Water Supply and Wells

Nearly all Farms and Rural Properties in Durham Region and Kawartha Lakes depend  on wells as the main source of water supply for drinking water for both human consumption and watering livestock. Many properties have more than one well. Ponds are also common for watering livestock.  Adequate supply, recovery rate and quality are always common questions to ask about wells on a prospective property.

Well types – wells generally are of three types, drilled, bored and dug.  Drilled wells with steel casings are the norm for all newer wells.  Generally they access aquifers or underground streams and quite often have a high concentration of sulphur, iron and calcium however, they are generally considered better as they are usually less susceptible ground water contaminates such as ecoli and chloroform.  Water softeners and filters are generally used to minimize high concentrations of minerals.  Dug and bored wells are considered “softer” water without the concentrations of minerals as the main source of supply is ground water. Casings are usually 30 inch concrete tiles or stone. This however, lends itself to possible contamination and should be checked regularly with the Ministry of Health and the installation of water purification and treatment systems is always a good idea. All wells should be properly sealed. Concrete caps should be used in the case of bored or dug wells  and drilled wells should have a proper metal cap designed for the casing.

The Ministry of Health recommends that all wells be tested regularly for contaminants . Local Health Units in Lindsay, Peterborough and Whitby have an ample supply of water sample bottles for this purpose. Testing procedures and specific instructions are included.

With the sale of any rural property or farm, the law in Ontario requires the seller to submit a water sample to the Ministry of Health and to provide a report of “0/0” contamination to the seller upon transfer.  Conscientious Real Estate Salespersons representing the buyer will  also have the seller “warrant and represent” in any “offer to purchase” the safe and adequate supply of water and the proper functioning of all pumping and treatment equipment.