For more information on obtaining copies of this publication contact:

Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development

Publications Office
J.G. O'Donoghue Building
7000-113 Street
Edmonton, AB T6H 5T6
Phone toll free: 1-800-292-5697 Fax: (780) 422-8835
or
Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development
The publication can be viewed on-line at: Information Centre
http://www.agric.gov.ab.ca/ Main Floor, 9920-108 Street
then click on the search button and type in Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2M4
"Water Wells" in the search box. Phone: (780) 427-2700 Fax: (780) 427-4407

©Copyright 1996
First Edition: 1996
Second Edition: 1998
Reprinted: 1999
Third Edition: 2000
Fourth Edition: 2005
Fifth Edition: 2006
Sixth Edition: 2007
Seventh Edition: 2010
Eighth Edition: 2013

All rights reserved by Her Majesty the Queen in right of Alberta.

Materials may not be reproduced without the permission of
Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development
4.5 M
Acknowledgements
Written by: Bob Buchanan, Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development
Nga De La Cruz, Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development
Jennifer Macpherson, Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development
Ken Williamson, Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development

Technical Input: John Lebedin, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

David Toop, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Terry Dash, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Reviewers: Darcy Fitzgerald, Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development

Myron Hawryliw, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Dave Kiely, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Jennifer Macpherson, Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development
Lyle Penrod, GWIETCO

Revision: Tony Cowen, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Jennifer MacPherson, Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development
Murray Tenove, Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development
Melissa Orr-Langner, Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development

Project Development: Bob Buchanan, Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development

Faye Douglas Phillips, Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development
Lewis Fahner, Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development
Darcy Fitzgerald, Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development
Myron Hawryliw, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Dave Kiely, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Neil MacAlpine, Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development
Jennifer Macpherson, Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development
Pat Osachuk, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ken Williamson, Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development

Special thanks to Lewis Fahner (AESRD) and Len Fullen (ARD) who cared enough to bring forth an idea and
a group of individuals who shared their concerns.

Thank you to the Alberta Water Well Drilling Association, the Canadian Ground Water Association, and the
Canadian Association of Geophysical Contractors for their help in providing revisions to the original manual.
Educational Design: Instructional Design Unit, Coordinator of the Home Study Program
Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development

Maureen Barnes,
Instructional Designer

Eugene Balogh,
Desktop Publisher

Lois Hameister,
Editor

Faye Douglas Phillips,

Home Study Coordinator

George Cassady,
Timber Line Graphics

Agricultural Engineering: Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development

Joanna Fyck,
Illustrations

Crystal Lively
Illustrations

George Ragan,
Illustrations

We also acknowledge the following sources of information used in the preparation of these
resource materials:
- Driscoll, F. G., 1986. Groundwater and Wells, 2nd Edition.
Johnson Filtration Systems Inc., St. Paul, Minnesota.
- Canadian Ground Water Association, 1995. Guidelines for Water Well Construction. Canadian
Ground Water Association, Lousana, Alberta.
Table of Contents
Introduction—How to Use This Workbook............................................................................i
Contents.....................................................................................................................................i
Other Features of the Workbook............................................................................................iii

Module 1—Understanding Groundwater.............................................................................. 1

What is Groundwater?............................................................................................................. 1
Aquifers and Aquicludes.................................................................................................... 2
Confined and Unconfined Aquifers................................................................................... 2
Types of Aquifers in Alberta.................................................................................................... 3
Groundwater Movement.......................................................................................................... 4
Groundwater Recharge............................................................................................................ 4
Factors Affecting Groundwater Quality ................................................................................. 5
Depth from Ground Surface.............................................................................................. 5
Permeability of Sediments................................................................................................ 6
Chemical Makeup of Sediments........................................................................................ 6
Climatic Variations............................................................................................................ 6
Geology and Groundwater Supplies in Alberta...................................................................... 7

Module 2—Planning Your Water System .............................................................................. 9

Why Plan?................................................................................................................................. 9
Steps to Planning Your Water System.................................................................................. 10
Determine Water Requirements..................................................................................... 10
Complete an Inventory of Water Sources....................................................................... 10
Water Source Options............................................................................................................ 11
Wells................................................................................................................................. 11
Dugouts............................................................................................................................. 11
 Other Planning Considerations............................................................................................. 12
Test Water Quality.......................................................................................................... 12
Treat Water...................................................................................................................... 12
Monitor the Supply.......................................................................................................... 12
Maintain the Well and Water System............................................................................ 12
Protect from Contamination............................................................................................ 12
Average Daily and Annual Water Requirements Worksheet.............................................. 13
Sizing of Water Systems Worksheet..................................................................................... 15
Farm Water Supply Inventory Worksheet............................................................................ 16

Module 3—Design and Construction of Water Wells........................................................17

Choosing a Licensed Water Well Contractor........................................................................ 17
Choosing a Well Site.............................................................................................................. 18
Well Design Considerations................................................................................................... 20
Well Depth........................................................................................................................ 20
Types of Wells.................................................................................................................. 20
Casing Size and Type....................................................................................................... 22
Intake Design................................................................................................................... 22
Annular Seal.................................................................................................................... 24
Well Cap........................................................................................................................... 24
Well Completion..................................................................................................................... 25
Well Development............................................................................................................ 25
Yield Test.......................................................................................................................... 26
Disinfecting the Well....................................................................................................... 26

Module 4—Water Well Drilling Agreements.......................................................................27

Water Well Drilling Agreement Example............................................................................. 27
Water Well Casing Specifications.......................................................................................... 33
Water Well Drilling Report.................................................................................................... 34
Water Well Drilling Agreement Form................................................................................... 35
Module 5—Monitoring and Maintenance of Your Water Well........................................37
Water Level Measurements................................................................................................... 37
How to Measure Water Levels........................................................................................ 38
Interpreting Water Levels............................................................................................... 39
Water Quality Measurements............................................................................................... 43
Bacteriological Analysis................................................................................................... 43
Chemical Analysis............................................................................................................ 43
Non-routine Testing......................................................................................................... 44
Sampling........................................................................................................................... 44
Interpreting Results........................................................................................................ 44
Water Well Monitoring Log Worksheet................................................................................ 45

Module 6—Shock Chlorination..............................................................................................47

Signs of Nuisance Bacteria ................................................................................................... 48
Slime Growth................................................................................................................... 48
Rotten Egg Odour............................................................................................................ 48
Increased Staining Problems.......................................................................................... 48
Shock Chlorination Method................................................................................................... 49
Effectiveness of Shock Chlorination............................................................................... 49
Shock Chlorination Procedure for Drilled Wells............................................................ 50
Modified Procedure for Large Diameter Wells............................................................... 53
Calculating Water and Chlorine Requirements for Shock Chlorination Worksheet.......... 54

Module 7—Troubleshooting Water Well Problems............................................................55

Causes of Well Problems........................................................................................................ 55
Improper Well Design and Construction........................................................................ 56
Incomplete Well Development......................................................................................... 56
Borehole Stability Problems............................................................................................ 56
Mineral Incrustation........................................................................................................ 57
Biofouling......................................................................................................................... 57
Corrosion.......................................................................................................................... 57
 Over-pumping.................................................................................................................. 58
Dissolved Gas in Water................................................................................................... 58
Aquifer Problems............................................................................................................. 58
Troubleshooting Guide........................................................................................................... 59
Symptom #1 — Reduced Well Yield................................................................................ 60
Symptom #2 — Sediment in Water................................................................................. 61
Symptom #3 — Change in Water Quality...................................................................... 62
Symptom #4 — Dissolved Gas in the Water................................................................... 63

Module 8—Protecting Your Well From Contamination...................................................65

Poor Well Construction.......................................................................................................... 65
Old Wells................................................................................................................................. 66
Well Pits.................................................................................................................................. 67
Farm Water Hydrants Installed in a Well or Well Pit......................................................... 68
Poor Sewage Systems............................................................................................................. 68
Seismic Shot Holes................................................................................................................. 69
Over-Application or Improper Storage of Manure or Fertilizer.......................................... 69
Hazardous Material Storage.................................................................................................. 69
Fuel Storage Tanks................................................................................................................ 70
Pesticide Contamination........................................................................................................ 70
Contamination During Maintenance.................................................................................... 70

Module 9—Plugging Abandoned Wells.................................................................................73

Who is Responsible?............................................................................................................... 74
Process of Plugging a Well..................................................................................................... 74
Preparation....................................................................................................................... 74
Materials.......................................................................................................................... 75
Method.............................................................................................................................. 76
Steps to Plugging a Well........................................................................................................ 77
 Special Problems.................................................................................................................... 78
Record of Well Plugging Worksheet...................................................................................... 79

Module 10—Groundwater Management..............................................................................81

Inventory.......................................................................................................................... 82
Allocation and Licensing................................................................................................. 83
Obtaining a Licence......................................................................................................... 84
Protection and Conservation........................................................................................... 85

Module 11—Contacts For More Information......................................................................87

Module 12—Other Resources..................................................................................................91

General Water-Related Information............................................................................... 91
Planning Your Water System.......................................................................................... 91
Design and Construction of Water Wells........................................................................ 92
Monitoring Your Water Well .......................................................................................... 92
Shock Chlorination of Water Wells................................................................................. 92
Troubleshooting Water Well Problems........................................................................... 93
Protecting Your Well From Contamination................................................................... 93
Groundwater Management............................................................................................. 94

Glossary.......................................................................................................................................95

List of Figures
Hydrologic Cycle....................................................................................................................... 1
Types of Aquifers...................................................................................................................... 3
Bored Well............................................................................................................................... 20
Well Completions.................................................................................................................... 21
Annular Seal........................................................................................................................... 24
Dip Tube.................................................................................................................................. 38
Pumping Water Level Drawdown......................................................................................... 41
Siphoning Chlorine Solution.................................................................................................. 52
Perforated Well Liner and Well Screen................................................................................. 56
Annular or Casing Seal.......................................................................................................... 66
Multi-Aquifer Well Completion............................................................................................. 66
Well Pit................................................................................................................................... 67
Pitless Adaptor....................................................................................................................... 67
Farm Water Hydrant............................................................................................................. 68
Poor Sewage Systems............................................................................................................. 68
Well Contamination............................................................................................................... 73
Contamination from an Abandoned Well ............................................................................. 73
Bridging.................................................................................................................................. 76
Cutting Off the Casing and Mounding the Clay................................................................... 77
 Introduction — How to Use This Workbook

How to Use This Workbook

All references to volumes or flow rates There are 12 modules in this workbook, many with worksheets for you to complete. There
are in Imperial measurements unless is a pocket on the back cover for storing your worksheets. The pocket on the front cover is
otherwise specified. for storing other well documents like your driller's report. Extra copies of worksheets are
included in the back cover pocket. Some topics will be of more interest to you than others,
but we urge you to start with Module 1 “Understanding Groundwater” and then move on to
topics that relate to your situation.
A video has been developed to be used in conjunction with the workbook. To obtain the
Water Wells That Last video, see page 92 in Module 12 “Other Resources”.

Contents
Module 1 Understanding Groundwater
Groundwater is vulnerable to overuse and misuse. With the information in this module,
you will better understand the complexities of groundwater and can use and protect the
groundwater on your land so that future generations can depend on the resource. You’ll also
look at factors that affect the quantity and quality of groundwater.

Module 2 Planning Your Water System

Use this module to assess whether your water source can meet your needs. You will
learn how to plan a water system designed to meet your needs today and in the future.
Worksheets allow you to calculate daily and annual water requirements and take a farm
water supply inventory.

Module 3 Design and Construction of Water Wells

Although you need to hire a licensed water well contractor to design and construct your
well and use suitable materials, it is important that you understand the process. You’ll learn
about choosing a suitable well site, proper design and completion.

Module 4 Water Well Drilling Agreements

This module gives an example of items that you and your licensed water well contractor
should discuss and agree to before starting any water well drilling.

i
Introduction — How to Use This Workbook

Module 5 Monitoring and Maintenance of Your Water Well

An effective monitoring program will identify changes in water levels and water quality.
This module outlines how to measure water levels and water quality on an ongoing basis.
A water well monitoring worksheet is included.

Module 6 Shock Chlorination

This module outlines the importance of shock chlorination for well maintenance.
Shock chlorination is used to control bacteria in water wells. Uncontrolled, bacteria can
cause reduced well yield, restricted water flow, staining, odours and plugging of water
treatment equipment. This module outlines a procedure you can do yourself to shock
chlorinate your well.

Module 7 Troubleshooting Water Well Problems

There are many causes of water well problems. This module outlines some of the causes
and provides a troubleshooting guide. The troubleshooting guide identifies four symptoms —
reduced well yield, sediment in the water, change in water quality and spurting household
taps — and explains what to check for and how to correct the problem.

Module 8 Protecting Your Well from Contamination

Once a well is contaminated, it is difficult to remove the contaminant. This module aims
at preventing contamination from poor well design and construction, old wells, well pits,
farm water hydrants, inadequate sewage systems, seismic shot holes, over-application of
manure or improper storage of manure or fertilizer, hazardous material storage, fuel storage
tanks, pesticides and contamination during well maintenance.

Module 9 Plugging Abandoned Wells

Abandoned wells are a threat to groundwater quality and a safety hazard for children
and animals. This module outlines the steps to plugging a well. Some steps you can do
yourself and others you may want to hire a licensed water well contractor to complete.

Module 10 Groundwater Management

This module outlines how the province is protecting groundwater from overuse and
contamination. It also covers groundwater licensing as well as strategies that deal with
inventory, allocation, protection and conservation.

ii
Introduction — How to Use This Workbook

Module 11 Contacts for More Information

This module provides a list of agencies and organizations who can help you with your rural
water needs and problems.

Module 12 Other Resources

Use this module to access other publications and videos on water resources.

Glossary
Use the glossary to help understand various terms used in this manual.

Other Features of the Workbook

This illustrates an example. Study the example before you attempt the related
exercise or do your own calculations.

Worksheet This symbol tells you to complete a worksheet found at the end of the module.
Working copies of the worksheets are found in the back cover pocket. Use the back
pocket to store completed worksheets.

This symbol tells you to refer to the Water Wells That Last video.

Checklist This symbol tells you to check off applicable items in order to identify a problem.

iii
 Module 1 — Understanding Groundwater

Understanding Groundwater
For more information refer to Groundwater is a priceless resource lying beneath most of Alberta’s land surface. About
the Water Wells That Last video (Part I — 90 percent of rural Albertans rely on groundwater for a household water supply. Reliance
Planning and Construction). on groundwater continues to increase in rural Alberta because of the steady increase in
livestock populations and groundwater requirements for oil recovery purposes.
Because it is a “hidden” resource, groundwater is vulnerable to overuse and water
quality degradation. This module provides basic information about how groundwater occurs
below the ground surface that will help understand how to use and protect groundwater in a
manner that will ensure plentiful supplies ermain for future generations.

What is Groundwater?
Groundwater is one component of the earth’s water cycle. The water cycle, called the
hydrologic cycle, involves the movement of water as water vapour, rain, snow, surface water
and groundwater. The earth’s water is constantly circulating from the earth’s surface up into
the atmosphere and back down again as precipitation (see Figure 1, Hydrologic Cycle).

Figure 1 Hydrologic Cycle

1
Module 1 — Understanding Groundwater

Some precipitation that falls to the ground surface infiltrates the ground and becomes
groundwater. Groundwater is defined as sub-surface water that fills openings and pore
spaces in soil and rock layers. Below the ground surface is an unsaturated zone, which water
travels through, to reach lower zones. The water table is the point at which the ground is
completely saturated. Below this level the pore spaces between every grain of soil and rock
crevice completely fill with water.

Aquifers and Aquicludes

The layers of soil and rock below the water table are classified in two broad categories:
 Aquifers
 Aquicludes.
Aquifers are water bearing layers (or formations) that yield water to wells in usable
amounts. Typical aquifers are made of sand, gravel or sandstone. These materials have large
enough connected pore spaces between grains that water moves freely. Coal and shale are
more tightly compacted but may also be suitable aquifer materials if they are fractured (or
cracked) enough to allow water to move through them.
Aquicludes are water bearing formations that cannot yield adequate water for wells.
Examples of these are clay and unfractured shale and coal. The pore spaces between grains
of these materials are so small that water moves through them extremely slowly.

Confined and Unconfined Aquifers

Unconfined aquifers are exposed directly to the atmosphere through openings in the
soil. The volume of water in unconfined aquifers is mainly dependent on seasonal cycles of
precipitation that refills the aquifer. A water table aquifer is an example of an unconfined
aquifer (see Figure 2, Types of Aquifers).
A confined aquifer is trapped below an upper confining layer of rock, clay or shale.
When a well is drilled into a confined aquifer, the water level in the well rises above the
upper boundary of the aquifer. Aquifers that are completely saturated with water and
under pressure are called artesian aquifers. The artesian aquifer shown in Figure 2, Types
of Aquifers, is an example of a confined aquifer. A flowing artesian well results when the
pressure in the aquifer raises the water level above the ground surface.

2
Module 1 — Understanding Groundwater

Figure 2 Types of Aquifers

Types of Aquifers in Alberta

There are two main types of aquifers in Alberta:
 Surficial
 Bedrock.
The amount of water available in each type varies depending on the geological makeup
of the area.
Surficial aquifers are shallow sand and gravel aquifers that typically occur between
10-30 m (33-100 ft.). They are important sources of water for many parts of Alberta.
Buried valleys are much like our river system. In Alberta, there is a vast network of
interconnected valleys located beneath the land surface. These buried valleys appear to
have been carved into the upper portion of the underground rock formations and sometimes
contain extensive deposits of sand and gravel. They range in depth from 15-90 m (50-300 ft.)
and in width from under .4 km (1/4 mi.), to over 16 km (10 mi.).

3
Module 1 — Understanding Groundwater

They can offer excellent sites for high yielding wells that can produce up to 500 gallons
per minute (gpm). Consequently, there has been considerable effort by hydrogeologists and
licensed water well contactors over the past 10 to 20 years to identify the locations of these
high yielding aquifers. It is expected that in years to come these buried valleys will become a
major source of water supply for agricultural and industrial purposes throughout the province.
If the exact locations, yield and water quality of these sources were known, community wells
and pipelines could replace individual dugouts and marginal wells in areas with little other
groundwater. Properly managed pipelines from wells tapping into these formations would
ensure a long-term water supply.
Bedrock aquifers in Alberta are usually composed of sandstone, fractured shale
and coal. These aquifers are generally sufficient for most domestic needs; however, larger
livestock operations often struggle to meet all of their water requirements from wells drilled
into bedrock aquifers. Fractured shales and coals are generally much lower yielding than
sandstone (shale and coal yield <1 to 30 gpm; sandstone yields 1 to 500 gpm). Sandstone
aquifers that yield more than 50 gpm are limited to a small portion of the province. These few
high yielding aquifers are often tapped for municipal use.

Groundwater Movement
Groundwater is continually moving, but generally very slowly. Gravity is the major
driving force and thus groundwater is always moving from areas of higher elevation to
lower elevation. Notice the water table in Figure 2, Types of Aquifers, is not level. It slopes
toward the stream indicating groundwater moves in that direction. The water in the Artesian
(confined) aquifer is also moving away from the area of higher elevation due to gravity.
Knowing the direction of groundwater movement is increasingly important because of the
danger of contaminating groundwater supplies. Shallow water table aquifers are especially
susceptible to surface contaminants such as sewage, manure, pesticides and petroleum
products when they enter the ground at higher elevations, or upslope from the well. Proper
well location and separation distances from potential contaminants reduce this risk.

