Rural Water Supply – Wells
In a rural setting where no municipal water supply is available, the water is usually supplied by a well.
There are three types of wells – dug wells, bored wells, and drilled wells.
Dug and bored wells are usually shallow, less than 50’, and have larger openings, usually 4’ in diameter with a stone or cement casing. These wells gather water from ground source, or aquifers close to the surface. They are more susceptible to contamination by surface water, bugs and small rodents.
Drilled wells are usually deeper, 50’-200’, and have a smaller casing which extends 3’-4’ above ground level. The 6” – 7” casing has a sealed cap to prevent contamination. These wells are more expensive to construct, but provide a safer water source.
At the bottom of all wells there is a pipe and a foot valve with a screen to block sand and sediment. The pipe comes up from the well and into the house, usually 4’ below ground level to prevent freezing.
The system may have a jet pump, or an older piston pump in the house, or a submersible pump which is actually down at the bottom of the well. Submersible pumps can pump water further up and are often used for deeper wells.
When purchasing a home with water supplied by a well, the purchaser should check: • Well Record – Usually available for wells constructed after the mid seventies. • Well recovery test – Especially, if there is no well record. • Location • Type • Depth • Sealed well cap 3’ – 4’ above ground level • Ground should slope away from the casing to prevent pooling of ground water around the casing and possible, contamination. • Pump – Type and age. • Piping – Type and condition. • Water Quality – Test by your local Health Unit.