Environment
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Private Water Supplies (Wells)
Over half the province’s population rely on their own private wells as a source of domestic water. In addition, private wells supply much of the water used by private industries. Under most circumstances, homeowners do not require a permit to have a well drilled, but any well construction must be conducted by a well driller licensed under the Province’s Water Well Regulations. These regulations set out basic well construction requirements, and the licensing requirements for well drillers. However, there are some circumstances where a well permit is required. These include cases where a well is to be drilled in a restricted area, or where it is not possible to meet all the well construction criteria prescribed in the water well regulations.
Unlike individuals serviced by public water supply systems, private well owners are responsible for the monitoring and maintenance of their water supplies. The department has a number of programs designed to assist owners of private wells in maintaining safe water supplies. Services include water quality testing, assistance in interpreting water quality information, advice on how to investigate bacteria problems, and how to disinfect your well.
The Department uses the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality as the principle basis for advice on drinking water quality issues, and in conjunction with the Environmental Health Division, can provide advice on recommended precautions homeowners can take in the event of adverse water quality results. One of the more serious problems encountered in relation to drinking water quality is contamination by E. coli. In the vast majority of cases, E. coli contamination of private wells is found to be caused by substandard or leaking septic tanks. Because of the importance of maintaining E. coli-free water, the Department has developed a specific procedure for E. coli investigations.
This information has been taken from website "Environment"