Groundwater Recharge
Aquifers can be recharged (or refilled) directly by precipitation moving down through
the soil and rock layers and into these water bearing formations. They can also be recharged
by infiltration from surface water sources such as lakes, rivers, creeks and sloughs. Conversely,
groundwater may discharge to surface water sources. The quantity of groundwater discharge
may be a significant portion of input into the surface water source and can affect water
quality accordingly.

4
 Module 1 — Understanding Groundwater

Natural groundwater recharge is affected by human activities on the ground surface.

For example, the drainage of sloughs removes water that would have infiltrated to eventually
become groundwater. A reduction in groundwater recharge can seriously reduce the water
level in nearby shallow wells. This groundwater/surface water interaction must be carefully
considered because the development of either resource will affect the quantity and quality of
the other.

Factors Affecting Groundwater Quality

An understanding of the factors that affect groundwater quality can help you make
decisions on well depth and the best water quality for a particular application. There are
several factors that affect groundwater quality:
 Depth from ground surface
 Permeability and chemical makeup of the sediments through which
groundwater moves
 Climatic variations.

Depth from Ground Surface

Water is the world’s greatest and most abundant solvent. It attempts to dissolve
everything it comes in contact with. As a result, the longer groundwater takes to move
through the sediments, the more mineralized it becomes. Thus, shallow groundwater
aquifers have a lower level of mineralization, or total dissolved solids (TDS), than deeper
aquifers. Water from deeper groundwater aquifers typically has a much longer trip to its
destination and thus it is usually more mineralized.

Total dissolved solids (TDS) means the While shallow wells have lower levels of TDS, they do have higher levels of calcium,
quantity of dissolved minerals in the water. magnesium and iron than deeper wells. High levels of these minerals make the water
“hard.” Deeper wells have higher levels of sodium and lower levels of hardness, making the
water “soft.” The reason is that deeper sediments and rock formations contain higher levels
of sodium and as water moves downward through the sediment and rock formations, a
natural ion exchange process occurs. Calcium, magnesium and iron in the groundwater are
exchanged for sodium in the sediment and rock formations. The result is groundwater with
higher levels of sodium and little or no hardness. The process is identical to what occurs in
an automatic water softener, except in this case, it is a natural phenomenon.

5
 Module 1 — Understanding Groundwater

Permeability of Sediments
Groundwater is stored in the small spaces between particles that make up the sediment
and rock formations. These pore spaces are interconnected and groundwater moves slowly
through them. Permeability is a measure of the ease with which groundwater travels
through the pore spaces. Groundwater moves very slowly through sediments with low
permeability, such as clay. This allows more time for minerals to dissolve. In contrast,
sediments with high permeability, such as sand, allow groundwater to move more quickly.
There is less time for minerals to dissolve and thus the groundwater usually contains lower
levels of dissolved minerals.
There is also a difference in dissolved solids between groundwater in recharge zones
and water in discharge zones. Recharge zones are uplands areas where precipitation readily
enters the ground through permeable, sandier sediments. Generally, water in recharge zones
has a low level of mineralization. Discharge areas are low areas where groundwater flow
eventually makes its way back to (or near) the ground surface. Groundwater found in such
areas can be extremely high in minerals such as sodium, sulfates and chlorides. Examples
are saline seeps, sloughs and lakes.

Chemical Makeup of Sediments

A basic understanding of the factors that Another factor affecting groundwater quality is the chemical makeup of minerals. Some
affect groundwater quality can help you chemicals are more soluble than others, making them more likely to become dissolved in the
make decisions on well depths and the best water. For example, groundwater in contact with sediments containing large concentrations
water quality for a given application. of sodium, sulfate and chloride will become mineralized at a faster rate than if other
chemicals were present.

Climatic Variations
Climatic variations such as annual rainfall and evaporation rates also play an important
role in groundwater quality. In semi-arid regions discharging groundwater often evaporates
as it approaches the surface. The minerals from the water are deposited in the soil, creating
a salt buildup. Precipitation infiltrating through the soil can redisslove the salts, carrying
them back into the groundwater. For example, in east central and southern Alberta where
annual precipitation is from 25-40 cm (10-16 in.) and the evaporation rate is high, TDS are
about 2500 parts per million (ppm). In areas with higher precipitation and lower evaporation
rates, precipitation that reaches groundwater is less mineralized. For example, in western
Alberta where annual precipitation is more than 45 cm (18 in.) groundwater in surficial
deposits contains less than 800 ppm of TDS.

6
Module 1 — Understanding Groundwater

Geology and Groundwater Supplies in Alberta

Alberta is divided into four main geological areas: the interior plains, mountains, foothills
and the crystalline shield of northeastern Alberta.

The same factors that affect water quality also affect the quantity of water available. The
following table shows the high variability in potential yield of water, given the soil and rock
formations found in the four geological areas. The mountains and foothills are grouped together
in this chart.

Soil and Rock Interior Plains Mountains and Crystalline Shield of

Formations Foothills N.E. Alberta
Shales <1 to 20 gpm <1 to 20 gpm <1 gpm
(if fractured) (if fractured)
Sandstones 1-500 gpm 1 to 100 gpm <1 gpm
Siltstones <1-5 gpm <1-5 gpm Not present
Coal Dry - 30 gpm Dry - 30 gpm Not present
Limestones Dry - 30,000 gpm Dry - 30,000 gpm Not present
at points of discharge at points of discharge
(springs) (springs)
Dolomites Dry - 50 gpm Dry - 15,000 gpm Not present
northeastern plains at points of discharge
(springs)
Evaporites - Gypsum Dry Dry Not present
- Halite
- Anhydrite

Crystalline Rocks Present only in Variable yield About 5 gpm

extremely limited
areas
Sand and Gravel <1 - 500 gpm locally <1 - 500 gpm Up to 100 gpm locally
in some buried
channels
Clays <1 <1 <1

Source: Alberta Research Council — General Review of Geology As It Relates to Groundwater in Alberta.

7
Module 1 — Understanding Groundwater

8
 Module 2 — Planning Your Water System

Planning Your Water System

For more information refer to This module helps you assess whether your water source has adequate capacity to meet
the Water Wells That Last video (Part I — your needs. Water sources are covered in detail. You will also get an overview of the planning
Planning and Construction). considerations and benefits of a well-designed water system.
A water system may include:
 Water sources

For more specific information on pumps,  Pumps

pressure tanks, pipeline sizing, water  Pressure system and additional storage if required
quality and treatment equipment, contact
a water specialist with Alberta Agriculture  Distribution system including pipelines, automatic waterers, hydrants
and Rural Development. You could also and home plumbing
contact the Alberta Water Well Drilling  Water treatment equipment.
Association or your local licensed water well
contractors. See Module 11 "Contacts for
More Information".
Why Plan?
Often little thought and foresight are given to planning a farm or home water system. On
the surface, a water system seems no more than an automatic pump and storage tank that
You should determine water quality and delivers water under pressure to the household. There are other important aspects, such as
availability before you buy a new property how much water is available, the pressure requirements, water quality and provisions for
or build a new home. If there is an existing watering a garden and fire fighting. When planning your water system, consider all the uses
well, you should have it yield tested to (current and potential) of water in your home and business. Include such things as:
establish its performance. You should also
 Livestock watering
have the water tested for quality.
 Cleaning barn floors and equipment
 Irrigation of gardens and greenhouses
 Egg and milk production
 Fire protection.

A water system that is well planned and designed costs more initially but saves money in
the end. Costly changes to correct errors are reduced and you have a convenient and reliable
water supply, provided you monitor and maintain the system (see Module 5 "Monitoring &
Maintenance of Your Water Well" and Module 6 "Shock Chlorination").

9
 Module 2 — Planning Your Water System

Steps to Planning Your Water System

In order to plan your water system you need to:
 Determine water requirements
 Complete an inventory of water sources.
Worksheet
Complete "Average Daily and Annual
Water Requirements" worksheet and Determine Water Requirements
"Sizing of Water Systems" worksheet. The first step to planning is to determine your water requirements. Look beyond your
Samples of these worksheets are found at current requirements and consider any changes you may be making in the next few years.
the end of this module. Working copies are For example, is another family moving to the farm? Are you considering diversifying to
found in the back cover pocket. Store these include a market garden? Use the worksheets "Daily and Annual Water Requirements" and
completed worksheets in the back pocket. "Sizing of Water Systems" included in the pocket on the back cover to calculate your daily,
annual and peak use requirements. Sample copies are at the back of the module.

Complete an Inventory of Water Sources

Worksheet The next step to planning is to complete an inventory of all existing well and surface
Complete "Farm Water Supply Inventory" water sources. Record production rates, storage volumes and any previous problems with
worksheet. A sample copy is found at the water quantity or quality for each water source. Completing an inventory will show if
end of this module. Working copies are there is adequate water supply to meet your needs year round. Use the worksheet, "Farm
found in the back cover pocket. Store this Water Supply Inventory," included in the back cover pocket to list all the water sources
completed worksheet in the back pocket available to you.
for easy reference. A well-planned water system should also have a backup or second water source in case of
pump or water source failure. Water sources that can easily be connected using underground
piping provide the flexibility required in emergencies.
If you have some doubt about the adequacy of your existing water sources, take time to
check all the options before choosing to drill a new well. There may be ways of increasing
Contact Alberta Environment and
well yields or water storage to meet your needs. In some situations a well can comfortably
Sustainable Resource Development’s
keep up to daily requirements but not peak demands. The addition of a cistern with one-half
Groundwater Information Centre at
to one day storage may be all that is required.
780-427-2770 for water well drilling reports.
In some counties, you may also have access
to groundwater maps and reports. Contact
your local county or MD office, or the Alberta
Government Library. See Module 12
"Other Resources".

10
 Module 2 — Planning Your Water System

Water Source Options

Wells
Water wells are generally the first choice of Albertans wherever there is an adequate
supply of good groundwater. In areas of marginal groundwater supply, livestock operations
often use a combination of wells and dugouts. The better quality water from the well usually
supplies the household and may supplement the livestock’s requirements.
For most household situations, wells with a production rate of less than 5 gallons per
minute (gpm) for a one hour (peak use) period do not supply enough water so it is usually
A well that produces as little as 0.5 gpm necessary to create additional water storage using a tank or cistern. Wells that produce at a
can meet average household needs for most 5-10 gpm rate usually do not require additional storage.
Alberta families if the water is pumped into When a lot of demand is placed on the well at any given time it should be capable of
a cistern and stored for peak use times. providing a minimum of 10 gpm for at least 2 continuous hours. If the flow rate of the well
falls short of this amount, a cistern is usually the best option for providing water storage,
to overcome the shortage of water. For livestock operations, a well should be capable of
providing all of the water requirements in an 8 to 12 hour period.

Dugouts
In areas where there is either poor groundwater supply or quality, dugouts may be used
exclusively, or in combination with a well, as a water source. If you need to rely solely on a
dugout for your water, size the dugout for a two to three year supply. Over this period, the
dugout will be filled from runoff or an irrigation canal. When you plan the dugout, be sure to:
 Locate the dugout upstream of any livestock areas or other sources of contamination
 Fence the dugout
 Install a pumping system with a floating intake
 Aerate.
If you have a well and dugout, it is recommended that you use the well water for
The publication "Quality Farm Dugouts" household use because it is typically of better quality. Dugouts can provide a good quality
provides information on design, maintenance water source for livestock and irrigation purposes. Check dugout water quality and be aware
and management of a dugout. For more of risks of algae, etc.
information on using and treating dugout
water for household and livestock use, see
Module 12 "Other Resources" for a list
of publications.

11
 Module 2 — Planning Your Water System

Other Planning Considerations

No matter the water source, do the following to protect your water supply:
 Test the water quality regularly
 Treat the water if necessary
 Monitor the supply and water level
 Maintain the well and water system
 Protect the water source from contamination.

Test Water Quality

All farm water sources should be tested when the supply is first connected and
continually tested on a regular basis. Test the water more often if you notice a significant
change in the water quality, if a toxic spill occurs nearby, or if a change occurs in land use or
activity. A thorough chemical and bacteriological analysis of water for household use can be
Be sure to keep all records of water quality done through your local health unit. Water samples for agricultural purposes can be taken
tests for future reference and monitoring. to private labs for testing. These labs will supply sample bottles and correct procedures for
sampling. For more information on testing water quality, see Module 5 ”Monitoring and
Maintenance of Your Well”.

Treat Water
For more details on specific water treatments Water quality tests will point out any problems that need to be corrected. Wells may
see Module 7 "Troubleshooting Water Well become contaminated with harmful bacteria, parasites or viruses. Nuisance bacteria,
Problems" and Module 12 "Other Resources". although not harmful, are a common well water problem in Alberta. The water may have a
poor taste, odour or colour, or be high in total dissolved solids (TDS). Treatments for these
and other problems may include disinfection, special filters, water softeners or distillation.

Monitor the Supply

See Module 5 "Monitoring Your Water Well" Monitoring your water sources is an important step to ensuring a lasting water
for more information on how to check, record supply. It can be compared to checking the oil in a vehicle or doing soil tests. You will have
and interpret water level measurements. advance notice of changes to the water supply and a chance to make changes before the
problem is serious.

Maintain the Well and Water System

For more information on preventing Regular maintenance such as shock chlorination is necessary. Well design should allow
contamination of wells see Module 9 for this required maintenance.
"Plugging Abandoned Wells". Further
information on preventing dugout Protect from Contamination
contamination can be found in Module 12 Both dugouts and wells are susceptible to contamination from various sources. Practices
"Other Resources". to prevent contamination include proper location, proper design, plugging abandoned wells,
fencing, runoff controls and grass cover around dugouts.

12
 Module 2 — Planning Your Water System

Worksheet
Average Daily and Annual Water Requirements
The average daily and annual water requirement numbers can be used for estimating the amount of water used on a farm. The average daily
water requirements are based on typical average outside or in-barn temperatures that occur throughout the year. These numbers, however, cannot
be used for designing the water supplies and pumping capacity of a farm water system. For example, consider a beef feedlot on a hot summer day.
Feeder cattle will drink approximately twice the amounts shown in the table below. For this reason, the water supply and pumping systems need to
be designed to meet these peak demands.

Household use:
People _______ x 60.0 gpd = ______________ gpd gpd = gallons per day

Beef: Animal No. of

Size Animals
Feeders1 550 lb. _______ x 4.0 gpd = ______________ gpd feeders on silage
900 lb. _______ x 7.0 gpd = ______________ gpd feeders on silage
1250 lb. _______ x 10.0 gpd = ______________ gpd feeders on silage
Cows with Calves2 1300 lb. _______ x 12.0 gpd = ______________ gpd on pasture or hay
Dry Cow2 1300 lb. _______ x 10.0 gpd = ______________ gpd on pasture or hay
Calves2 250 lb. _______ x 2.0 gpd = ______________ gpd on pasture or hay
1
For peak demand on hot summer days above 25°C, multiply gpd x 2
2
For peak demand on hot summer days above 25°C, multiply gpd x 1.5

Swine:3 Animal No. of

Size Animals
Farrow-Finish
4
_______ x 20.0 gpd = ______________ gpd
Farrow-Late Wean4 50 lb. _______ x 6.5 gpd = ______________ gpd
Farrow-Early Wean4 15 lb. _______ x 5.5 gpd = ______________ gpd
Feeder 50-250 lb. _______ x 1.5 gpd = ______________ gpd
Weaner 15-50 lb. _______ x 0.5 gpd = ______________ gpd

Sub Total ______________ gpd

Includes wash water for all types of swine operations.
3

4
No. of animals = No. of breeding sows.
* Working copies of this worksheet are found in the pocket on the back cover.
13
 Module 2 — Planning Your Water System

Dairy: Animal No. of

Type/Size Animals
Milking Cow4 Holstein _______ x 30.0 gpd = ______________ gpd
Dry Cows/Replacement Heifers Holstein _______ x 10.0 gpd = ______________ gpd
Calves to 550 lb. _______ x 3.0 gpd = ______________ gpd
4
Includes 3 gpd/cow for wash water

Poultry: No. of Birds

Broilers _______ x .035 gpd = ______________ gpd
Roasters/Pullets _______ x .040 gpd = ______________ gpd
Layers _______ x .055 gpd = ______________ gpd
Breeders _______ x .070 gpd = ______________ gpd
Turkey Growers _______ x .130 gpd = ______________ gpd
Turkey Heavies _______ x .160 gpd = ______________ gpd

Sheep/Goats:
Ewes/Does _______ x 2.0 gpd = ______________ gpd
Milking Ewes/Does _______ x 3.0 gpd = ______________ gpd

Horses, Bisons, Mules _______ x 10.0 gpd = ______________ gpd

Elk, Donkeys _______ x 5.0 gpd = ______________ gpd
Deer, Llamas, Alpacas _______ x 2.0 gpd = ______________ gpd
Ostriches _______ x 1.0 gpd = ______________ gpd

Sub Total ______________ gpd

Total Daily Livestock Water Requirements ______________ gpd

Annual Water Requirements

Irrigation of garden and yard in the summer (assume 6 in. application)
Area in square feet ____________ x 3 gal./sq. ft. = ___________ gal.
Chemical spraying (acres) ______ x ___ gal/acre x ______no. of applications = ___________ gal.
Greenhouse = ___________ gal.
Fire (min. 1200 gal./2 hour period) = ___________ gal.
Other uses = ___________ gal.
Total daily livestock water requirements (from above)______ gpd x 365 days = ___________ gal.
Total Annual Water Requirements ___________ gal.
* For information on water requirements for field crops, contact an irrigation specialist.
Note: These livestock and poultry water requirement numbers have been compiled with input from Alberta Agriculture
and Rural Development staff. If you have questions or comments, please call an Agricultural Water Specialist at
310-FARM (3267). Also visit Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development’s website: www.agric.gov.ab.ca and use
the “Dugout/Lagoon Volume Calculator” for determining the size of a dugout.
* Working copies of this worksheet are found in the pocket on the back cover.
14
 Module 2 — Planning Your Water System

Worksheet
Sizing of Water Systems
Water System Fixtures Peak Use Rates
Automatic cattle waterers ____ X 2 gpm = ______ gpm gpm = gallons per minute
(100 head size)

Hog nipple waterer ____ X 1 gpm = ______ gpm

Poultry fountain ____ X 1 gpm = ______ gpm
Yard hydrants ____ X 5 gpm = ______ gpm
Household (number of households) ____ X 5-10 gpm = ______ gpm
Fire hydrant ____ X 10 gpm = ______ gpm
Other ____ X ____gpm = ______ gpm

Note: The minimum design flow rate of the system must exceed the peak use rate of the fixture that uses the largest amount of water.

Note: If the well is not solely capable of providing enough water for your peak use demand, you will need to install additional water storage.
The well can be operated without overpumping, and the added water storage provided will ensure water for all your activities during peak
demands.

* Working copies of this worksheet are found in the pocket on the back cover.

