Where can a water well be located on your property? What type of maintenance is involved? And how much does it cost to have one drilled? Whether you’re buying a residential or commercial property in British Columbia that already has a water well or having a new well drilled on your current land, read on for some key info.
1. Choosing a Drilling Location
If you’re considering having a water well constructed on your British Columbia property, you may wish to consult a hydrologist to determine the optimal spot for drilling. It’s also important to check for nearby buried gas or power lines by contacting BC One Call at 1-800-474-6886. The location you settle on is subject to the following requirements:
Must be at least 100 feet from any septic system (field and tank included)
Must be at least 10 feet inside property lines
J.R. Drilling Central Limited Partnership also recommends that the location you choose for your water well be at least 20 feet from any building
2. What to Look for in a Well Driller
For a well that complies with all provincial regulations and is able to provide your home or business with a safe, consistent supply of drinking water, always do business with a registered well driller. Always consult the Ministry of Environment’s Register of Well Drillers before moving forward. Look for a well drilling company that informs you of all the steps involved throughout the process, takes the time to answer your questions and makes you feel comfortable to do business with them. Drilling a new water well in British Columbia definitely isn’t a task suited for a DIY approach!
3. How to Evaluate Costs
When shopping around for a drilling contractor to drill your new water well, make sure that all the estimates you receive are comprehensive. Prices can be higher or lower depending on various factors, including:
Equipment used
Ground makeup (sand, gravel, rock)
The amount of water you need
How deep the water source is
4. Maintaining Your Well
Water wells in British Columbia are relatively low-maintenance, but some routine care is required under the provincial Groundwater Protection Regulation. Most maintenance tasks should be carried out by a registered well driller like J.R. Drilling Central Limited Partnership—to ensure the integrity of the water supply is preserved. In addition, you must maintain a clear, unobstructed path to the well at all times for access.
5. Keeping Your Well Water Safe for Drinking
Safety first! When you depend on a well for your drinking water, it’s important to have the quality of the water tested regularly by a reliable laboratory to avoid contracting a water-borne disease from a contaminated supply. For information on where to have your water tested or to report contaminants in your water supply, contact your drinking water officer through your local health authority.
If you have any further questions about water wells in British Columbia, or if you need a driller to install a new well on your residential or commercial property, get in touch with the experts at J.R. Drilling Central Limited Partnership. We’re registered and licensed with the provincial government and members of the British Columbia Ground Water Association. Call us today for a free on-site evaluation at 1-866-711-8118.