PROTECTION AND MAINTENANCE OF YOUR WELL
For major repairs always hire a licensed contractor, registered with the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) and a member of the Ontario Ground Water Association (OGWA). Ensure that all upgrades or decommissioning meets with provincial regulations.
Proper protection and maintenance of your well is extremely important to safeguard the health of you and your family. To ensure the safety of your drinking water:
- Test your water regularly. Test kits are available at Lorraine’s Pharmacy in Barry’s Bay.
- Create an inventory of potential contamination activities.
- Visually inspect your well and septic system annually.
- Pump septic systems every 3-5 years.
- Use eco-friendly alternatives.
- Conserve water where possible.
- Dispose of hazardous waste at appropriate locations.
- Inspect and install double walled tanks for fuel storage.
- On waterfront properties, keep a shoreline buffer to reduce runoff.
Inspect your well cap and casing annually,
- Check for cracks, corrosion, loose fittings or signs of tampering.
- Make sure the well cap is secure and vermin proof to prevent insects, animals and debris from entering.
- Look for any damage or signs of wear on the casing above ground.
Test water once per year
- for bacteria (especially coliform and e-coli) and nitrates.
- Consider testing for other contaminants if you notice taste, odour and colour changes, especially if you live near a farm, fuel storage or septic system.
- Use accredited labs and keep test results with your well records.
Keep hazardous materials away from your well.
- Do not store or mix fuel, pesticides, fertilizers or household chemicals near the well.
- Maintain a clear zone of at least 10 meters around the well head.
- Avoid allowing pet waste or compost piles new the well area.
Ensure Proper Surface Drainage.
- Grounds around the well should slope away to avoid pooling of water.
- Avoid directing downspouts or drains toward the well area.
- Proper grading protects the well from surface runoff and contamination.
Well records are important.
- Official records are supplied by a licensed well-driller at the time of installation and will include the following:
- The owner’s name.
- Well location, lot, concession, township and main address.
- Geographic coordinates.
- Geographical Log
- Water levels and yields
- Pump test data.
- Water quality information.
- Contractor’s name and License number.
System Problems.
- Sudden changes in taste, smell and/or colour of the water.
- Decrease of water pressure or flow.
- Pump cycling frequently or making noise.
- Sediment or air bubbles.
- Water testing showing contamination …. Stop drinking water.
Resources.
- Go to Ontario Ground Water Association at ogwa.ca for guides, fact sheets and videos.
- Visit Ontario.ca/environment-and-energy/map-well-records.
- Local Public Health Units offer free or low-cost water tests for bacteria (E-coli, total coliform) and provide education for protecting water sources and what to do during a boil water advisory. They also help interpret test results and guide your next steps.
Testing
Go to https://testmark.ca/ and https://mywaterquality .ca/ for testing of bacteria (e-coli and coliform).
For chemical testing to go ontario.ca/page/list-licensed-laboratories to find licensed laboratories in your area. They will come with a fee.