15
 Module 2 — Planning Your Water System

Worksheet
Farm Water Supply Inventory
A. Wells
Date Depth Casing Diameter Well Production
1. Well Purpose / Location
Constructed (ft.) (in.) (gpm)
a.
b.
c.
Date Depth
2. Unused Wells / Location Date Plugged Materials Used
Constructed (ft.)
a.
b.
c.
3. Dry Holes
How many dry holes have been drilled on and around the farmstead? _________________________
How deep were these dry holes? _________________________
4. Water Quality
What water quality problems limit the usefulness of these wells?
a. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
b. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
c. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
B. Dugouts
1. Dugout Purpose / Location Date Constructed Size (Length, Width, Depth) Approximate Volume
a.
b.
c.
2. Problems with these dugouts (e.g., seepage, quality, inadequate run off)
a. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
b. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
c. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
C. Other Water Sources and Their Limitations (Hauling, Springs, Rivers, etc.)
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
* Working copies of this worksheet are found in the pocket on the back cover.

16
 Module 3 — Design and Construction of Water Wells

Design and Construction of Water Wells

For more information refer to The initial investment for a properly designed and constructed well pays off by ensuring:
the Water Wells That Last video (Part I —
Planning and Construction).  A reliable and sustainable water supply consistent with your needs and the
capability of the aquifer
 Good quality water that is free of sediment and contaminants
For more information see Module 1
"Understanding Groundwater" and Module 2  Increased life expectancy of the well
"Planning Your Water System".  Reduced operating and maintenance costs
A licensed water well contractor cannot  Ease of monitoring well performance.
always determine in advance the depth
at which an adequate water supply will Although you need to hire a licensed water well contractor to design, drill and construct
be found. Neighbouring wells offer some the well and choose the appropriate materials, it is important for you to know what is going
guidance but not a definite assurance. on. You can then work with the contractor to ensure you get the well design you need.

Choosing a Licensed Water Well Contractor

Choose a licensed water well contractor who has experience in your area and knows the
local geology. Provincial regulation requires that drilling companies have an approval to
drill water wells and their drillers must be certified journeyman water well drillers. A list
of approval holders is available through Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource
Development (AESRD). You can also contact the Alberta Water Well Drilling Association for
a list of approval holders in your area. Refer to Module 11 “Contacts for More Information”.
Either you or the licensed water well contractor should complete a survey of existing
wells in your area. It will provide important information about:
 Typical yields and water quality
 Which aquifer to tap into
 Trends in well design and construction
 Prior drilling success rates.
The Groundwater Information Centre at Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource
Development manages the Alberta Water Well Information Database that has records of
water wells in Alberta. Copies of these records can be obtained by calling (780) 427-2770 or
can be viewed at www.envinfo.gov.ab.ca/GroundWater/.
In some areas of Alberta, regional groundwater assessment studies are also available
and may identify aquifer potential and groundwater quality. Also check with neighbours
about their experiences with well performance, well maintenance and water quality changes.

17
Module 3 — Design and Construction of Water Wells

Other things to consider when choosing a licensed water well contractor are:
 Are they approachable? Can you talk comfortably with them about the local geology,
their proposed well design and construction and the pumping equipment
they recommend?
 Do they have a good reputation? Ask for references and check whether previous
cllients are happy with their wells.
 Are they insured?
 Are their prices competitive? The cheapest estimate may not translate into the
best well. Be sure to compare cost estimates carefully.
 Will they use a written contract or agreement?
 Will they provide any guarantee on workmanship and materials?
 Will they be responsible for sizing and placement of the pump?
 Are they knowledgeable and willing to discuss the regulations that govern water
well drilling in Alberta?

Choosing a Well Site

Your choice of well site will affect the safety and performance of your well. As you
examine various sites, remember to consider any future development plans for your farm or
acreage such as barns, storage sheds and bulk fuel tanks. You must also consider provincial
regulations that dictate well location.
Most contaminants enter the well either through the top or around the outside of the
casing. Sewage or other contaminants may percolate down through the upper layers of
the ground surface to the aquifer. The following criteria are intended to prevent possible
contamination of your well and the aquifer. It is both your and the driller’s responsibility to
ensure that:
 The well is accessible for cleaning, testing, monitoring, maintenance and repair
 The ground surrounding the well is sloped away from the well to prevent any
surface run off from collecting or ponding
 The well is up-slope and as far as possible from potential contamination sources
such as septic systems, barnyards or surface water bodies
 The well is not housed in any building other than a bona fide pump house.
The pump house must be properly vented to the outside to prevent any build-up
of dangerous naturally occurring gases and must house only the well and
pumping equipment
 The well is not located in a well pit.

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 Module 3 — Design and Construction of Water Wells

Minimum Distance Requirements

Provincial regulations outline minimum distance requirements as follows. Equivalent
imperial distances in feet are rounded up to nearest foot. The well must be:
 10 m (33 ft.) from a watertight septic tank
 15 m (50 ft.) from a sub-surface weeping tile effluent disposal field or evaporation
mound or an outdoor pit privy
*The installation of a leaching cesspool  30 m (98 ft.) from a leaching cesspool*
is no longer permitted. It is, however,  50 m (165 ft.) from sewage effluent discharge to the ground surface
highly recommended that any newly  100 m (329 ft.) from a sewage lagoon
constructed water well be located at least
30 m (100 ft.) from any existing leaching  30 m (98 ft.) from pesticide or fertilizer storage
cesspool. See Module 12 "Other Resources"  50 m (165 ft.) from above-ground fuel storage tanks
for the requirements for Alberta Private  30 m (98 ft.) from manure or composting materials application
Sewage Systems.  100 m (329 ft.) from a manure storage facility or manure collection area or
livestock yard
 100 m (329 ft.) from dead animal burial or composting site

 2 m (7 ft.) from overhead power lines if:

- the line conductors are insulated or weatherproofed and the line is 750 volts or less
 6 m (20 ft.) from overhead power lines if the well:
- has a PVC or non-conducting pipe pumping system
- has well casing sections no greater than 7 m (23 ft.) in length
 12 m (40 ft.) from overhead power lines for all other well constructions

 3.25 m (11 ft.) from existing buildings

 6.1 m (20 ft.) from the outer boundary of any road or public highway
 50 m (165 ft.) from the outer boundary of a graveyard
 450 m (1476 ft.) from any area where waste is or may be disposed of at a landfill

19
 Module 3 — Design and Construction of Water Wells

Well Design Considerations

Well design and construction details are determined after a test hole has been completed
and the geological zones have been logged. There are many components to well design the
driller must take into account. Decisions will be made about:
 Type of well
 Intended use
 Well depth
 Casing material, size and wall thickness
 Intake design
 Annular seal
 Monitoring and preventive maintenance provisions.

Well Depth
Figure 1 Bored Well During the test hole drilling, the licensed water well contractor will complete a lithologic
or formation log. Soil and rock samples are taken at various depths and the type of geologic
material is recorded. This allows the driller to identify zones with the best potential for water
supply. Some drillers also run a geophysical (electric) log in the test hole to further define the
geology. This gives them more accurate information about aquifer location.
Generally a well is completed to the bottom of the aquifer. This allows more of the aquifer
to be utilized and ensures the highest possible production from the well.

Types of Wells
There are two main types of wells, each distinguished by the diameter of the bore hole.
The two types are bored wells and drilled wells.

Bored wells
Bored wells are constructed when low yielding groundwater sources are found relatively
close to the surface, usually under 30 m (100 ft.). Bored wells are constructed using a rotary
bucket auger. They are usually completed by perforating the casing (also called cribbing) or
using a sand screen with continuous slot openings (see Figure 1, Bored Well).
One advantage of bored wells is the large diameter of the casing, from 45-90 cm
(18-36 in.). It provides a water storage reservoir for use during peak demand periods.
A disadvantage of utilizing a shallow groundwater aquifer is that it generally relies on
annual precipitation for recharge. Water shortages may occur following long dry periods in
summer and extended freeze up during winter months. It can also be more susceptible to
contamination from surface land-use activities.

20
 Module 3 — Design and Construction of Water Wells

Drilled wells
Materials used in the drilling and
Drilled wells are smaller in diameter, usually ranging from 10-20 cm (4-8 in.), and
construction of water wells must be new
completed to much greater depths than bored wells, up to several hundred metres. The
and uncontaminated.
producing aquifer is generally less susceptible to pollution from surface sources because of
the depth. Also, the water supply tends to be more reliable since it is less affected by seasonal
weather patterns.
There are two primary methods of drilling:
 Rotary
 Cable tool.
Rotary drilled wells are constructed using a drill bit on the end of a rotating drillstem.
Drilling fluid or air is circulated down through the drillstem in the hole and back to the
surface to remove cuttings. Rotary drilling rigs operate quickly and can reach depths of over
300 m (1000 ft.), with casing diameters of 10-45 cm (4-18 in.).
Cable tool drilled wells are constructed by lifting and dropping a heavy drill bit in the
bore hole. The resulting loose material, mixed with water, is removed using a bailer or sand
pump. This method, also called percussion drilling, reaches depths up to 300 m (1000 ft.).
Well diameters can range from 10-45 cm (4-18 in.). The drilling rate is typically much slower
than for a rotary rig, but when aquifers are low yielding, they may be more easily identified
using this method.

Figure 2 Well Completions

21
 Module 3 — Design and Construction of Water Wells

There are three types of possible well completions for both drilling methods (see Figure 2,
Well Completions):
 Surface casing with slotted or perforated liner
 Sand screen with continuous slot openings
 Single string slotted or perforated casing.

Casing Size and Type

Decisions about the diameter and type of well casing are made after the driller considers
the following:
 Aquifer characteristics
 Hydraulic factors that influence well performance
 Drilling method
 Well depth
 Cost (in discussion with the well owner).
The casing must be large enough to house the pump and allow sufficient clearance for
Provincial regulation provides detailed
installation and efficient operation.
specifications for casing diameters and wall
thicknesses. All casing must meet or exceed If a submersible pump is going to be used, the casing must have an inside diameter of at
standards set by the Canadian Standards least 10.16 cm (4 in.), by law. It is recommended that the casing be at least one nominal size
Association or the American Society of larger than the outside diameter of the pump. The more space there is between the pump
Testing and Materials (see Module 4” Water and the casing, the easier it will be to service and repair the pump in the future.
Well Drilling Agreements”, Water Well
There are two common materials used for casing: steel and plastic. Steel casing is the
Casing Specifications).
strongest but is susceptible to corrosion. Plastic casing is becoming more popular because of
its resistance to corrosion.
All casing must be new and uncontaminated. Plastic casing must be made of virgin resin,
not recycled material.

Intake Design
Water moves from the aquifer into the well through either a screen or slotted or
perforated casing.
Screens are manufactured with regularly shaped and sized openings. They are
engineered to allow the maximum amount of water in with minimal entry of formation
sediments. Stainless steel screens are the most widely used because they are strong and
relatively able to withstand corrosive water. Screens are manufactured with various slot
sizes and shapes to match the characteristics of the aquifer.

22
 Module 3 — Design and Construction of Water Wells

Slotted or perforated casing or liner is made by manually creating openings using a

cutting tool or drill. Pre-slotted plastic pipe is also available.
Slot openings and perforations are spaced further apart than screen openings. This
reduces the amount of open area to allow water into the well. The openings tend to vary in
Ensure that the pumping water level in size and may have rough edges depending on how they were made. This impedes the flow of
the well never goes below the top of the water into the well and may not be effective in holding back the formation sediments.
slot openings or perforations to prevent
oxygen exposure to the aquifer which will The licensed water well contractor examines the cuttings from the borehole and makes a
enhance bacterial growth and result in judgement whether to use a screen, or slotted or perforated casing/liner. While a screen is the
reduced well yield. more expensive alternative, it is necessary if the aquifer is composed of loose material such
as fine sand, gravel or soft sandstone. A slotted or perforated casing/liner can be used when
the aquifer formation is more consolidated, such as hard sandstone or fractured shale.
After a choice is made between a screen, or slotted or perforated casing/liner other
decisions will be made regarding:
 Size of slot openings
 Total area of screen or perforation that is exposed to the aquifer
 Placement of the screen or perforations within the aquifer.

Slot size openings

The slot openings must be small enough to permit easy entry of water into the well
while keeping out sediment. The slot size chosen will depend on the particle size of the earth
materials in the producing aquifer.
Typically a licensed water well contractor will select a slot size that allows 60 percent
of the aquifer material to pass through during the well development phase of drilling. The
remaining 40 percent, comprising the coarsest materials, will form a natural filter pack
around the perforations or screen.

Total open area of screen

The total area of the slot openings is dependent on the length and diameter of the screen.
Incrustation is a buildup that occurs While the length of the screen is variable, the diameter of the screen is determined by the
when dissolved minerals in the diameter of the well casing. The yield from a well increases with an increase in screen
groundwater come out of solution and diameter but not proportionately so.
deposit on the screen or casing. The amount of open area in the screen or slotted or perforated casing/liner will affect how
quickly the water from the aquifer enters the well. A larger amount of open area allows the

23
 Module 3 — Design and Construction of Water Wells

water to enter the well at a slower rate, causing a lower drop in pressure as the water moves
into the well. If the water flows too quickly, dissolved minerals in the water will precipitate
out of solution and create an incrustation build-up in restricting the flow of groundwater into
the well. The pore spaces in the aquifer immediately adjacent to the perforations may also
get plugged, restricting the flow even more.

Placement in the aquifer

Figure 3 Annular Seal
The screen or perforations on the casing/liner must be placed adjacent to the aquifer. If
improperly placed, the well may produce fine sediment which will plug plumbing fixtures
and cause excessive wear on the pump. If the driller uses geophysical logging equipment to
accurately identify the boundaries of the aquifer, the exact placement will be easier.

Annular Seal
Sealing the well protects the well’s producing zone from contamination. The diameter
of the borehole is usually slightly larger than the casing being installed. The space between
the borehole and the casing is called the annulus of the well or the annular space. It must
be sealed to prevent any surface contamination from migrating downward and contaminating
the water supply. A properly sealed annulus also prevents any mixing of poor quality
water from upper aquifers with water from the producing aquifer of the well (see Figure 3,
Annular Seal).
Provincial regulations require the annulus be filled with impervious material such as
cement or bentonite. To isolate the producing zone of the well, the annulus should be filled
from immediately above the perforated zone to the ground surface.

Well Cap
A commercially manufactured, vermin-proof well cap is the only type of cap designed
to keep animals, insects and contaminants from entering your well. It comes equipped with
rubber gaskets and screened vents to ensure vermin stay out and air can circulate through.
Coverings for large diameter wells must be custom made because of their larger size.
Ideally they should be made of steel, or fiberglass or plastic that is stamped for potable water
use.

24
Module 3 — Design and Construction of Water Wells

Well Completion
Once the well has been drilled and the equipment is in place, there are several
procedures the licensed water well contractor must complete before the well is ready to use.
The driller is responsible for:
 Developing the well
 Disinfecting the well
 Conducting a yield test.

Well Development
Well development is the process of removing fine sediment and drilling fluid from the
area immediately surrounding the perforations. This increases the well’s ability to produce
water and maximize production from the aquifer.
If the aquifer formation does not naturally have any relatively coarse particles to form a
filter, it may be necessary for the driller to install an artificial filter pack. This pack is placed
around the screen or perforations so the well can be developed. For example, this procedure
is necessary when the aquifer is composed of fine sand and the individual grains are uniform
in size.
It is important to match the grain size of the filter pack material with the size of the slot
openings of the screen to attain maximum yield from the well. Typically the slot size of the
screen is selected so that 85 percent of the artificial pack material will remain outside of the
screen after well development.

25
 Module 3 — Design and Construction of Water Wells

The yield test provides a benchmark of your Yield Test

well's performance. Repeating this test at a
A yield test is important because the information gathered during the test assists the
later date can be used to assess any changing
driller in determining the:
conditions in well performance and indicate
when maintenance is required.  Rate at which to pump the well
 Depth at which to place the pump.
Provincial regulations outline the requirement for a minimum yield test to be performed
on all new wells. After drilling and developing a well, the licensed water well contractor must
remove water from the well for at least 2 hours. If a pump is used to remove the water, then
water level measurements can be recorded as the water level draws down during pumping. If
the yield test is performed using a bailer or air compressor to remove the water, water level
measurements cannot be taken during the water removal portion of the test.
After 2 hours, water removal must be stopped and the recovery of the water level then
monitored and recorded. Measurements must be taken at specific time intervals for a 2 hour
period or until the water level returns to 90 percent of its original level.
Once the yield test is complete, the driller will decide at what rate the well can be
pumped without lowering the water level below the top boundary of the aquifer, the top of
the perforations or below the pump intake.
Your pump should have a capacity equal to, or less than, the rate at which the well can
supply water for an extended period of time without lowering the water level below the pump
intake. That pumping rate is considered the long-term, safe and sustainable pumping rate
for the well.
The value of using a pump to perform the yield test is the test will be repeatable. You
should periodically conduct a similar yield test to collect new data that can be compared to
previous tests. If you notice a decline in well performance you can have your licensed water
well contractor back to rehabilitate or repair your well. Keeping a watchful eye on your well
will enable you to recognize the symptoms of declining performance before it is too late to
economically repair the well.

Disinfecting the Well

Provincial regulations require the licensed water well contractor to disinfect new wells
with chlorine. The concentration is calculated on the volume of water that is in the well.
The concentration must be at least 200 milligrams of chlorine per litre of water present in
the well and must be left in the well for at least 12 hours to ensure any bacteria present are
destroyed. Disinfection is done after the pumping equipment is installed and before the well
is put into production.

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 Module 4 — Water Well Drilling Agreements

Water Well Drilling Agreements

For more information refer to This module outlines a checklist of items that you and your licensed water well
the Water Wells That Last video (Part I — contractor should discuss and agree to before starting any drilling. A clear understanding
Planning and Construction). between both parties is crucial so there are no misunderstandings or false expectations.
Disagreements can arise between licensed water well contractors and well owners after the
well is drilled because they simply did not take the time to thoroughly discuss all aspects of
the drilling operation ahead of time.
Water wells are far more than a deep wet holes in the ground. They are an important and
significant investment for any household or farm. Well owners should take the time to ensure
they understand what they are purchasing. Money spent on high quality well design and
construction materials is money well invested. A low cost well may not deliver the quality,
quantity or reliability you need.
A Water Well Drilling Agreement covers the topics you should discuss with your licensed
water well contractor before any work begins. A blank copy of an example agreement is
included at the back of this module and in the pocket on the back cover. Many contractors
have their own version of a Water Well Drilling Agreement.

Water Well Drilling Agreement Example

This agreement is designed to prevent misunderstandings between the well owner and
licensed water well contractor. It benefits both parties and can establish costs for materials
and services.

