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app I have no information but would a mask work if all that bothers you is the moisture carried chemicals. Not exactly sure how long you would have to wear them. Would it be OK shortly after the water sprinkling system is shut off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AgentOkeyDokey Posted February 23, 2014 Author Share Posted February 23, 2014 as you seem to like the house what about shelling out some additional money and have the sprinklers connected to the well water supply?Yes I started to try to have that conversation. It went south really fast for some reason.Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app for "some reason" you seem to be not only helpless but also resistent to advice. grow a pair of balls and good luck! Naam read past posts before you stuck your foot in your mouth. I have said twice I liked you advice. Helpless? Hardly. I reached out and i got good advice from Thai Visa including yours. I have already investigated where to get water testing (an option) and how much (not an option.) Further I "liked" your comment and suggestion. (Look at your notifications lately?) I don't know what manliness has to do with it? Or "balls." I could have let the disagreement escalate until it was not about the issue anymore and about the landlord and I egos or use finesse and be patient. I choose the latter. The former has more "balls" the latter was smarter. You started off intelligent you ended up being a nitwit. That's why it is wise to shut up. Good luck to you too. Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AgentOkeyDokey Posted February 23, 2014 Author Share Posted February 23, 2014 I was here last year during the smoggy season. I did not have a problem. But I do have problem breathing wet particles or droplets of water for some reason they seem to go straight into my body and I react. I am not hypersensitive and i have seen some people that are diagnosed as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and they can not be around perfumes. It's something about this water that makes me react. I ask again where can one get the water tested? Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app I have no information but would a mask work if all that bothers you is the moisture carried chemicals. Not exactly sure how long you would have to wear them. Would it be OK shortly after the water sprinkling system is shut off. Actually I believe the permanent solution is to change the water source. As my helpful "friend" Naam has pointed out that since I like the place maybe I can pay for the sprinklers to be put on the public water grid. That is an elegant solution and probably cheaper than the 15000 baht complete water testing from CMU. (Hopefully. I don't know. Perhaps the "owner" is even willing to go "halfsies.") I will try to find out tomorrow when I talk with my broker. I want her to suggest this solution to the "owner." (Again finesse over balls.) But me offering to put forth my own money should help mend our communication breakdown and start us talking again. (I hope.) Thx for your suggestion. Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
impulse Posted February 23, 2014 Share Posted February 23, 2014 Gotta kind of wonder how gardens survived before sprinkler systems became ubiquitous here in Thailand. Several posters have hit on it, but gotten no acknowledgment from the OP. If the sprinkler system is your only problem with the property, turn it off and enjoy the relaxation and therapeutic release that comes from watering the garden. Win-win. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post HaleySabai Posted February 23, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted February 23, 2014 Chiang Mai is one of the most polluted city in the world ......someone needs to travel more! 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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