Well Inspection

Around your well

Look for possible contaminants, such as sources of animal wastes and chemical products. Contaminant sources affecting your well are most often found in your own backyard, so address these first. However, you should also be aware of other activities that may impact your water.

Community development may change the way the land upslope of your well is used. For instance, reducing the amount of vegetation increases the amount of runoff. This may increase the amount of surface water moving towards your well or reduce the amount of water penetrating the ground. Take notice of polluting industries and urban and agricultural run-off. Also, watch possible risks of groundwater contamination from unused wells, open excavations, quarries, and contaminated sites. For more details see the contaminants information in the Water Quality section.

Inspecting your well

It is the well owner's responsibility to maintain their well - to keep out surface run-off and foreign materials. It is recommended that you conduct an inspection of your well at least once a year, as outlined below, at the same time as you check for potential contaminants.

If you have problems with your well water, or concerns about your well, have your drilled well inspected by a DOEC licensed well driller, and your dug well inspected by an Environment Health Officer (i.e. Health Inspector).

As part of your maintenance routine, keep your well clear of brush, debris, snow and other obstructions.

Well Cap Check the well cap for signs of cracking or damage, and get it fixed or replaced immediately if there is a problem. The well cap should be firmly attached to the casing. The vent should face the ground and be properly screened to keep out insects but allow airflow. The well cap should be above ground and exposed at all times; cleared from snow, leaves and other obstacles. Drilled wells are required to have a vermin-proof cap. Dug well caps should be constructed to keep out as much vermin, including insects, as possible.

Annular Seal Look for problems with the sealant used to fill the space between the well hole and the well casing. A depression in the ground around the edge of the casing can indicate that the sealant has shrunk, collapsed, or cracked. A faulty annular seal needs to be repaired because contaminants use this gap as a path to your groundwater. Filling them with a clean crushed stone or bentonite can safely repair these spaces.

Well casing Look for any external signs of damage, cracking, or discolouration of your well casing. If you have a drilled well, removing the cap is not recommended. A licensed well driller can help you inspect inside if it's needed. If you have a dug well, you can remove the lid carefully. Inspect the inside casing using a strong flashlight. Look for holes or cracks, including evidence of insect infestations or stains coming from the casing joints. If there are stains it is not watertight and water is leaking from the top or around the sides.