Identification
Items 1-4 identify the parties involved in the agreement.
John Q. Doe
1. Well owner______________________________________________________________________
Anywhere, Alberta
Address_________________________________________________________________________

2 Peters Water Well Services

Licensed water well contractor ___________________________________________________
Anywhere, Alberta
Address_________________________________________________________________________
Licensed water well contractor approval no.________________________________________

3. Land location of well

NE
Qtr________ 36
Sec ________ 17
Twp_________ 7
Rge_________ 4
W of_________ Meridian
Lot_____________________ Block_____________________ Plan___________________

June 21, 2012

4. Proposed starting date___________________________________________________________
June 25, 2012
Proposed completion date ________________________________________________________

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 Module 4 — Water Well Drilling Agreements

Water Requirements
You should discuss the purpose of any new X
5. Proposed well use: Household__________ Livestock__________ Irrigation__________
well being drilled with your licensed water
The well use should be specified as being for household, livestock, irrigation or a
well contractor. If the well is going to be
combination. Municipal and industrial wells are usually covered by a detailed contract.
used for a non-household purpose it must
be constructed in a manner that will allow
6. Desired water quality
it to be licensed.
Finding groundwater with suitable water quality is important for all water uses. A
licensed water well contractor can use a field testing kit to get a rough estimate of some
parameters such as iron, hardness, pH and total dissolved solids, but only the tests done in a
laboratory are really reliable.
Laboratories use the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality to assess water
quality. If testing shows some of the parameters are higher than these guidelines, water
treatment equipment may be necessary.

0.4 (5)
7. Desired yield_____________L/s 0.1 (1)
(gpm) Min. acceptable yield_____________L/s (gpm)
The desired yield is the flow rate of water, in gallons per minute (gpm), from an
individual well. To calculate the desired yield, refer to the worksheet "Average Daily and
Annual Water Requirements" in Module 2, "Planning Your Water System". Using this
worksheet, calculate your daily and peak water use requirements. In some areas the desired
yield is simply not available because of slow yielding aquifers. In such cases, the desired yield
should be expressed as the normal yield for the area. A certain minimum yield should be
established so if the well produces less than this minimum, it is not considered economically
feasible to develop as a water well.

Consolidated Bedrock,
8. Groundwater supply options based on existing records______________________________
Paskapoo Formation Sandstone units — 30 to 60 m (100 to 200 ft.)
________________________________________________________________________________
The licensed water well contractor or well owner should review groundwater
information on local wells to determine potential target aquifers and appropriate well design
considerations. Information is available from the Groundwater Information Centre. See
Module12,"Other Resources".

Well Construction
65 (210)
9. Maximum desired depth_______________ m (ft.)
A maximum desired depth should be established. Factors affecting this include the known
depth of productive aquifers, and the water quality at the various depths. Also personal
finances will be a factor.

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Module 4 — Water Well Drilling Agreements

Rotary
10. Type of drilling__________________________________________________________________

158 mm (6 1/4" ) and 124 mm (4 7/8" )

11. Diameter of hole_________________________________________________________________

The type of drilling equipment, aquifer composition, yield required and depth determine
the type of well produced. Rotary drilled and cable tool drilled wells are typically100-200 mm
(4-8 in.) in diameter; bored wells range in diameter from 45-90cm (12-36 in.). The water well
drilling industry is required by law to construct wells with casings 102mm (4in.) or more to
accommodate submersible pumps.

N / A
12. Flowing well control_____________________________________________________________
In cases where a flowing well is anticipated, provision must be made to equip the well
with a flow control device that allows the flow to be shut off completely and to prevent freezing.

Pitless Adaptor
13. Well connection__________________________________________________________________
Where the connection of the pumping equipment to the well casing is made below the
ground surface, a pitless adaptor is required under the Water (Ministerial) Regulation. Well
pits are no longer permitted. If a jet pump is being used, a pump house that houses only the
well and the pumping equipment is allowed.

14. Formation logging procedure_____________________________________________________

Logging the geological formations during drilling provides key information about aquifer
location and quality. This information is especially important to accurately place well screens.
There can be several types of formation logging.
 Descriptive logging records the material encountered as drilling proceeds (lithology).
 Electric logging, or E logging, verifies and supplements descriptive logging. It can
only be performed in an uncased hole that is filled with drilling fluid. Basically it
reveals the character of the material and relative quality of water in the formation.
A limited number of licensed water well contractors in Alberta possess this equipment.
 Gamma-ray logging can be performed in cased holes without drilling fluid and
reveals the character of the material present. Very few licensed water well contractors
in Alberta have this equipment. A combination of descriptive logging and electric or
gamma-ray logging provides very accurate information about the formations through
which the well is constructed.

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 Module 4 — Water Well Drilling Agreements

Bentonite
15. Annular or casing seal__________________________________________________________
Good well design, construction and material All wells must be constructed to prevent contaminated surface water from entering
selection is necessary to reduce the effects groundwater aquifers through the annulus (or space) between the outside of the well casing
of natural corrosion, biofouling and and the borehole. The annulus must be filled from immediately above the producing zone up
incrustation. to ground surface. The method of sealing is dependent on the type of rig the driller operates
and the design of the well.
16. Artificial sand pack______________________________________________________________
The grain size distribution of the aquifer affects the efficiency of the screen during
development. If the aquifer has a relatively uniform fine grain size, a well cannot be effectively
developed without the installation of an artificial sand pack. This "pack" provides a natural
filter which holds back the finer aquifer materials.

17. Well Development Method

X
Backwashing__________ Jetting__________ Surging__________
Heavy pumping__________ Bailing__________
By regulation, the licensed water well contractor is responsible for ensuring a well is
completed in a manner that ensures no damage will be incurred to the pumping system,
plumbing or fixtures due to sediment in the water. If a newly constructed well produces
sediment, it is usually because the licensed water well contractor did not properly develop
it. Different types of well completion require different development techniques. In the rare
case where a well cannot be adequately developed to produce sediment-free water, a sediment
filter could be installed in the water distribution system. However, this alternative should be
used only when it is evident that sufficient development of the well has been done, and the
landowner is in agreement.

Material
Plastic Schedule 80* PVC * Steel Protector casing at Surface
18. Casing material_________________________________________________________________
127 mm (5") wt. per m (ft.)___________ wall thickness___________
Inside diameter____________ 0.375
See Water Well Casing Specifications, page 33.

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 Module 4 — Water Well Drilling Agreements

6” well cap
19. Well cover _________________.
300 mm (12")
Distance from top of casing to ground surface__________________
Minimum requirement is 20cm (8") above ground surface or 60cm (2") above the highest
flood record unless a water tight cover is used. A water-tight, vented vermin-proof cap is ideal.
For large diameter wells, a tight-fitting, vented cover should be specified.
The well cap should be removable or be designed to allow access to a dip tube for ease of
monitoring the water level.
Plastic Schedule 40 PVC
20. Liner material___________________________________________________________________
102 mm (4") wt. per m(ft.)__________ wall thickness____________
Inside diameter____________ 0.237
See Water Well Casing and Specifications, page 33. Plastic PVC or ABS casing lasts
indefinitely because it does not rust like metal casing, however it must be protected at the
ground surface with metal casing.
ABC Screen Co.
21. Screen Manufacturer_____________________________________________________________
Length _________________________________________________________________________
Material________________________________________________________________________
It is important to get a good pump yield Nominal diameter_______________________________________________________________
test on the well when it is constructed.
Wells completed in unconsolidated aquifers, such as sand or gravel, should be screened.
This provides a base condition to which
The length of screen required depends on the volume of water to be pumped and the ability of
the productivity of the well can be
the aquifer to transmit water.
compared as it "ages."
Yield Testing
Minimum: 2 hour water removal and 2 hour recovery
22. Yield testing duration (hours)_____________________________________________________
The licensed water well contractor should conduct a yield test following completion
of the well. It serves as a benchmark for monitoring future well performance. The test
should include the following information:
The purpose of measuring the well's yield is
to gather enough information to determine a) non-pumping (static) water level
what pumping equipment will best ensure b) water removal rate in gpm(L/s)
adequate water pressure and prevent
damage to the well by over-pumping. Not all c) depth to the pumping water level as determined over a period of time at a constant
licensed water well contractors include pump pumping rate(drawdown)
installation as part of their business. Be d) the length of time the well is pumped
sure to select your pump contractor carefully e) the recovery of the water level over a 2 hour period or until 90 percent recovery of the
and provide them with the yield test data non-pumping water level is reached.
collected by your driller.
Sub
23. Pump Type ________________ 0.5 HP
Size ____________________

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 Module 4 — Water Well Drilling Agreements

Disinfection
While the licensed water well contractor is
on site, you may want to get an estimate to Well and pumping equipment to be disinfected
24. Disinfection_____________________________________________________________________
plug any unused wells on your property to After the well is completed and pumping equipment is installed you should disinfect the
protect water quality in your new well. For water in the well with at least 200mg/L of chlorine and left in the well for a minimum of 12
more information, see Module 9 "Plugging hours. Use Table 1, Amount of Chlorine for a Chlorine Concentration of 200PPM ,and the
Abandoned Wells". example in Step 3 on page 51 to calculate the amount of chlorine for 200 ppm.
Driller to remove all surplus materials and equipment on site.
25. Well head finishing______________________________________________________________
Well head finishing includes the clean up of mud and aquifer debris and removal of
material scraps.

Costs

26.Test holes per metre (foot)__________________________________________________________

27.Reaming per metre (foot)___________________________________________________________
28.Drilling/boring per metre (foot) _____________________________________________________
Contact local licensed water well contractors
for cost estimates in your area. 29.Casing per metre (foot)_____________________________________________________________
30.Liner per metre (foot)______________________________________________________________
31.Screen____________________________________________________________________________
32.Sandpack_________________________________________________________________________
33.Development______________________________________________________________________
34.Labor per hour____________________________________________________________________
35.Water testing_____________________________________________________________________
36.Reclamation of unused well________________________________________________________
37.Total Costs_______________________________________________________________________
38.Payment schedule_________________________________________________________________

Provincial regulation requires that a water Guarantee

well be completed to ensure no damage will
be incurred to the pumping system, plumbing 39. _
or fixtures due to sediment in the water. Workmanship and materials should be guaranteed for a specific period of time.

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 Module 4 — Water Well Drilling Agreements

Water Well Casing Specifications

Materials All well casing material must meet or exceed the specifications set for that material and purpose by the Canadian Standards
Association or the American Society for Testing and Materials.

Non-Plastic Well Casing—Required Thickness Plastic Well Casing—Required Thickness for ABS or PVC

Type of Well Casing Minimum Casing Thickness Outside Pipe Casing Schedule Minimum Wall
Metal well casing 0.188 in.(4.78mm) Diameter (SCH) Number Thickness
in. (mm) in. (mm)
Metal liner casing 0.156 in. (3.96mm)
4.5 (114.3) SDR21 0.214 (5.43)
Cement-like casing
4.95 (125.7) SCH 40 0.260 (6.60)
* for 24in.(60.96 cm) * 2.5in.(6.35cm)
5Nominal(127.0) SCH 80 0.397 (10.1)
casing or less
5.56 (141.2)
* for casings larger than * 2.5in.plus 1in.forevery
6 (152.4) WellCasing 0.390 (9.9)
24in. additional foot of well diameter
6.625 (168.3) SCH 40 0.432 (11.0)
Corrugated and 16gauge 6.625 (168.3) SCH 80 0.280 (7.1)
galvanized steel casing
8.625 (219.7) SCH 40 0.322 (8.2)
8.625 (219.7) SCH 80 0.5 (12.7)
10.75 (273.1) SCH 40 0.365 (9.2)
10.75 (273.1) SCH 80 0.593 (15.1)

33
Module 4 — Water Well Drilling Agreements

34
 Module 4 — Water Well Drilling Agreements

Water Well Drilling Agreement Form

Identification
1. Well owner________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Address___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2 Licensed water well contractor _____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Address___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Licensed water well contractor approval no.___________

3. Land location of well: Qtr_______ Sec_______ Twp_______ Rge_______ W of_____Meridian Lot_______ Block_______ Plan_______
4. Proposed starting date_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Proposed completion date __________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Water Requirements
5. Proposed well use: Household______________ Livestock_____________ Irrigation______________
6. Desired water quality On-site tests:
total dissolved solids_______________________parts/million iron______________________________________parts/million
hardness_________________________________parts/million pH_______________________________________parts/million
7. Desired yield_____________L/s (gpm) Min. acceptable yield_____________L/s (gpm)
8. Groundwater supply options based on existing records________________________________________________________________________________

Well Construction
9. Maximum desired depth_______________ m (ft.)
10. Type of drilling____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
11. Diameter of hole___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
12. Flowing well control_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
13. Well connection____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
14. Formation logging procedure_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

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 Module 4 — Water Well Drilling Agreements

15. Annular or casing seal_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

16. Artificial sand pack________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
17. Well development method: Backwashing__________ Jetting_________ Surging__________ Heavy pumping__________ Bailing__________

Material
18. Casing material___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Inside diameter__________ wt. per m(ft.)__________ wall thickness__________
19. Well cover___________________________ Distance from top of casing to ground_________________________________________________________
20. Liner material_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Inside diameter__________ wt.per m(ft.)__________ wall thickness__________
21. Screen
Manufacturer_____________________________________________ Material______________________________________________________________
Length ___________________________________________________ Nominal diameter_____________________________________________________

Yield Testing
22. Yield testing duration (hours)_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
23. Pump type__________________________ Size________________________________________________________________________________________

Disinfection
24. Disinfection_______________________________________________ 25. Well head finishing________________________________________________

Costs
26. Test holes per metre (foot)__________________________________ 32. Sand pack________________________________________________________
27. Reaming per metre (foot)___________________________________ 33. Development______________________________________________________
28. Drilling/boring per metre (foot)______________________________ 34. Labor per hour____________________________________________________
29. Casing per metre (foot)_____________________________________ 35. Water testing_____________________________________________________
30. Liner per metre (foot)______________________________________ 36. Reclamation of unused well________________________________________
31. Screen____________________________________________________

Total
37. Total Costs________________________________________________ 38. Payment schedule_________________________________________________

Guarantee
39. Guarantee________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

*_ Working copies are included in the pocket on the back cover.

36
 Module 5 — Monitoring and Maintenance of Your Water Well

Monitoring and Maintenance of

For more information refer to
the Water Wells That Last video (Part II —
Managing and Maintaining).
Your Water Well
Preserving the water source on your farm or acreage is as vital as preserving the quality
of your soil.
When we think of factors that limit farm production, what come to mind are land base,
finances, time and energy. What doesn’t always come to mind is how necessary water supplies
are. Imagine having to reduce the size of a cattle herd or not being able to water your horses
In some areas of Alberta, up to one-third
because of a lack of water. Water is key to our quality of life as well. Waiting an hour to take a
of the new wells licensed are considered
bath or not having enough water to serve two bathrooms would be a change for many families.
marginal or poor for either water quantity
or quality. Monitoring and maintaining Proper care and maintenance of your water source are key to protecting your water
these wells is key to maximizing the water supply. An effective monitoring program will identify changes in water levels and water
available and preserving the quality. quality before they become serious problems. Just like a vehicle needs an oil change, tune up
and inflated tires to run properly, your well needs to be monitored, checked and cared for.
Regular, systematic inspections and treatment of problems will help increase the life of your
well. A licensed water well contractor may be required at times.
In this module you will learn several methods of monitoring your well. A worksheet where
you can record your own information is included at the back.
The first step in preventative maintenance of your well is taking some simple
measurements. Two measurements that you need to take on a routine basis are:
 Water level measurements
 Water quality measurements.

Water Level Measurements

Taking water level measurements on a regular basis will tell you whether water levels
have changed significantly. In turn, this can help you spot the following problems:
 Pumping the well at a greater rate than it is designed for (stressing the well
by over-pumping)
 Pumping the well at a greater rate than the aquifer is capable of producing
(depleting the aquifer)
 A plugged screen (or slotted casing) can diminish the well's efficiency and
production rate
 Reducing groundwater recharge due to land clearing and surface water drainage.

37
 Module 5 — Monitoring and Maintenance of Your Water Well

It is good practice to take a water level reading monthly or quarterly as shown in the
example below. Note in the example that readings were taken both with the pump on and
the pump off (with time to recover). Readings taken with the pump on will alert you to any
problems with the efficiency of the well (for example, a plugged screen). Readings taken
with the pump off will alert you to any problems with the aquifer and the quantity of water
available for pumping.

Water Level Measurments Example

Month Water Level Time Pumping Non-pumping Comments
Figure 1 Dip Tube
Jan. 3.28 m 6:00 am
Feb. 4.30 m 7:45 am
March 3.31 m 6:10 am
April 4.27 m 7:55 am
May 3.26 m 6:00 am

How to Measure Water Levels

There are several devices and methods for measuring water levels:
 Dip tube
 Water well sounder
 Sonic Sounder.

Dip Tube
A dip tube can be constructed using a minimum 18 mm (3/4 in.) potable grade plastic pipe
or hose that is lowered into the well, to below the pumping water level. It should be taped to
the pump line with electrical tape and have a capped bottom with two, 6 mm (1/4 in.) holes
perforated on the bottom to let water in and out, allowing it to fluctuate with the water inside
of the well. The dip tube should extend down to 1.5 m (5 ft.) above the top of the pump. A
measuring device, such as a weighted line or a well sounder tape, can then be lowered inside of
the dip tube to measure the water level, with no threat of getting it entangled in the electrical
wires or pumping equipment (see Figure 1, Dip Tube). A dip tube can be installed by a licensed
water well contractor at the time of construction or, on existing wells during well maintenance.

38
 Module 5 — Monitoring and Maintenance of Your Water Well

Water well sounders and sonic sounders Water Well Sounder

may be available for sale or rent from water
well drilling companies and water well A convenient method for measuring the water level is to use a water well sounder (also
industry suppliers. Tape sounders should called a water tape). You can purchase one from various suppliers in the province. Although
be sanitized before and after each use. it is relatively expensive, it is a good investment. It’s an accurate and convenient way to take
water level measurements.

Sonic Sounder Method

The sonic well sounder is convenient because it does not need to be lowered down the well.
It is simple to use for most well constructions and only requires that the well cap be removed.
This instrument sends a pulse of sound down the well and records the time required for the
sound to echo back from the water surface, using time to calculate the distance to the water
level. It is non–invasive and easy to operate but may be more expensive and less accurate
than a well sounder.

Interpreting Water Levels

Once you have an accurate method for measuring water levels, you need to be able to
interpret two types of water levels — non-pumping (static) and pumping.

Non-pumping Water Levels

The non-pumping water level is recorded after the water level in the well has been
allowed to fully recover and before the pump is turned on. A good time to take a non-pumping
Deep wells of 60-90m (200-300 ft) do not reading is first thing in the morning before there has been any water use.
experience seasonal fluctuations like After you have recorded several measurements over a period of time, you can determine
shallow wells. if the non-pumping water level in the well has changed significantly. Some change will
occur due to seasonal fluctuations. For example, in shallow wells, water levels are usually
highest in June or July and gradually decline in late September or October and throughout
the winter.

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 Module 5 — Monitoring and Maintenance of Your Water Well

Let’s look at some examples and how the results might be interpreted.

Example 1
The table below shows four non-pumping water level readings.
Month Time Water Level* Pumping Non-pumping
January 1, 2012 6:00 am 3.28 m
April 3, 2012 5:45 am 3.27 m
August 1, 2012 5:30 am 3.30 m
December 1, 2012 6:10 am 3.29 m

*Distance from the top of the casing to water level.

