PROMOTING THE MANAGEMENT AND PROTECTION OF PRIVATE WATER WELLS

Abstract

Rural families in Ontario depend almost entirely on groundwater from private wells for their potable water supply. In many cases, groundwater may be the only feasible water supply source and it requires management and protection. A significant potential source of ground water contamination is the movement of contaminated surface water through water wells that are improperly constructed, maintained, or should be decommissioned. Therefore, proper water well construction and maintenance, and eventual decommissioning, are critical for managing and protecting the quantity and quality of groundwater, as well as ensuring the integrity of rural drinking-water supplies. These actions are important for protecting private water supplies from both potential human and natural contamination. Individual well owners each have a personal interest and valuable role in ensuring the integrity of their water supplies. The following information is required to help well owners ensure the integrity of their water supply: different types of wells, why some wells are at greater risk of contamination than others, and sources of groundwater contaminants; groundwater contaminants, how they can move through soil and water, and potential risks to human health; benefits of ensuring that wells are properly maintained and operate efficiently; and importance of a regular well water quality testing program. This paper summarizes the technical information that should be provided to rural well owners concerning proper water well and groundwater management and protection, and provides an example of how this information can be promoted in an effective manner.

The author acknowledges the contributions of the following persons that were invaluable in the preparation of this paper: Alison Lane; Dr. Tom Baker, Susan Humphries, Michelle Jansen, Charles Lalonde, Jim Myslik, Ted Taylor, and David Rouleau, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food; Kim Yee, Ontario Ministry of Environment; and Fred Ruf and Bill Hunter, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.