We need a well, what is the next step?

Please contact us for a free estimate and on-site consultation. Make sure you are aware of well depths in your neighborhood. Try to find out if the neighboring wells have screens. Screens allow water to enter the well, but prevent soil particles from entering the well. If you have chosen an area for the well, determine if there are any access issues or low clearance issues. Please note, wells must be situated in an area of at least 100’ away from risks of contamination such as animals, fertilizer, vehicles, pesticides, composts, garbage, storage tanks, contaminated run-offs and septic fields. You need to consider risks of contamination not only on your property, but also risks from your neighbor’s property.

Another point to consider with your well location is to select a location that is on high ground and a low risk to flooding.

Once the well is drilled, what’s next?

The area surrounding the well will be quite muddy. You will see well casing stick-up at least 30 cm (12”) above the ground. A vermin-proof well cap will be secured to the well. This provides easy access for monitoring and inspecting the well.

Unless you have made arrangements with us, you can schedule a backhoe operator to come to your property to dig a trench from the well to your building. The trench should be about 4 feet deep and large enough for one man to work in.

Can I delay installing the pump?

You can have your well drilled and capped and leave the pump install for years. Normally with new homes a pump is installed once a backhoe operator has completed digging the trenches for the pipes and wires. Connecting the pump to the well can be done at your discretion.

Why is my well water dirty?

When a well is first drilled it contains sand and minerals. Once the pump is installed the well water will clear up within a few days of purging the well water.

How often should my well be maintained?

We recommend that wells be maintained every 3-5 years. Servicing your well will help restore well capacity. Older style wells need their casing to be brushed and cleaned. Years of well use can cause a build-up of rust, minerals and sand and can even cause some wells to be plugged. Contact us today for an estimate on rehabilitating your well.

Good maintenance should also include having your septic tank pumped every 2-3 years and ensure it is not failing. If your lot is smaller than 2.5 acres, check with your neighbor to ensure they have pumped their septic system within the last 3 years.

You should also have your water quality tested on a regular basis to ensure safety. Always keep potential contaminants a safe distance from your well. Contaminants can get into groundwater via surface run-off or percolation through the soil. Soil cleans and filters some contaminants but needs space and time to do so. To protect well water keep possible sources of contamination away from wells and surface water.

My well is no longer in use. What is my responsibility?

Wells that have not been used for 5 years must be deactivated. Deactivating a well means capping, securing, protecting and maintaining the well in a safe and sanitary condition while it is out of service.

Deactivated wells not used for 10 years must be properly closed. Closure involves backfilling and sealing the well. Drilled wells more than 15 feet or dug wells more than 50 feet deep must be closed by a qualified well driller.

My well does not have a cap. Is this OK?

No. All wells, regardless of when they were constructed are required to be protected by a vermin-proof well cap.

My well ID plate is damaged or lost. Is this OK?

No. All wells drilled by a certified well driller are required to have a well ID plate attached. If you require a new plate contact the Ministry of Environment for a new well ID plate, free of charge.

Do you provide estimates?

Yes estimates can be provided once we discuss your water well requirements with you. If you agree to proceed with the estimate we require a 20% deposit up front. Once we receive your deposit, we will schedule the work to be done.

Do you provide financing?

When a job is completed, we will send you an invoice. Our terms are payment due upon receipt. If you require alternate terms, please let us know.