Interpretation: It would appear that there have been no significant changes in the water
level over the year so no action is required. The aquifer seems able to supply water to the
well at the rate you have been pumping.

Example 2
You look back over your records for the past year and note the following
non-pumping water level readings.
Month Time Water Level Pumping Non-pumping
February 1, 2011 6:05 am 10.35 m
April 1, 2011 5:45 am 12.48 m
June 1, 2011 6:00 am 11.53 m
August 1, 2011 6:05 am 16.31 m
October 1, 2011 5:50 am 20.22 m
December 2, 2011 6:00 am 26.57 m
February 1, 2012 5:55 am 30.34 m

Interpretation: In this case, you should be concerned. The water level has dropped
If the non-pumping water level suddenly
20 m over the past year. To address the drop in water level, reduce the amount of water you
drops after remaining steady for many
draw from the well. You can do this by reducing the pumping rate and cutting back on the
years, it may be a result of increased use
amount of water use.
from nearby wells that are completed in
the same aquifer as your well. Take another measurement in a month to see if the water level is recovering. If you find
that the water level begins to rise again, you have been over-pumping your aquifer, producing
more water from the well than the aquifer can supply. To prevent your well from going dry,
you will need to pump your well at a reduced rate.

40
Module 5 — Monitoring and Maintenance of Your Water Well

If the water level does not recover, you will need to:
 Further reduce water use
 Look for other possible water sources.

Pumping Water Level

Record the pumping water level while the pump is operating. If you take several readings
over time, you will have data that can help you assess the efficiency of the well. When
you take pumping water level measurements, you need to be consistent about when the
measurements are taken. For example, you might take the measurement after the pump
has been on for 2 hours. Being consistent allows you to compare the readings (see Figure 3,
Pumping Water Level Drawdown).

Figure 3 Pumping Water Level Drawdown

41
 Module 5 — Monitoring and Maintenance of Your Water Well

A good time to take a pumping water level reading is during the day when the pump is
pumping, for example, at noon. By then there has been significant water use. Taking the
reading at the same time of day will give you comparable water levels, unless water use
varies considerably between seasons.
Now let’s look at the significance of some pumping water level measurements.

Example 3
In the table below, six readings were taken after the pump was on for 2 hours.
Month Time Water Level Pumping Non-pumping
Even when the pumping water level
remains relatively steady, you need to do February 2, 2012 11:30 am 6.67 m
regular annual maintenance, including March 1, 2012 11:15 am 5.23 m
shock chlorination, to control bacteria May 1, 2012 11:35 am 6.34 m
buildup. If you allow a well to deteriorate June 1, 2012 11:20 am 5.35 m
for too long, it may not be possible to restore September 2, 2012 11:25 am 6.29 m
its original capacity. December 2, 2012 11:15 am 7.02 m

Interpretation: Since the levels are relatively constant, there does not seem to be a
problem with the efficiency of the well and no action is required.

Example 4
You look back over your records and find that, although the original non-pumping
water level has remained constant, the pumping water level has declined.
Month Time Water Level Pumping Non-pumping
If the well yield declines, yet the non-
pumping water level remains constant, the February 1, 2011 11:30 am 20.15 m
well may need to be serviced by a licensed April 2, 2011 11:20 am 21.56 m
water well contractor. If your well is capable June 1, 2011 11:35 am 26.26 m
of producing more water than you require, August 3, 2011 11:45 am 28.37 m
you may not notice a decrease in well yield October 1, 2011 11:30 am 33.45 m
unless you are routinely monitoring your December 2, 2011 11:40 am 37.20 m
water levels. February 1, 2012 11:50 am 40.16 m

Interpretation: The screen (or slotted casing) may be plugged with sand, bacterial growth
or mineral incrustation. When this happens, the efficiency of the well is diminished and the
production rate (yield) drops.
To correct the problem, hire a licensed water well contractor to determine exactly
See Module 7 "Troubleshooting Water what is causing the reduced efficiency of the well. The screen (or slotted casing) may need
Well Problems" for more information to be surged to remove sediment or in some cases may need to be replaced. You may need
on well problems. to shock chlorinate the well to reduce bacteria or acidize it to remove incrustation on the
casing or screen.

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 Module 5 — Monitoring and Maintenance of Your Water Well

Water Quality Measurements

Noting changes in water quality is an effective way to monitor your water well. Aquifer
contamination, problems with a well's structure, or lack of routine maintenance could each
lead to a change in water quality.
Use the following checklist as a starting point to determine if a problem exists.

Checklist to Determine a Water Quality Problem

 Unpleasant odour or taste
 Red discoloration on plumbing fixtures and fabric
 Cloudy, dirty water
 Soap curd on dishes and fabrics
 Scale in pipes and water heater
 Salty alkali taste

Some changes in water quality are not detected by changes in taste, smell or appearance.
For this reason it is important to sample and analyze your water on a routine basis.

A bacteriological analysis can be done for Bacteriological Analysis

minimal cost through your local health unit.
Bacteriological analysis determines the total coliform and faecal coliform bacteria in the
This should be done annually.
water. Coliform bacteria are usually present in soil and surface water. Faecal coliform are
present in animal and human waste. Both are indicator organisms for the potential presence
of pathogenic (disease causing) bacteria.
A bacteriological analysis does not test for iron bacteria or sulphate-reducing bacteria
which are commonly found in well water. A bacteriological analysis should be done annually.

Chemical Analysis
A routine chemical analysis tests for the most common chemical parameters found in
A routine chemical analysis should be done water, such as iron, sodium, sulfates, nitrates and nitrites. In some cases, you may need to
every two to five years. request testing for additional parameters when a regional health concern is identified (such
as arsenic or fluoride).

43
 Module 5 — Monitoring and Maintenance of Your Water Well

Tests for chemical contaminants such Non-routine Testing

as pesticides, hydrocarbons, etc., require
Non-routine testing is necessary when unusual situations occur. Unexplained illnesses,
special arrangements.
obvious contamination situations such as pesticide or hydrocarbon spills, or flooding
are examples. Occurrences on neighboring properties may also provide reason for
non-routine testing. Since specialized testing is expensive, get advice on which parameters
are worth testing.

Sampling
How you collect a water sample is as important as the analysis. Proper sampling bottles
and procedures are required and can be obtained through your local health unit or private
laboratory. Samples not in the proper sampling bottle will not be accepted for testing.
Important considerations are:
Check ahead of time with your local  Length of time well is pumped prior to sample taken
health unit or private laboratory for
 How sample is stored
proper sampling procedures and
drop off times.  Length of time for sample to be delivered to a laboratory.
Collect the sample as close to the well head as possible to avoid any effect the water
treatment or distribution system may have on the sample. If you want to assess the
effectiveness of your treatment system, you will have to take an additional sample.

Interpreting Results
Whenever an analysis is done, you will receive a written copy of the results. Keep this
information in the front pocket of this manual with your other important papers. It helps to
create a history of your well to use for comparison should the water quality ever change.
You can also use the analyses to help you decide whether or not any water treatment
equipment is needed to improve your water quality.
The “Rural Water Quality Information Local health units are responsible for identifying whether water is fit for human
Tool” provides For information on consumption. The Canadian Drinking Water Quality Guidelines published by Health
interpreting water quality analysis Canada are used to establish when the parameters exceed established maximum
results. See Module 12 "Other Resources". acceptable concentrations.

44
 Module 5 — Monitoring and Maintenance of Your Water Well

Worksheet
Water Well Monitoring Log
Year_________ Well No. _____ Qtr_____ Sec_____ Twp_____ Rge_____ W of_____Meridian Lot_____ Blk_____ Plan____

Month / Day Time Water Level Comments

(quality, presence of sediment, yield problems)
Pumping Non-pumping

January ________

February ________

March ________

April ________

May ________

June ________

July ________

August ________

September ________

October ________

November ________

December ________

* At the end of the year, review the chart for any water level trends.
* Working copies are included in the pocket on the back cover.

45
Module 5 — Monitoring and Maintenance of Your Water Well

46
 Module 6 — Shock Chlorination

For more information refer to

Shock Chlorination
Shock chlorination is a relatively inexpensive and straightforward procedure used to
the Water Wells That Last video (Part III — control bacteria in water wells. Many types of bacteria can contaminate wells, but the most
Shock Chlorination). common are iron-related (IRB) and sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB). Although not a cause of
health problems in humans, these nuisance bacteria may coat the inside of the well casing,
water piping and pumping equipment, creating problems such as:
 Reduced well yield
 Restricted water flow in distribution lines
 Staining of plumbing fixtures and laundry
Well maintenance is essential to ensure that
a well will last.  Plugging of water treatment equipment
 “Rotten egg” odour.
 Increased corrosion of the metal parts of the well and distribution system
Wells can also be contaminated with harmful bacteria such as fecal coliforms or
E. coli. Shock chlorination is the most effective method to eliminate them. Bacteria may
be introduced during drilling of a well or when pumps are removed for repair and laid
Water wells provide ideal conditions for
on the ground. However, IRBs and SRBs (as well as other bacteria) can exist naturally
IRBs. To thrive, IRBs require 0.5-4 mg/L
in groundwater.
of dissolved oxygen, as little as 0.01 mg/L
dissolved iron and a temperature range of 5 A well creates a direct path for oxygen to travel into the ground where it would not
to 15°C. Some IRBs use dissolved iron in the normally exist accelerating the growth of bacteria that require oxygen. When a well is
water as a food source. pumped, the water flowing in will also bring in nutrients that enhance bacterial growth.

Note: All iron staining problems are not necessarily caused by iron-related bacteria.
The iron naturally present in the water can be the cause. See Module 12 "Other
Resources" for more information.

47
Module 6 — Shock Chlorination

Signs of Nuisance Bacteria

There are a number of signs that indicate the presence of iron-related, sulfate-reducing
and other slime-producing bacteria. They include:
 Slime growth  Rotten egg odor  Increased staining.

Slime Growth
The easiest way to check a well and water system for nuisance bacteria is to examine
the inside surface of the toilet flush tank. If you feel a greasy slime or growth, these are
probably present.

Rotten Egg Odour

Sulfate-reducing bacteria can cause a rotten egg odour in water. Iron-related bacteria
aggravate the problem by creating an environment that encourages the growth of SRBs in
the well. SRBs prefer to live underneath the slime layer that the IRBs form because they
thrive in low oxygen environments. SRBs produce hydrogen sulfide gas as a by-product,
resulting in a “rotten egg” or sulfur odour in the water and may produce small amounts
of acid that can corrode the well casing and pumping equipment.

Increased Staining Problems

Iron-related bacteria can concentrate iron in water sources with low iron content. It can
create a staining problem where one never existed before or make an iron staining problem
worse as time goes by.
Use the following checklist to determine if you have an iron-related or sulfate-reducing
bacteria problem. The first three are very specific problems related to these bacteria. The last
two problems can be signs of other problems as well.

Checklist to Determine an Iron-Related or

Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria Problem
 Greasy slime on inside surface of toilet flush tank
 Increased red staining of plumbing fixtures and laundry
 Sulfur odour
 Reduced well yield
 Restricted water flow

48
 Module 6 — Shock Chlorination

Shock Chlorination Method

Shock chlorination is used to control iron-related and sulfate-reducing bacteria and to
Before you shock chlorinate, consult
eliminate faecal coliform or E. coli bacteria in a water system. To be effective, shock chlorination
your water treatment equipment
should be done on a regular basis at least once or twice per year as part of a routine well
supplier to ensure the appropriate
maintenance program. Start the treatments early in the life of your well. Shock chlorination will
steps are taken to protect your
disinfect the following:
treatment equipment.
 The entire well depth  The formation around the bottom of the well
 The pressure system  Some water treatment equipment
 The distribution system.
To accomplish this, a large volume of chlorinated water is siphoned down the well to displace
all the water in the well and some of the water in the formation surrounding the well.

Effectiveness of Shock Chlorination

With shock chlorination, the entire system (from the water-bearing formation, through the
well-bore and the distribution system) is exposed to water which has a concentration of chlorine
strong enough to kill iron-related and sulfate reducing bacteria (see Figure 1, Water System).
Bacteria collect in the pore spaces of the formation and on the casing or screened surface of the
well. To be effective, you need to calculate the correct volumes of chlorine and water required to
reach and disinfect the entire cased section of the well and adjacent water-bearing formation.
Be aware that chlorinating old, The procedure described on the following pages does not completely eliminate nuisance
unmaintained wells may uncover bacteria from the water system, but it will hold it in check. To control the iron-related bacteria,
existing holes in steel casing and you will have to repeat the treatment on a regular basis, likely each spring and fall as a regular
speed up inevitable well failure. maintenance procedure. If your well has never been shock chlorinated or has not been done for
some time, it may be necessary to contact a licensed water well contractor about other products
and methods for control of bacteria.
Adding chlorine increases the pH of the water. An increase in pH reduces the ability of
chlorine to disinfect or kill bacteria. Your licensed water well contractor may have specialized
chemicals designed to reduce pH and optimize disinfection.
Shock chlorination will not be effective on wells that have been seldom or never been treated.
These poorly maintained wells likely require the services of an experienced licensed water well
contractor who has the necessary equipment and products to effectively and safely clean and
restore the well water quality and production. Sometimes these wells can be restored to near their
original water quality and production capacity after the well driller uses scrubbing equipment and
applies an acid treatment to remove the heavy layers of bacterial slime on the well casing prior
to disinfecting with a chlorine solution. After a thorough cleaning it may be possible to return to
regular shock chlorination treatments to control bacteria buildup and its related problems.

49
 Module 6 — Shock Chlorination

Shock Chlorination Procedure for Drilled Wells

A modified procedure is also provided for large diameter wells.

Caution: If your well is low yielding or tends to pump any silt or sand, you must be
very careful using the following procedure because over-pumping may damage the well.
When pumping out the chlorinated solution, monitor the water discharge for sediment.

Step 1 Store sufficient water to meet farm and family needs for 8 to 48 hours.
*Large cisterns should be bypassed and
treated separately. If the water must
travel through a long or large diameter Step 2 Pump the recommended amount of water (see Table 1, Amount of Chlorine Required
pipeline, or large pressure tanks, an to Obtain a Chlorine Concentration of 200 PPM) into clean storage. A clean tank,
extra volume of chlorinated solution used only for storing potable or chlorinated water should be used. The recommended
should be used. Consult with a licensed amount of water to use is twice the volume of water present in the well casing*. To
water well drilling contractor or a measure how much water is in the casing, subtract the non-pumping water level from
water specialist. the total depth of the well. See the example below.

Imperial Example
The drilling record indicates the casing is 200 ft. in length and the non-pumping
("static") water level is 100 ft. The length of casing that is holding water in it is 100 ft.
(200-100). If your casing is 6 in. in diameter you need to pump 2.4 gal. of water for every
foot of water in the casing, into your storage container. Since you have 100 ft. of water
in the casing, you will pump 2.4 gal./ft. x 100 ft. = 240 gal. of water into storage.

Using Table 1, calculate how much water you need to pump into clean storage.
Casing diameter_________ needs_________gal./ft. x __________ ft. = ____­­______ gal.

50
 Module 6 — Shock Chlorination

Table 1
Amount of Chlorine Required for a Chlorine Concentration of 200 PPM
Sodium Hypochlorite (5¼% & 12%, 5 1/4%
liquid form) has a shelf life. Purchase 12% Industrial 70% High
2
1
Domestic
new stock and check for an expiry Volume of Water Needed Sodium Test
Chlorine
Casing Hypochlorite Hypochlorite
date. Buy only as much as you need Bleach
for the procedure. 12% industrial Diameter
L needed L needed Dry weight2
sodium hypochlorite and 70% high test Water needed per 1 ft. (30 cm)
per 1 ft. (30 per 1 ft. (30 per 1 ft. (30
of water in the casing
hypochlorite are available from: cm) of water cm) of water cm) of water
• Water treatment suppliers (in) (mm) (gal.) (L) (L) (L) (g)
4 (100) 1.1 5.0 .019 .008 1.44
• Licensed water well contractors
6 (150) 2.4 10.9 .042 .018 3.12
• Swimming pool maintenance
8 (200) 4.2 19.1 .072 .032 5.46
suppliers
24 (600)3 extra 200 gal. extra 1000 L .340 .148 25.40
• Dairy equipment suppliers 36 (900) 3
extra 200 gal. extra 1000 L .76 .34 57.20
• Some hardware stores. 1
Domestic chlorine bleach should not have 3
See modified procedure for large diameter
additives or perfumes. wells on page 53.
2
Since a dry chemical is being used, it should be 4
To reduce the chlorine concentrations to 50
mixed with water to form a chlorine solution ppm, divide the above chlorine amounts by 4.
before placing it in the well.

Caution: Chlorine is corrosive and Step 3 Calculate the amount of chlorine that is required, as shown in Table 1. Mix the chlorine
can even be deadly. with the previously measured water to obtain a 200 ppm chlorine solution.

Calculating Amount of Chlorine Example

If your casing is 6 in. and you are using 12% industrial sodium hypochlorite, you will
If your well is located in a pit, proper require 0.018 L per ft. of water in the casing. If you have 100 ft. of water in the casing,
safety precautions need to be taken you will use 0.018 L x 100 ft. = 1.8 L of 12% chlorine.
during the chlorination procedure.
It is best to use a licensed water
well contractor who has the proper Using Table 1, calculate the amount of chlorine you will need for your well.
equipment and experience to do the
job safely. Well pits are no longer Casing diameter_______ Chlorine strength_______
legal to construct. L needed per 1 ft. of water_______ x _______ ft. of water in casing = _______ L of chlorine.

51
 Module 6 — Shock Chlorination

Figure 2 Siphoning Chlorine Solution Step 4 Siphon or drain this solution slowly into the well (see Figure 2, Siphoning
Chlorine Solution).

Step 5 Open each hydrant and faucet in the distribution system (including all appliances
that use water such as dishwasher, washing machine, furnace humidifier) until the
water coming out has a chlorine odour. This will ensure all the plumbing fixtures are
chlorinated. Allow the hot water tank to fill completely. Consult your water treatment
equipment supplier to find out if any part of your water treatment system should be
bypassed, to prevent damage.

Step 6 Leave the chlorine solution in the well and distribution system for 8 to 48 hours.
The longer the contact time, the better the results.

Step 7 Open an outside tap and allow the water to run until the chlorine odour is greatly
reduced. Make sure to direct the water away from sensitive plants or landscaping.
Do not over-pump your well.

Step 8 Flush the chlorine solution from the hot water heater and household distribution
system. The small amount of chlorine in the distribution system will not harm the
septic tank.

Step 9 Backwash and regenerate any water treatment equipment.

If you have an old well that has not been routinely chlorinated, consider hiring a
licensed water well contractor to thoroughly clean the well prior to chlorinating. Any floating
debris should be removed from the well and the casing should be scrubbed to disturb the
sludge buildup.

52
 Module 6 — Shock Chlorination

Modified Procedure for Large Diameter Wells

Due to the large volume of water in many bored wells the above procedure can be
impractical. A more practical way to shock chlorinate a bored well is to mix the recommended
amount of chlorine right in the well. An extra volume of chlorinated water is used to force
some of the chlorine solution into the formation around the well. Follow these steps to shock
chlorinate a large diameter bored well.

