Well Inspection

There are three types of wells usually found for use as supply of drinking water, they are:: dug, driven, and drilled. Proper well construction and continued maintenance are mandated by local health authorities to ensure the safety of your water supply. Your local water-well contractor licensing agency, local health department, or local water system professional can provide information on well construction. The well should be located so rainwater flows away from it. Rainwater can pick up harmful bacteria and chemicals on the land’s surface. If this water pools near your well, it can seep into it, potentially causing health problems. Water-well drillers and pump-well installers are listed in your local phone directory. The contractor should be bonded and insured. Make certain your ground water contractor is registered or licensed in your Province or Municipality.

Ontario law sets out minimum rules for:

• licensing individuals and companies who construct a well
• choosing a location for a new well (i.e., siting)
• constructing a well
• maintaining a well
• abandoning a well (plugging and sealing it)
• reporting well activities (e.g., completing and submitting well records)

Some common deficiencies found during a well inspection:

Cap on well is not properly sealed.

Not enough water flow for normal house hold use

Sand or sediment in water

Water smells of sulphur and is not drinkable.