FAQs
WHY DRILL?
Why not dig a well?
Dug wells are holes in the ground dug by a shovel or backhoe. Historically, a dug well was excavated below the groundwater table until incoming water exceeded the digger's bailing rate. The well was then lined (cased) with stones, brick, tile, or other material to prevent collapse. It was covered with a cap of wood, stone, or concrete. Dug wells are typically only 10 to 30 feet deep. Being so shallow, dug wells have the highest risk of being contaminated.
While dug wells have been used as a household water supply source for many years, most are "relics" of older homes, dug before drilling equipment was readily available or when drilling was considered too expensive. If you have a dug well on your property and are using it for drinking water, check to make sure it is properly covered and sealed and have your water tested regularly. Another problem relating to the shallowness of a dug well is that it may go during drought when the ground water table drops.
BEFORE DRILLING
How do I know where my well should be drilled?
After contacting our company and inquiring to have a well drilled on your property, Brad will set up an on-site visit to aid in the determination of the well location.
WELL MAINTENANCE
How do I disinfect my well and water system?
Unused wells can develop harmful bacteria and unpleasant odours. If you have received negative results from a water sample or are experiencing less than satisfactory water quality, the first step in resolving these problems is to disinfect your well.
Brad Marquardt & Son Ltd. would be happy yo assist you with your well maintenance. However, because we frequently receive calls from those looking for a do-it-yourself solution requesting information on chlorinating their well, we are supplying step-by-step instructions for those who wish to complete this process on their own. Please note that we DO NOT recommend doing this procedure yourself, nor do we take any liability in people undertaking this procedure. Such procedures should be performed by a licensed well technician and a water sample should be tested by your local Health Department prior to human consumption.
Determine the amount of bleach (unscented Javex) that you will need for the well by checking the table below. Consult your well record or well contractor for the depth of water in the well. It is calculated as the total depth minus the static water level. Add an extra litre of bleach to account for the volume of the hot water tank and pressure tank.
Let sit for one hour to allow the bleach to reach the bottom of the well.
Turn ON the outside tap. Run water through the hose until you can smell the bleach.
As soon as you smell the bleach, aim the hose down the well top, rinsing the inside of the well casing for 30 minutes. (This disinfects the inside of the well casing. It will also send sediment to the bottom of the well, which may later be pumped into your cottage. No need to be alarmed by this.) Once this step is complete, turn OFF the outside tap.
One at a time, turn ON each tap inside your home and run water until you can smell the bleach.
Turn OFF all inside taps and let sit for 24 hours without use.
After 24 hours, turn ON the outside tap and let water run until you do not smell bleach. (This keeps the bleach from entering your septic tank, which could harm the healthy bacteria needed for it to function properly.)
One at a time, turn ON each tap inside your home and run water until you can no longer smell bleach.
I'M EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS
How do I obtain a copy of my well record?
If your well was drilled by Brad Marquardt & Son Ltd., a copy of your well record can be obtained by contacting our office. Please have handy the original property owner's name, lot and concession and approximate year the well was drilled.
If, however, your well was drilled by another company, or you are unsure of who may have installed your well, you can search for your well record using the Ministry's search page here.
What if my well requires Hydro Fracturing?
If it is suggested that your well would benefit from Hydro Fracturing, Ontario Water Well Fracturing located in Inverary, ON would be happy to help you.
Click here to visit the OWWF website for contact information.
PRICING
How much will drilling a well cost?
To determine an approximate cost of drilling a well on your property, Brad will gladly set up a site visit to discuss the variables. Depending on the project, Brad may provide a lump sum cost for drilling or a price per foot.