Worksheet
Step 1 Pump 200 gal. (1000 L) of water into a clean storage tank at the well head.

Use the "Calculating Water and Chlorine

Requirements for Shock Chlorination"
worksheet to determine how much water Step 2 Mix 4.0 L of 5 1/4% domestic chlorine bleach that does not have additives or perfumes
and chlorine you need to shock chlorinate (or 1.5 L of 12% bleach or 0.26 kg of 70% calcium hypochlorite) into the 200 gal. of
your well. A sample worksheet is included stored water. This mixture will be used later in Step 5.
at the back of this module. Working copies
are included in the pocket on the back
cover. Store the completed worksheet in
the back pocket. Step 3 Using Table 1 calculate the amount of chlorine you require per foot of water in the
casing and add directly into the well. (Note that the 70% hypochlorite powder should
be completely dissolved in a small container of water to form a solution before placing
in the well.)

Step 4 Circulate the chlorinated water in the well by hooking a cleangarden hose up to an
outside faucet and placing the other end back down the well. This circulates the
chlorinated water through the pressure system and back down the well. Continue for
Don't mix acids with chlorine. at least 15 minutes.
This is dangerous.

Step 5 Siphon or drain the 200 gal. bleach and water solution prepared in Steps 1 and 2
slowly into the well.

Step 6 Complete the procedure as described in Steps 5 to 9 for drilled wells.

53
 Module 6 — Shock Chlorination

Worksheet
Calculating Water and Chlorine Requirements (200 PPM)
for Shock Chlorination

Complete the following table using your own figures to determine how much water and chlorine you need to shock chlorinate your well.

Volume of 5 1/4% 1Domestic 12% Industrial Sodium 2

70% High Test Calcium
Casing Diameter
Water Needed Chlorine Bleach Hypochlorite Hypochlorite

Imperial gal. needed per Dry weight2 per 1 ft.

(in) (mm) L per 1 ft. (30 cm) of water L per 1 ft. (30 cm) of water
1 ft. of water in the casing (30 cm) of water

4 (100) _____ft. x 1.1 gal. = _____ _____ft. x 0.019 L = _____ _____ft. x 0.008 L = _____ _____ft. x 1.44 g = ______

6 (150) _____ft. x 2.4 gal. = _____ _____ft. x 0.042 L = _____ _____ft. x 0.018 L = _____ _____ft. x 3.12 g = ______

8 (200) _____ft. x 4.2 gal. = _____ _____ft. x 0.072 L = _____ _____ft. x 0.032 L = _____ _____ft. x 5.46 g = ______

24 (600)3 extra 200 gal. _____ft. x 0.340 L = _____ _____ft. x 0.148 L = _____ _____ft. x 25.40 g = _____

36 (900)3 extra 200 gal. _____ft. x 0.760 L = _____ _____ft. x 0.34 L = ______ _____ft. x 57.20 g = _____

1
Domestic chlorine bleach should not have 3
See modified procedure for large diameter wells on page 53.
additives or perfumes.
2
Since a dry chemical is being used, it should
be mixed with water to form a chlorine
solution prior to placing it in the well.

* Working copies are included in the pocket on the back cover.

54
 Module 7 — Troubleshooting Water Well Problems

Troubleshooting Water Well

For more information refer
to the Water Wells That Last video series
(Part II — Managing and Maintaining).
Problems
Water well problems result from many causes including equipment failure, depletion
of the aquifer, corrosive qualities of the water and improper well design and construction.
Correctly identifying the cause enables you to select appropriate treatment or maintenance
to fix the problem rather than abandon the well. This troubleshooting module is designed to
help you recognize the symptoms of the problem, identify the cause and select the appropriate
course of action. Technical assistance from licensed water well contractors or groundwater
consultants may be valuable. See Module 11 "Contacts for More Information".

Causes of Well Problems

There are several basic causes of well problems.
● Improper well design and construction
● Incomplete well development
● Borehole stability problems
● Incrustation build-up
● Biofouling
● Corrosion
● Aquifer problems
● Over-pumping.

The first two causes relate to the expertise and performance of the licensed water well
contractor. Borehole stability problems, incrustation, corrosion and aquifer problems are
related to characteristics of the aquifer. The last cause, overpumping, is caused by well users.

Exercise

List any problems or symptoms with your well.

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

55
 Module 7 — Troubleshooting Water Well Problems

Improper Well Design and Construction

When designing a well, the licensed water well contractor must match the type of well
construction with the characteristics of the producing aquifer. Decisions must be made about:
● Perforated well casing/liner vs. well screen (see Figure 1, Perforated Well Liner
and Well Screen)
● Slot size of well screen
● Placement of well screen or perforated liner
● Size and amount of sand pack around the well screen (if required)
● Location of the pump in the well.
If poor choices are made, you may experience problems with sediment in your water or
reduced well yield. Provincial regulations require that a well must be completed to ensure
Figure 1 Perforated Well Liner and Well
no damage will be incurred to the pumping system, plumbing or fixtures due to sediment in
Screen
the water. For more information on well design and construction, see Module 3 "Design and
Construction of Water Wells."

Incomplete Well Development

During drilling, mud and bore hole cuttings can partially plug the aquifer. This material
must be fully removed by the licensed water well contractor to allow water to freely enter the
well. This procedure is part of well development. If the well has not been fully developed, you
may experience problems with sediment in your water or low well yield.

Borehole Stability Problems

Borehole stability problems can result from damaged casing and screens, borehole
wall collapse, corrosion or excessive water velocities into the well. High water velocity can
cause formation particles, like sand, to flow into the well, causing eventual collapse of the
borehole wall.
It is essential that the proper materials be selected and installed to avoid such problems.
A combination of poor materials, improperly placed screens and a poor well seal make it
uneconomical to maintain and restore such a well. Often the most cost effective solution is to
drill a new well that is properly designed and constructed.

56
 Module 7 — Troubleshooting Water Well Problems

Mineral Incrustation
Mineral incrustation is a common problem in some shallow water table type aquifers
where there is an abundance of dissolved minerals including calcium, magnesium and iron,
as well as iron bacteria. When water is pumped from the well, changes in pressure and
temperature occur. This creates ideal conditions for minerals to precipitate or settle out,
Although incrustation or scale formation
causing scale formation on the casing, liner and screens.
occurs mostly in the screen or slotted
casing, it can also affect the formation A combination of good preventive maintenance and good management practices can
around the well. minimize the effect of incrustation. Management practices that reduce water pumping rates
can reduce the effects of mineral incrustation. A strategy of reduced pumping rate with longer
pumping intervals helps prevent incrustation of screens and perforated liners.

Biofouling
Installing and pumping a well increases the level of oxygen and nutrients in the well and
in the surrounding aquifer. Bacteria, such as iron bacteria, may thrive under these conditions.
They can form a gel-like slime or biofilm that captures chemicals, minerals and other particles
such as sand, clays and silts. Minerals, such as iron, oxidize and get trapped in the biofilm.
Shock chlorination is effective as a "Biofouling" occurs where biofilm accumulations are sufficient to reduce water flow. This can
regular maintenance technique to kill mean reduced well yield and water quality.
bacteria and limit its ability to create
biofilm. However, shock chlorination is not Corrosion
effective at penetrating biofilm. If biofilm
Chemical substances found in water can eat away or corrode metal well casings. To avoid
buildup is suspected, the introduction
corrosion, the licensed water well contractor must choose a casing material that is suitable for
of appropriate chemicals and physical
the water supply. For example, licensed water well contractors usually select plastic casing
agitation is required to remove the
liners and stainless steel well screens for corrosive water. Sulfate-reducing bacteria can also
biological plugging material.
cause corrosion. Shock chlorination can keep these bacteria in check.

57
 Module 7 — Troubleshooting Water Well Problems

Over-pumping
If you are pumping water at a rate close to A well is over-pumped if water is withdrawn at a faster rate than the well was designed for or
the well's capacity, excessive pump cycling the aquifer is able to produce. Over-pumping is the most common well problem that leads to
can increase the problem of biofouling. premature well failure. Over-pumping not only depletes the groundwater aquifer (or source),
but it rapidly increases the rate of corrosion, incrustation and biofouling related problems.
Over-pumping also increases the rate of sediment particles moving toward the well, causing
plugging of the perforated area where water flows into the well. It can also cause the aquifer
to settle and compact which further restricts water flow to the well.

Dissolved Gas in Water

The presence of gas in water wells is common in Alberta. Oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen,
methane and hydrogen sulphide may occur naturally in some of the aquifers in which water
wells are drilled (e.g. coal seams, fractured shales and sandstones). When gas is present,
it is held in groundwater under pressure. Pumping water wells completed in such aquifers
can reduce the pressure, releasing the gas. Sometimes gas in groundwater can affect the
operation of your well. Even if gas is present, it may still be possible to use your well in
a safe manner. Refer to the troubleshooting guide on page 63 for methods of controlling
dissolved gas in water.

Aquifer Problems
While most well problems are related to the construction, development or operation of the
well, the formation can also be a source of problems.
Reduced aquifer yield can be caused by lack of recharge. For example, the amount of
water withdrawn can exceed the recharge from rain and snow melt. This is referred to as
"mining the aquifer". Sometimes the decline in water level is seasonal. Typically water levels
are higher in spring and lower in the fall. Extended dry periods can also impact water levels,
especially in shallow water table type aquifers.
For more information on checking water Checking the water level in your well is an important maintenance procedure. You will be
levels, see Module 5 "Monitoring and able to identify water level trends and identify well problems or aquifer depletion before the
Maintenance of Your Water Well". problem becomes serious.
Now go back to the exercise at the start of this module. Try to identify possible causes for
each problem you identified.

58
Module 7 — Troubleshooting Water Well Problems

Troubleshooting Guide
There are four common symptoms associated with most water well problems:
● Reduced well yield

● Sediment in the water

● Change in water quality

● Dissolved gas in the water.

The guide on the next four pages refers to these four symptoms. To use the guide, find the
section that identifies the symptom you are experiencing. Look down the left hand column for
possible causes of the problem. Beside each cause is listed some indicators you can check for
and ways to correct the problem.
Be aware that in many cases the well problem can be the result of a combination of causes
and therefore correction may be a combination of actions as well.

59
 Module 7 — Troubleshooting Water Well Problems

Symptom #1 — Reduced Well Yield

Possible causes: What to check for: How to correct:

Pump and/or water system Low pump production in spite of normal Have a licensed water well contractor or
water level in well. Leak in system; worn plumber check the pump and water system.
pump impeller.

Biofilm build-up in well casing, well screen or Slime build-up on household plumbing fixtures Shock chlorinate the well and water system
pump intake. and livestock waterers. Inspect pump and use as required - usually once or twice a year. See
down-hole camera to check for slime build-up. Module 6 "Shock Chlorination".

Mineral scale (incrustation) build-up on Scale formation on plumbing fixtures and Once the type of mineral scale has been
perforated well casing, well or pump screen. livestock waterers. Inspect pump. Use down- identified, the well should be cleaned by a
hole video camera to check for mineral build- licensed water well treatment specialist.
up. Calculate the Ryznar Stability Index Treatment could include both physical
to determine the water's incrustinq potential. aqitation and chemical/acid treatment.

Sediment plugging on outside of perforated Sediment in water, followed by a sudden Have a licensed water well contractor
casing or screen. decline in yield. redevelop the well.

Collapse of well casing or borehole due to age Sediment in water. Compare current depth of Recondition the well. If repair is not
of well. well with original records. A collapsed well will economical, plug the well and redrill. •
show a shallower depth than the original well. See Module 9 "Plugging Abandoned Wells”.

Neighbouring well interference. Check for significant drop in water levels in Identify other nearby wells located in the same
nearby wells. Contact Alberta Environment aquifer. Reduce pumping rates as required.
and Sustainable Development to determine if
groundwater use in the area has increased.

Aquifer depletion Compare current non-pumping static water Reduce the water use. Install additional
- rate of withdrawal exceeds rate of recharge level with the level at the time of well storage to meet peak water requirements.
- periods of drought can temporarily deplete construction. A lower level confirms aquifer Drill a deeper well or one that taps into
shallow groundwater zones depletion. Contact Alberta Environment and another aquifer.
Sustainable Development to see if water levels
are declininq.

60
 Module 7 — Troubleshooting Water Well Problems

Symptom #2 — Sediment in Water

Possible causes: What to check for: How to correct:

Improper well design or construction. Sediment appears in water shortly after well Have the licensed water well contractor return
completion. Well production does not improve to assess and repair the construction problem.
with pumping.

Insufficient well development after Sediment appears shortly after well Have the licensed water well contractor return
construction. completion. Well production may improve to redevelop the well.
with pumping.

Continuous over-pumping of well. Sediment appears in water. Compare current If the current flow rate is higher than the
discharge rate of well with the recommended recommended rate, install a flow restrictor on
rate at the time of construction. pump. If required, install additional storage to
meet peak water requirements.

Corrosion of well casing, liner or screen Sudden appearance of sediment in water when Consult a licensed water well contractor.
causing holes. there was no previous problem. May be coupled Depending on the well construction, repair
with a change in water quality. Calculate or replace well using alternate construction
the Ryznar Stability Index to determine the materials. Plug old well. See Module 9
water's corrosion potential. "Plugging Abandoned Wells”.

Failure of the annular or casing seal. Sudden appearance of sediment, coupled Consult a licensed water well contractor. It
with a change in water quality. Test water may be possible to re-establish the seal. If
quality regularly and investigate when quality repair is not economical, plug the well and
changes occur redrill. See Module 9 "Plugging Abandoned
Wells”.

61
 Module 7 — Troubleshooting Water Well Problems

Symptom #3 — Change in Water Quality

Possible causes: What to check for: How to correct:

Corrosion of well casing, liner or screen, Change in water quality, may be coupled with Consult a licensed water well contractor.
causing holes. Holes can allow water of sudden appearance of sediment in water. Depending on the well construction, repair
undesirable quality to enter the well. Calculate the Ryznar Stability Index to or replace well using alternate construction
determine the water's corrosion potential. materials. Plug old well. See Module 9
“Plugging Abandoned Wells”.

Failure of the annulus or casing seal. Sudden appearance of sediment, coupled Consult a licensed water well contractor.
with a change in water quality. Test water It may be possible to re-establish the seal.
quality regularly and investigate when quality If repair is not economical, plug the well and
changes occur. redrill. See Module 9 "Plugging Abandoned
Wells".

Iron-related bacteria or sulfate-reducing Change in water quality such as colour, Shock chlorinate the well. For more
bacteria (biofouling). odour (e.g., rotten egg) or taste. Check inside information on shock chlorination, see
of toilet tank for slime build-up and inspect Module 6 "Shock Chlorination".
pump.

Contamination sources. Changes in water quality such as colour, odour Identify and remove contamination source.
or taste. Compare results from regular water Continue to monitor water quality through
analyses for changes.* regular water testing.

* In many cases, variations in water quality will not result in observable changes in odour, taste or colour. For
instance, in situations where nitrate levels are increasing, there may be no apparent change in the odour,
taste or colour of the water.

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 Module 7 — Troubleshooting Water Well Problems

Symptom #4 — Dissolved Gas in the Water

Possible causes: What to check for: How to correct:

Dissolved gases in well water including: Spurting household water taps. For low concentrations of gas:
- carbon dioxide • Install an air volume release valve on the
- methane Milky color to the water which lasts only pressure tank, if the tank does not have an
a few seconds. air bladder. Also ensure the tank is properly
vented outside of building.
Cautions: • Spray water from the well into a sealed
1. Carbon dioxide is an asphyxiant storage tank that is properly vented
2. Methane can be flammable and explosive. to the outside.

For higher concentrations of gas:

• Determine the depth that the gas is
entering the well.
• If possible, lower the pump intake to below
where the gas is entering. A licensed water
well contractor could install a plastic gas
sleeve over the pump intake so the gas will
be forced out of the water as it enters the
intake. The gas will accumulate at the top
of the well, so properly vent the well head so
the gas is directed to the outside.

Over-pumping the well. Malfunctioning pump (gas-locking). Refer to Have a licensed water well contractor or
your pump manual to troubleshoot for your plumber check the pump and pressure system
pumping system. equipment for malfunction. Make sure any
new pumping equipment is sized correctly to
Compare the rate at which you are pumping meet the production capability of the well.
the well with the rate recommended by the Reduce well pumping rate if necessary and
driller on the drilling report. install additional storage to meet peak water
requirements if required.

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Module 7 — Troubleshooting Water Well Problems

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 Module 8 — Protecting Your Well From Contamination

Protecting Your Well From

For more information refer
to the Water Wells That Last video series
(Part II — Managing and Maintaining).
Contamination
Probably the most important asset on your property is your water well. Unfortunately it
is often misunderstood and taken for granted. This lack of understanding increases the risk
of contamination to the groundwater. Contamination can be a health risk to both people and
livestock. Groundwater is an important resource that needs to be protected.
Contamination of groundwater is hard to detect in early stages. By the time the problem
is obvious, there is little that can be done to remove the contaminant from the system. It can
take a very long time for contaminants to be flushed out, often decades or longer. Prevention
of pollution is the only effective approach.
Often the biggest contamination threats are things in your own backyard. The following
are examples of potential problems and some ways to prevent them.

Poor Well Construction

 The fastest way to contaminate groundwater is through a well. A well provides a
direct path for contamination to travel from the surface to the aquifer.
 An inadequate well casing or annular seal may allow surface water or contaminated
groundwater to seep along the outside of the casing and enter your well (see Figure 1,
Annulus or Casing Seal).
 Unsecure, missing or inadequate well caps provide a direct path for vermin, insects
and other organisms to contaminate the well.
 Locating a well in close proximity to possible sources of contamination could have a
negative effect on the water quality
 Multi-aquifer well completion allows mixing of water from several aquifers
which may have significantly different water qualities (see Figure 2, Multi-Aquifer
Well Completion).

Prevention: The best defense is to hire a licensed water well contractor. They must obtain
an approval that authorizes them to drill water wells in the province. To obtain
this approval, they must have a certified journeymen water well driller to
operate each drilling rig. Standards for drilling, construction and reclamation
of wells are outlined in the Water (Ministerial) Regulation of the Water Act.

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Module 8 — Protecting Your Well From Contamination

Figure 1 Annular or Casing Seal Figure 2 Multi-Aquifer Well Completion

Old Wells
 Old unused wells that are poorly constructed or have corroded steel casing can lead to
contamination of an aquifer. Nearby wells, completed in that aquifer, may eventually
become contaminated.

Prevention: Old unused wells must be properly plugged. See Module 9 "Plugging
Abandoned Wells."

