Many homes on the north side are perched atop man-made hillocks to keep the water at bay. Home buyers will want to ask whether the home they're interested in was affected in the flood. Especially since the flood of '96, drainage on the island can be a problem. The flood stirred up underground aquifers that still plague portions of the island and are a topic of discussion at Sauvie Island Drainage District meetings. Ask whether drainage is an issue on the site you're considering.
Many islanders use water softeners or filters for their drinking water.
For those who really love the water, there are four moorages on the island, and about one-third of island dwellings are floating homes and boats used as residences. Grant Johnson is a longtime Sauvie Islander and owner of Sauvie Island Moorage, which docks 50 floating homes. From where Johnson sits, it's easy to understand the appeal of island life. The property across from us is managed by The Nature Conservancy and can never be developed. There are those with their water sports and their beer coolers, then there are those who come here for spiritual reasons, to commune with nature and refresh their soul.