Water information for rural landowners in the Saugeen and Maitland watersheds.
The best and most economical way to protect your well is by implementing BMP around the wellhead.
Locate wells on high ground where they won't be flooded by surface water. If your well is located in a depression, build up the soil around the well to divert water away. Drilled wells should be located at least 15 meters from septic systems or manure storages, shallow wells 30 meters.
Well casings should extend a minimum of 18 inches above the ground and have a sealed vermin-proof cap. Casings should be water-tight with water-tight joints. Drilled wells should have pitless adaptors. Make sure that there are no large gaps between the outside of the casing and the soil around it where surface water can run directly into the ground.
Wellheads should be accessible at all times of the year for maintenance and inspection. Do not plant gardens around or on top of your well. Avoid spreading fertilizers or pesticides around the well. Make sure that all livestock are fenced away from the well.
Testing your water is the only way to ensure that the water you are drinking is safe. Test your water seasonally (4 times a year) or after major rainfall and snowmelt events for bacteriological contamination. You should also test your water annually for nitrates and fluoride, parameters that have no taste or smell but can have long-term health effects on you and your family.