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 Module 8 — Protecting Your Well From Contamination

Well Pits
Provincial regulation now prohibits the  Well pits provide a place for contaminated surface water or shallow groundwater
construction of well pits. to collect. When this water sits in the pit, it can contaminate the aquifer by seeping
around the outside of the well casing or flowing into the well. This type of construction
also makes it very susceptible to contamination by small animals and insects (see
Figure 3, Well Pit). For this reason well pits are no longer allowed.
Prevention: If a well pit exists, do not enter  Well pits can also be a deadly safety hazard. With changes in atmospheric pressure,
it alone and without ventilating air from within the well casing can displace "normal" air in the well pit. Well gases
it aggressively beforehand. It is or low oxygen content resulted in human deaths, even recently. People entering the
best to have well pits removed by well pit can be asphyxiated. Wells located in basements and pump houses can also be
an experienced contractor with susceptible to this problem.
certification in working in  Methane gas build-up can cause explosions.
confined spaces.
Prevention: Pitless adaptors provide a safe, sanitary and frost-free connection from
the pumping system to the water well (see Figure 4, Pitless Adaptor).
For more information, see the publication Pitless Adaptors, listed in
Module 12 "Other Resources".

Figure 3 Well Pit

Figure 4 Pitless Adaptor

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 Module 8 — Protecting Your Well From Contamination

Figure 5 Farm Water Hydrant

Farm Water Hydrants Installed in a Well or
Well Pit
 Hydrants are designed to prevent freezing by draining water back down the well when
they are shut off. This means the contents of the stand pipe and hose will syphon back
into the well. If the hose is directly connected to the water in a tank, this water will
also be syphoned down the well (see Figure 5, Farm Water Hydrant). The contents of
stock tanks, sprayers, etc. are examples of possible contaminants.

Prevention: Always maintain an air gap between the end of a hose and the water surface, or
install a backflow prevention device.
Always disconnect hoses from the hydrants when not in use.

Prevention: Never locate a hydrant in a well casing or well pit.

Poor Sewage Systems

 Shallow groundwater can be contaminated by poorly designed, installed or operating
sewage systems (see Figure 6, Poor Sewage Systems). Cesspools constructed over the
years have been specifically identified as a greater risk.

Prevention: The construction of cesspools is no longer permitted.

Prevention: In Alberta, only contractors who are certified by the Alberta Onsite
Wastewater Management Association, and who hold a valid, annual Private
Figure 6 Poor Sewage Systems Sewage Disposal System (PSDS) Ticket from the Province of Alberta, are
eligible to obtain permits and install private sewage treatment systems. See
Module 3 "Design and Construction of Water Wells" for minimum distance
requirements, and Module 11 "Contacts for More Information," Alberta Onsite
Wastewater Management Association, for requirements.

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Module 8 — Protecting Your Well From Contamination

Seismic Shot Holes

 Improperly plugged shot holes can be a direct path for contamination to groundwater.
Shot holes are typically 15-18 m (50-60 ft.) deep and are plugged by installing a plastic
plug (with identification) into the hole, at a depth of not less than 1 m (3 ft.) below
ground level, followed with bentonite pellets and firmly tamped borehole cuttings
placed progressively upwards to the ground surface.

Prevention: Negotiate, beforehand, a more effective method of plugging shot holes with the
seismic company by suggesting they install the plastic plug closer to the bottom
of each hole and fill from the plug to ground surface with only bentonite pellets.

Over-Application or Improper Storage of

Manure or Fertilizer
 Manure or fertilizer that is applied to land at a greater rate than growing crops can
utilize the nutrients can result in nitrates leaching into groundwater. Fertilizer that is
applied to lawns or gardens at excessive rates may also contribute.

Prevention: Balance the nutrient requirements of your crops with the nutrient content of
the manure or fertilizer. Conduct regular soil and manure tests and maintain
accurate records of application.

 Storage of manure concentrates nutrients in one location which can increase risk of
contamination.

Prevention: Manure storage facilities should be designed and constructed correctly.

See Module 12 "Other Resources".

Hazardous Material Storage

 There are many other substances and products that need to be properly stored and
handled. These could include paint, oil, chemicals, etc.

Prevention: Hazardous material should never be stored in a building that houses the well
and/or pumping equipment.

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 Module 8 — Protecting Your Well From Contamination

Fuel tanks must be located at least 50

m (164 ft.) from water wells. Buried fuel
Fuel Storage Tanks
tanks are a major environmental liability  Leaking fuel can contaminate your water supply with hydrocarbons by penetrating
and should be avoided. water distribution lines or seeping directly into your aquifer.

Prevention: Design and construct a proper refueling area. Monitor your fuel tanks for
leakage. Practice proper refueling procedures to avoid spills. Be prepared to
clean up spills. See Module 12 "Other Resources", Farm Fuel Storage and
Handling.

Pesticide Contamination
 The most common reason pesticide contamination of wells occurs is poor pesticide
handling in the area around the well.

 The highest contamination risk involving field application is when the following
factors all come together:
• persistent pesticides
• high water table
• highly permeable soils
• high pesticide application rate.

Prevention: Never fill sprayer tanks near a well. Always use a nurse tank to haul clean
water to the field for pesticide mixing.
Store pesticides properly, away from the well.
Properly rinse and dispose of empty pesticide containers.

Contamination During Maintenance

 Wells can easily become contaminated with bacteria when pumps, piping and
equipment are laid on the ground prior to placement into the well or during
maintenance procedures.

Prevention: Pumps, piping and equipment should be thoroughly disinfected before going
back into the well and the well should be shock chlorinated.

A better understanding of groundwater and wells is key to preventing

contamination problems. Use these preventative techniques to ensure that the
wells on your farm provide a safe water supply for years to come.

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Module 8 — Protecting Your Well From Contamination

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Module 8 — Protecting Your Well From Contamination

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 Module 9 — Plugging Abandoned Wells

Plugging Abandoned Wells

For more information refer to When a well is no longer being used or maintained for future use, it is considered
the Water Wells That Last video (Part II — abandoned. Abandoned wells pose a serious threat to the preservation of groundwater
Managing and Maintaining). quality. They are also a serious safety hazard for children and animals.
There are approximately 59,000 farmsteads in Alberta and most of these have at least
Figure 1 Well Contamination one well. In addition there are a great number of non-farming rural residents that rely on
water wells. The exact number of abandoned wells in Alberta is unknown but is estimated
to be in the tens of thousands. Plugging an abandoned well prevents:
 Downward movement of water in the well or well annulus
 Surface contamination from reaching aquifers
 Intermixing of water between aquifers of different water quality
 Serious accidents from happening.
Unfortunately, groundwater contamination and its effects are usually not recognized
until groundwater quality is seriously affected and nearby wells have been contaminated.
Surface contaminants can enter a well several ways:
 Directly through the surface opening if the cap is loose, cracked or missing
 Through unsealed spaces along the outside of the casing (see Figure 1,
Well Contamination).
When the steel casing of an abandoned well starts to corrode, holes will develop. When
this takes place, surface contaminants or poor quality water from shallow aquifers may
migrate into the deeper aquifers of nearby operating wells (see Figure 2, Contamination
From an Abandoned Well).
Figure 2 Contamination From an Abandoned Well

Wells that are no longer being used should be

plugged. They are a serious public safety and
environmental hazard.

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 Module 9 — Plugging Abandoned Wells

Who is Responsible?
In Alberta, responsibility for plugging a water well is defined by legislation. The well
owner is responsible for plugging the well when:
 The well is no longer being used as a water supply
 The well is in a poor state of repair and the pumping equipment has been removed
or cannot be repaired or replaced
 The well produces water that is unsuitable for drinking.
The licensed water well contractor is legally responsible for immediately plugging a well
when it is not completed due to construction problems or inadequate yield. Before you sign a
contract with a driller, ask questions about what materials are going to be used to plug the
well and associated costs.
It is generally best to hire a licensed water well contractor to complete the plugging of
your well. This person has the expertise and equipment to do a proper job. Unless you use
the right plugging materials and have them properly placed in the well, you will end up with
a poorly sealed well that will continue to allow contaminants to enter into the groundwater.
When a replacement well is drilled, your old well should be immediately plugged.

Process of Plugging a Well

There are several steps to take before actually plugging the well. Some steps you will be
able to do yourself and others you may want to consult with, or hire, a licensed water well
contractor to complete.

Preparation
To know exactly how much plugging material is needed, measure the total depth and
For information on how to take a non-
diameter of the well, plus the non-pumping water level (the depth to the standing water in
pumping water level measurement, see
the well). If possible, compare these measurements to the information on the drilling report
Module 5 "Monitoring Your Water Well".
from when the well was originally constructed. The only time you should even consider
plugging a well yourself is when the well is open to its original depth.
Ideally the casing should be removed from the well before the plugging process begins.
Often only the liner casing is removed and the surface casing is left intact because it is more
difficult to remove and it could separate down hole. The older the well, the more difficult it
will be to successfully remove the casing. If the casing is left in place, it should be perforated,
particularly if there is evidence of water movement in the annulus of the well. Any casing left
in place must be cut off 0.5 m (20 in.) below ground surface after the well is plugged.

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 Module 9 — Plugging Abandoned Wells

Materials
Materials that are used to plug a well must be uncontaminated and impervious.
They must prevent any movement of water. See the chart below for acceptable and
unacceptable materials.

Acceptable Materials Unacceptable Materials

• grout - neat cement (cement mixed with water) sand
Cement grout and concrete may shrink
- sand cement (cement, sand and water) gravel
after setting so may not create as good a
seal as bentonite. • concrete (cement, sand and aggregate mixed with water) drilling mud or fluid
Sand and gravel are not acceptable • manufactured high yield bentonite products
materials. They are not impervious • clean, uncontaminated clay (for large diameter wells)
materials because water can easily move
through them. High yield bentonite is a special type of clay that swells when wet to provide a very
effective impervious seal. It comes in a powder that when mixed with water produces a slurry
that can be pumped into the well. It is also manufactured in pellet or granular form that is
designed to pour into the well. This type of bentonite when mixed with water will actually
swell to about eight times its original size and will form a water-tight plug.
It is important to understand that bentonite cannot be used as a plugging material in
some situations. When the chloride level in the well water is greater than 4000 mg/L, or the
calcium level is greater than 700 mg/L, bentonite will not swell properly, so then it is best to
use a cement grout.
Large diameter or bored wells pose special problems because of their size and the volume
of material required to fill them. A lower cost alternative for the plugging material is clean,
uncontaminated clay that can be shovelled into the well until it is filled. This must be done
carefully, however, to ensure the clay reaches the bottom of the well and seals off all empty
space. The cribbing must be cut off below ground surface and the well should be topped up
with high yield bentonite to make a water-tight seal.

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 Module 9 — Plugging Abandoned Wells

Method
Aside from choosing the appropriate plugging material, the method of placing material
into the well is most critical. Regulation requires that the plugging material must be
introduced from the bottom of the well and placed progressively upward to ground surface.
If the plugging material is cement grout, concrete or bentonite slurry, special equipment
Figure 3 Bridging is needed. The material must be placed into the well through a tremie pipe that is usually
about 3 in. in diameter. At all times this pipe must be kept below the surface of the plugging
material to prevent it from diluting or separating. It is recommended that you hire a licensed
water well contractor when a slurry is chosen as the plugging material because they will
have the proper equipment and experience to do the job correctly.
When bentonite pellets are chosen for the plugging material, they can be poured into the
well from the ground surface. These pellets have a weight material added to help them sink
to the bottom of the hole. They are also coated to prevent immediate swelling on contact with
water. When poured slowly, they should reach the bottom of the well before swelling.
If you are not careful, however, these pellets will bridge off down hole and the well will be
only partially plugged (see Figure 3, Bridging).
Before you pour in the pellets, you can determine how many feet of well casing can be
filled with the size of pellets you have chosen. As the well is being filled, measure the depth
to the top of the plugging material quite frequently. Then you will know if the plug is rising
faster than expected indicating a bridge has formed. If this happens, be sure to break it up
before adding more material to the well.

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 Module 9 — Plugging Abandoned Wells

Steps to Plugging a Well

Step 1 Remove all pumping equipment from the well. Thoroughly flush out the well using a bailer
or air compressor.

By regulation, a well must be filled full Step 2 Measure the total depth of the well, the diameter and the non-pumping water level. If
length with impervious material. That possible, compare these figures with the information on the original drilling report. Confirm
material must be introduced into the well whether the well is open to its original depth.
at the bottom and be placed progressively Step 3 Use these figures to decide which plugging material is appropriate and how much you will
upward to ground surface. need. A licensed water well contractor can help you decide. Whether or not the casing can
be successfully pulled out will also determine which material to use and what method is
appropriate for placing it into the well. If the casing cannot be removed, choose a slurry that
can be pumped under pressure into the well so that any space around the outside of the
casing will also get filled in.

Step 4 Disinfect the well. Add enough chlorine to bring the water standing in the well to a
chlorine concentration of 200 mg/L. For every 450 L (100 gal.) of water in the well, add 2
L (0.4 gal.) of household bleach (5.25% chlorine). See Module 6 "Shock Chlorination—Well
Maintenance" to calculate how much water is in your well. Leave this chlorine in your well.

Figure 4 Cutting Off the Casing and Step 5 If possible, remove the well casing.
Mounding the Clay
Step 6 Place the plugging material into the well. It must be introduced at the bottom of the well
and placed progressively upwards to ground surface. The only exception to this rule is
when the plugging material being used is a bentonite pellet that has been designed and
manufactured for pouring into the well from the ground surface.
Step 7 If the casing was not already removed, dig around it and cut it off a minimum of 0.5 m (20
in.) below the ground surface (see Figure 4, Cutting Off the Casing and Mounding the Clay).

Step 8 Backfill and mound this portion of the hole with material appropriate for intended use of the
land (i.e., clay) (see Figure 4, Cutting Off the Casing and Mounding the Clay).

Step 9 Use the worksheet at the end of this module to record the details of your well plugging.
Include the well owner name, legal land description, GPS location, total depth, casing
diameter, type and amount of plugging material used, date and method of placing material
into the well. Send a copy of this record to:

Alberta Environment
Groundwater Information Centre
11th Floor, Oxbridge Place, 9820-106 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2J6

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 Module 9 — Plugging Abandoned Wells

Special Problems
Flowing wells present special problems for plugging. It is highly recommended that you
Worksheet
use the services of a licensed water well contractor. Before a flowing well can be plugged, the
For future reference, use the "Record of Well flow must be controlled. Several methods can be used:
Plugging" worksheet to record the date of
plugging, materials and procedures used.  Reduce the flow by pumping high specific gravity fluids such as drilling mud or cement
Also map the location of this plugged well for into the well.
future reference. A sample copy is included
at the back of this module. Working copies  If there is a nearby well that is tapped into the same aquifer as the flowing well being
are included in the pocket on the back cover. plugged, pump it to create a drawdown in the well being plugged.
Keep the worksheet in the back pocket.
 Where practical, extend the well casing high enough above the ground surface to stop
the flow.

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 Module 9 — Plugging Abandoned Wells

AWWID Well ID Number: ______________________

(call 780-427-2770 to obtain) Worksheet
Record of Well Plugging
Original landowner's name:____________________________________________________ Date of plugging:__________________________

Legal land description of well: Qtr________________ Sec___________ Twp__________ Rge___________ W of______ Meridian
Lot_________________ Blk___________ Plan____________________________

GPS Location): ________________________________ Latitude: ______________________________ Longitude: __________________________________

Location reference points on the farm (i.e., distance from buildings):_____________________________________________________________________

Current well depth:_______________________ Original well depth:_________________________ Well diameter:______________________________

Was well casing removed before plugging?_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Water characteristics: (attach any analysis done)

Reason for plugging the well:_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Type and quantity of plugging material used:__________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
How was material placed into the well?________________________________________________________________________________________________

Who completed the procedure?________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Mail a copy of this worksheet to the Groundwater Information Centre. Include a photocopy of the original drilling report if possible.

Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development

Groundwater Information Centre
11th Floor, Oxbridge Place
9820 - 106 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2J6

* Working copies are included in the pocket on the back cover.

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Module 9 — Plugging Abandoned Wells

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 Module 10 — Groundwater Management

Groundwater Management
Water is one of Alberta’s most important natural resources. It is one of the building
blocks for balanced economic development in the province.
Both groundwater and surface water are found in relative abundance in many areas
of Alberta. Only by careful use and protection of these resources can we count on a secure
supply of water for future generations. Two primary pieces of legislation provide a framework
for water management and protection.
The ownership of all groundwater and surface water is vested in the province. The Water
Act provides a system for licensing all water diversions and use. It also requires licensed
water well contractors to obtain an approval to drill and construct water wells.
The Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act provides control and prevention
In designing legislation and policies, of the release of substances that may cause an adverse effect on water resources. It also
groundwater and surface water are requires proper reclamation or remediation of contaminated groundwater sites and
considered as two forms of the same environmental impact assessments to determine the effects that any major development will
resource because they are often connected. have on our water resources.
Although the interactions between them
Groundwater supplies in Alberta are currently managed through:
are not always easy to see or measure, both
can be affected by human activities.  Inventory
 Allocation and licensing
 Protection and conservation.

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 Module 10 — Groundwater Management

Inventory
Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (AESRD) maintains a
comprehensive inventory of groundwater resources at the Groundwater Information Centre.
The primary purpose of the centre is to collect, store and make available to the public all
water well information in the Alberta Water Well Information Database (AWWID). Their
data includes the following information.

Hydrogeological Information Other Information

Water well drilling reports Original well owner’s name

Baseline water well testing reports Legal land location

Geophysical logs Driller’s name

Lithology Drilling dates

Water well chemistry reports Well construction details

Yield test data Intended use of water

Anticipated water requirement

To contact the Groundwater Information All this information is available to the public. It is useful to collect information about
Centre call: (780) 427-2770. water sources and wells in your area before you begin new well construction.
AESRD’s Groundwater Observation Well Network (GOWN) has over 230 active
wells ranging in depth from 5-400 m (16-1312 ft.). Data on water quality and water level
fluctuations from these wells provide information on the characteristics of various aquifers
throughout the province.
A series of regional groundwater reports have been produced for counties and municipal
districts in Alberta. These reports provide an overview of groundwater resources and
characteristics. Shallow and deep aquifers are identified along with potential yield and water
quality. These reports may be available at county offices or the Alberta Government Library.
See Module 12 "Other Resources".
For more information on the Provincial To further our understanding of the occurrence and movement of provincial groundwater
Groundwater Inventory Program, see resources, AESRD has also partnered with the Alberta Geological Survey to run the Provincial
Module 12”Other Resources”. Groundwater Inventory Program (PGIP). Airborne geophysical surveys are being conducted to
collect geological data. Regional groundwater flow models are being developed using this data
and water well and oil and gas drilling records. This work is being supported by the drilling of
new boreholes, groundwater sampling and other field-based activities.

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 Module 10 — Groundwater Management

Allocation and Licensing

The right to divert and use groundwater and surface water may be obtained through a
licence issued to the user. The terms and conditions of the licence are intended to protect the
source of water supply, the rights of the licensee and the rights of other water users who are
already using the water source.
Under the Water Act, the priority on the licence (the date) determines priority of use. A
user who was licensed first has prior right to the water source before those licensed at a later
date. These rights are valid as long as the specified use continues. It can be cancelled for:
 Not exercising the right to use the water (non-use)
The Water Act identifies three kinds of users:
 Non-performance of a condition of a licence.
 Household user
 Traditional agriculture user During emergency situations, the government has the power to suspend a water licence
and redesignate the water for other uses.
 Licensee.
Licensing is not required when water is used for household purposes. The legislation
clearly defines “household purposes” as the use of up to a maximum of 1,250 m3 of water
Formal licensing is required for water use per year per household (750 gallons per day (gpd)), for the purposes of human consumption,
from wells that supply: sanitation, fire prevention and watering animals, gardens, lawns and trees. A “household”
 More than two households is further defined as one or more individuals living in a single, private and detached
dwelling place.
 Larger agriculture operations
Legislation further provides that water for household purposes has priority over all other
 Municipal users water uses, and has no priority in relation to other household users. This means that during
 Industrial users times of shortage, household users are entitled to their statutory right before other users of
 Other major water users. water and all household users have equal priority.
The Water Act also provides for a new category of rights defined as the "traditional
agricultural user" that applies to water historically used for watering livestock and
pesticide application to crops. Users were given a one-time opportunity to register up to
6,250 m3 of water per year (3,767 gpd) for “traditional agricultural use”. This registration
protects the landowner’s right to use water by assigning the registration a priority number
"grandfathered" back to the date when the water was first put to use. Registration was
voluntary, so if the landowner decided not to register, they could continue to use the water,
but such use would not be protected.
Registration does not guarantee that a producing aquifer will always be capable
of supplying the amount of water that you require. In addition, water required in excess
of the registered amount, or for any other purpose (agricultural or otherwise), requires
formal licensing.

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 Module 10 — Groundwater Management

Obtaining a Licence
For diversion and use of groundwater for any purpose other than household or traditional
agricultural use, you will need to make application under the Water Act for a licence. You
will be required to provide information about your project, such as:
 Location of your well(s), whether existing or newly drilled
 Anticipated depth interval that water will be taken from (depth to the aquifer)
 Total quantity of water needed
 Time frame for water use (year round or seasonal).
The applicant and the licensed water well  A yield test
contractor should discuss the purpose  A survey of nearby groundwater users
of any new well being drilled. If the well
is going to be used for a non-household This information will be reviewed by AESRD to determine whether or not you will be
purpose it must be constructed in a manner required to give public notice of your project. If the project is large, public notice will be
that will allow it to be licensed. Wells that necessary. This gives local water users an opportunity to voice any concerns.
require licensing for diversion and use of A licence may be issued after all the required information is received, all concerns are
groundwater cannot be constructed with a addressed and after a review of your file satisfies the Department that your well is capable
multi-aquifer completion. of providing adequate water for your project without causing:
 Unreasonable interference with other water users
 Adverse effect on the aquifer or the environment.
Your licence may include conditions requiring you to submit monitoring data
including water level fluctuations, quantities of water used and water quality. It may also
include investigating any complaints from nearby water users and monitoring of existing
water wells.
To apply for a licence to use and divert The licence will have an expiry date based on the nature of the project or the applicant’s
water, contact a regional office of Alberta estimation of how long they will need the water.
Environment and Sustainable Resource
Development. See Module 11 ”Contacts
for more information” and see AESRD’s
“Guide to Groundwater Authorization”,
Module 12 ”Other Resources”.

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 Module 10 — Groundwater Management

Protection and Conservation

Protecting groundwater resources against overuse, mining and pollution is an integral
part of any water management strategy.
Both the Water Act and the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act provide
protection for our water resources. For example, all licensed water well contractors must
obtain an approval that authorizes them to drill water wells in the province. The approval is
issued only if the company has certified journeyman water well drillers available to operate
See Module 9 "Plugging Abandoned Wells" for each one of their drilling machines. The standards for drilling, constructing and reclaiming
details on how to properly plug a well. wells is outlined in the Water (Ministerial) Regulation of the Water Act and it applies to all
water wells, whether they are installed for temporary water supply or for long term use.
While regulations and legislation go a long to way to protect our water sources, it is the
users who have the greatest impact on the safety of the water supply.
We can no longer take for granted an unending supply of good quality groundwater.
Fertilizers, pesticides, fuel storage tanks,
Water must be managed, protected and conserved for future use. Remember, our land-use
landfills, animal waste and septic systems
activities can have a negative impact on groundwater quality and cumulative use can affect
are examples of potential contamination
water availability.
sources. Always observe the regulated
minimum setback distances from
contamination sources. See Module 3 ”Design
and Construction of Water Wells”.

85
Module 10 — Groundwater Management

86
 Module 11 — Contacts For More Information

To access provincial government

numbers toll free, call: 310-0000 Contacts For More Information
The purpose of this module is to provide Albertans with a list of agencies and people
who can help them with their rural water needs and problems. This is a topical list
and each number (1 to 11) represents a separate topic. To use the reference simply skim
through the topics until you find the appropriate agency or person who can help you with
your specific request.

1. Information on farm water systems, water Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development
treatment, water quality, on-farm water Agricultural Water Specialists 310-FARM (3276)
management and programs.
website: www.agric.gov.ab.ca
Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development
Groundwater Information Centre
2. Information on provincial groundwater 11th Floor, Oxbridge Place
supplies or specific water well records 9820 - 106 Street Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2J6
website: www.envinfo.gov.ab.ca/ Phone: (780) 427-2770
GroundWater/ Fax: (780) 427-1214
Email: gwinfo@gov.ab.ca
Microfiche and computer files of well drillers’ reports, water analysis and groundwater
related reports are available. Over 500,000 records are on file.

3. Information on water well management. Working Well Program

website: esrd.alberta.ca/WorkingWell The Working Well Program works to ensure safe and secure groundwater supplies for water
well users in Alberta
Contact:
Ron Stojanowski, Working Well Program Manager
Email: env.infocent@gov.ab.ca

87
 Module 11 — Contacts For More Information

4. Licensing the diversion and use of Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development
groundwater in Alberta
District Approvals Manager, Northern Region
Edmonton Peace River
111, 4999 - 98 Avenue Bag 900-5,
Twin Atria Building Provincial Building,
Edmonton, Alberta T6B 2X3 Peace River, Alberta T8S 1T4
Telephone: (780) 427-7617 Telephone: (780) 624-6167
Fax: (780) 422-0528 Fax: (780) 624-6335

District Approvals Manager, Central Region

Spruce Grove Red Deer
250 Diamond Avenue 3rd Floor, 4920 - 51 Street
Spruce Grove, Alberta T7X 4C7 Red Deer, Alberta T4N 6K8
Telephone: (780) 960-8600 Telephone: (403) 340-7052
Fax: (780) 960-8605 Fax: (403) 340-5022

District Approvals Manager, Southern Region

Calgary Lethbridge
2938 - 11 Street, NE 200 - 5 Ave, S Prov Bldg
Calgary, Alberta T2E 7L7 Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4L1
Telephone: (403) 297-7602 Telephone: (403) 381-5322
Fax: (403) 297-2749 Fax: (403) 381-5337

88
 Module 11 — Contacts For More Information

5. Problems with well construction or licensed a) Contact water well contractor first.
water well contractors
b) Contact:
Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development’s Environmental
Hotline: 1-800-222-6514

6. Complaints about seismic activity, water a) Call seismic company first (if unsure of company, contact Municipal Administrator).
wells affected by seismic activity, seismic b) Problems on private land contact:
trespass, and damage Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development
Phone: (780) 427-3932
Problems on public lands contact:
Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development
Phone: (780) 427-6597
- These departments have investigators that will look into the problem and
mediate complaints.
c) If not resolved, the “Water Well Restoration or Replacement Program” is available
through the Farmers’ Advocate office.
Website: www.farmersadvocate.gov.ab.ca
Email: farmers.advocate@gov.ab.ca
Phone: 310-FARM

7. Complaints about water wells affected by a) Contact oil or gas drilling company first.
oil and gas well activities (including coal b) Contact:
bed methane) Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development’s Environmental
Hotline: 1-800-222-6514
c) If not resolved, the “Water Well Restoration or Replacement Program” is available
through the Farmers’ Advocate’s office.
Website: www.farmersadvocate.gov.ab.ca
Email: farmers.advocate@gov.ab.ca
Phone: 310-FARM

89
 Module 11 — Contacts For More Information

8. Groundwater contamination Contact:

Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development’s
Environmental Hotline:
1-800-222-6514

9. Water Analysis Water can be tested by a variety of laboratories, depending on the requirements.
a) When water is used for human consumption and human health is a concern, a routine
chemical analysis and bacteriological analysis can be done. Contact your local health
unit. There may be a nominal fee required.
b) When water testing is for mortgage approvals, livestock use and other non-health
related purposes, you must use a private lab. Check your yellow pages under
"Laboratories."

10. Private sewage systems requirements a) Alberta Onsite Wastewater Management Association
Phone: 1- 877-489-7471
www.aowma.com
b) Municipal Affairs — Safety Services
Phone: 1-866-421-6929
www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/cp_private_sewage.cfm

11. Other Information Sources a) Alberta Water Well Drilling Association

Box 130
Lougheed, Alberta T0B 2V0
Phone: (780) 386-2335
www.awwda.com

b) Canadian Ground Water Association

Office of the Secretary Manager
1600 Bedford Highway
Suite 100 - 409
Bedford, Nova Scotia B4A 1E8
Phone: (902) 845-1885
www.cgwa.org

90
 Module 12 — Other Resources

Other Resources
General Water-Related Information
Regional Groundwater Assessment Reports are available at:
Your local County or MD office
Or:
Alberta Government Library
Great West Life Site
6th Floor, 9920 - 108 Street
Edmonton, AB T5K 2M4
Phone toll free: 310-0000 and (780) 427-5870

To obtain a publication or video from Alberta Planning Your Water System

Agriculture and Rural Development contact: The following fact sheets and manuals are available from Alberta Agriculture and Rural
Development:
ARD Publications Office Drought Proofing Farm Water Supplies
7000 - 113 St. Spring Development
Edmonton, AB T6H 5T6 Small Earth Fill Dams
Farm Water Supply Requirements
Phone toll free: 1-800-292-5697 Choosing a Water Pump Shallow Well Jet Pumps Submersible Pumps Pump Houses
FAX: (780) 422-8835 Pitless Adaptors
website: www.agriculture.alberta.ca/publications Pressure Tanks
or view them online at www.agric.gov.ab.ca Frost Free Yard Hydrants
Automatic Livestock Waterers
Remote Pasture Water Systems for Livestock
Quality Farm Dugouts (Manual)
Hydrated Lime Treatment Improves Dugout Water Quality

91
 Module 12 — Other Resources

To obtain a video, contact ARD’s Publications Design and Construction of Water Wells
Office (see previous page)
From Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development:
or For specific water well records and general groundwater conditions, contact:
Alberta Government Library Groundwater Information Centre
Great West Life Site 11th Floor, Oxbridge Place
6th Floor, 9920 - 108 Street 9820 - 106 Street
Edmonton, AB T5K 2M4 Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2J6
Phone toll free: 310-0000 and (780) 427-5870 Phone: (780) 427-2770
From Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development:
Water Wells That Last Video,Part I—Planning and Construction
From the Working Well Program:
Drilling a New Well factsheet
Water Well Design and Construction factsheet
How Your Well Works eLearning Tool

To obtain a Working Well publication contact: Monitoring and Maintenance of Your Water Well
Alberta Environment Information Centre From Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development:
Email: enveducation@gov.ab.ca Chemical Analysis Interpretation of Rural Household Farm Water Supplies
Phone: (780)427-2700 (toll-free, dial 310-0000) Water Wells That Last Video,Part II — Managing and Maintaining
FAX: (780) 422-4086
website: www.esrd.alberta.ca/WorkingWell From the Working Well Program:
Measuring Well Water Levels factsheet
Well Owner Responsibilities factsheet

Shock Chlorination of Water Wells

From Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development:
Alternatives for Iron Removal
Shock Chlorination and Control of Iron Bacteria
Water Wells That Last Video, Part III — Shock Chlorination
From the Working Well Program:
Shock Chlorinating Your Well factsheet

92
Module 12 — Other Resources

Troubleshooting Water Well Problems

From Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development:
Chemical Analysis Interpretation of Rural Household Farm Water Supplies
Removing Hydrogen Sulfide Gas From Water
Alternatives for Iron Removal Dissolved Gases in Well Water
Methane Gas in Well Water Water Softening
Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment
Small Water Filters for Taste, Odour and Sediment Removal
Water Distillers
From the Working Well Program:
Gas in Your Water Well factsheet
Over-pumping Your Well factsheet

Protecting Your Well From Contamination

From Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development:
Pitless Adaptors
Shock Chlorination and Control of Iron Bacteria
A Primer on Water Quality: Agricultural Impacts on Water Quality in Alberta
Groundwater Vulnerability in Alberta
Protect Groundwater Quality—Minimize the Risk
Coal Bed Methane (CBM) Wells and Water Well Protection
Methane Gas in Well Water
Water Wells That Last Video, Part II—Managing and Maintaining
Farm Fuel Storage and Handling
Beneficial Management Practices: Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads
From Working Well:
Plugging Your Well factsheet
Private Sewage Systems factsheet
Ten Ways to Protect Your Well and Groundwater Supply factsheet
Upgrading Your Well in a Pit factsheet
From Alberta Municipal Affairs:,
Website: www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca
Private Sewage Treatment Systems – Separation Distances
Private Sewage Treatment Systems

93
Module 12 — Other Resources

Groundwater Management
From Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development:
Alberta Environment Guide to Groundwater Authorization
Website: www.environment.alberta.ca/01316.html
Provincial Groundwater Inventory Program
Website: www.environment.alberta.ca/03586.html
Groundwater Observation Well Network (GOWN)
Website: www.environment.alberta.ca/apps/GOWN

94
Glossary

Glossary
abandoned well - a well that is no longer used or maintained for future use.

aquiclude - a water bearing layer or formation that cannot yield sufficient water for wells.

aquifer - a water bearing formation that yields water to wells in usable amounts.

artesian aquifer - a water bearing formation in which water is under sufficient pressure
that the water level rises above the top of the aquifer.

artesian well - a water well drilled into an artesian aquifer where enough pressure exists
for the water to flow to the surface without pumping. It is synonymous with a flowing
artesian well.

bedrock - solid rock that usually underlies layers of loose soil material; bedrock may also be
exposed to the land surface.

bored wells - a large diameter well that is constructed when low yielding groundwater
sources are found usually within 30 m (100 ft.) of the ground surface. The larger diameter
well casing is usually .3-.9 m (1-3 ft.) in diameter and can provide the additional water
storage required during times of high water demand.

borehole - a hole drilled, bored or dug into the ground in which a well casing is placed.

casing - a metal, plastic or fiberglass pipe installed in a well borehole to maintain the well
opening and contain the well pumping equipment.

cistern - a tank or reservoir used for storing water. Cisterns are sometimes used with
low producing water wells to provide the necessary water required during times of high
water demand.

coliform bacteria - bacteria that are used in testing water to indicate the possible presence
of more harmful disease-causing pathogenic bacteria.

confined aquifer - an aquifer that lies between two relatively impermeable rock layers.

contamination - the deterioration in natural water quality caused by the introduction of

foreign matter into water.

95
Glossary

discharge area - an area where groundwater emerges at the ground surface either
as a spring or seep, or into a surface water body because of the amount of pressure exerted
on the groundwater.

drawdown - a measure of the amount the water level drops in a well during pumping.

drilled wells - small diameter wells, usually 10-20 cm (4-8 in.) in diameter, which can be
completed to much greater depths than bored wells, up to several hundred meters.

fecal coliform - a type of coliform bacteria present in the intestinal tracts and feces of
warm- blooded animals and humans.

flowing well - a well where the water level is above the ground level and thus it flows out
on to the ground surface. The flow of these wells should be controlled so as not to deplete the
aquifer or cause surface flooding concerns.

fracture - a general term to describe a break or crack in rock formations. Rock formations
with more and larger fractures allow water to flow easily through them and supply water
for wells.

groundwater - all water under the ground surface that is contained in the soil and bedrock.

groundwater vulnerability - the sensitivity of a groundwater system to human and/or

natural impacts that could affect the supply and/or quality of groundwater.

grout - a sealing material of bentonite or cement used to create a sanitary seal in the
annular space between the borehole wall and the well casing. This prevents the vertical
movement of water that can contaminate a well.

hard water - water containing a high level of calcium, magnesium and other minerals. Hard
water can result in a mineral scale buildup or incrustation on the well screen and perforated
openings into the well.

hydrologic cycle or water cycle - the continuous circulation of water from the atmosphere
to the earth and back to the atmosphere including condensation, precipitation, runoff,
groundwater flow, evaporation and transpiration.

impermeable - material such as soil or rock that does not allow fluids such as water to flow
through them.

96
Glossary

iron-related bacteria - microorganisms that consume dissolved iron, either from water or
from steel pipe, and produce a slimy gel-like deposit. These organisms tend to collect in water
pipes and tanks during periods of low flow, and then break loose in slugs of turbid water
to create staining, taste and odor problems. They can also accumulate on perforated well
screens, well liners and pump screens and thus reduce water flows from a well.

leaching - a natural process by which water transports salts and other soluble materials
down through the soil and eventually into groundwater.

milligrams per liter - mg/L - milligrams per liter of water is a measure that is equivalent
to parts per million (ppm) or in other words one part in a million parts.

nitrate and nitrogen - plant nutrients that can cause an overabundance of bacteria when
high amounts are present. Several forms occur in water, including ammonia, nitrate, nitrite
or elemental nitrogen. High levels of nitrate in groundwater can result from seepage of
agricultural products and by-products such as chemical fertilizers, livestock manure and
piles of silage fed to livestock.

non-potable water - water that is not suitable for human consumption.

pathogen - microorganisms that can cause disease.

percolation - the movement of water through the subsurface soil layers, usually continuing
downward to the groundwater or water table reservoirs.

permeable - material such as soil or rock that does allow fluids such as water to flow
through them.

pH - numeric value that describes the intensity of the acid or basic (alkaline) conditions of
a solution such as water. The pH scale is from 0 to 14, with the neutral point at 7.0. Values
lower than 7 indicate the presence of acids and greater than 7.0 the presence of alkalis
(bases). Most well water ranges in pH from 6.5 to 8.5.

plug - bentonite, cement grout or other impermeable material used to fill and seal the
borehole around the casing of a water well.

pollution - undesirable change in the physical, chemical or biological characteristics

of the air, water or land that can harm the health, survival` or activities of human or other
living organisms.

97
Glossary

porous - a measure of the volume of empty space in a material such as soil or rock.

potable water - water that is safe for human consumption.

pumping water level - the level at which water stands in a well when pumping
is in progress.

recharge - refers to water flowing into and replenishing an aquifer’s supply of water.

recharge area - an area where water flows down through the soil and/or rock and
replenishes the supply of groundwater below.

runoff - surface water entering rivers, freshwater lakes or reservoirs.

Ryznar Stability Index - an empirical method for predicting scaling tendencies of water
based on a study of operating results with water of various saturation indices

sand pack or filter pack - sand that is smooth, uniform, clean and well rounded.
It is sometimes called frac sand and is placed in a well borehole outside a well screen.
Its purpose is to prevent material such as fine sediment from entering through the screen
and into the well.

seal - the impermeable material, such as betonite or cement grout, that is placed
in the annular space between the borehole wall and the casing of a water well to
prevent the downward movement of surface water or the vertical mixing of waters from
different aquifers.

septic tank - an underground storage container that collects wastewater from a home.
The bacteria in the sewage decompose the organic wastes, and the sludge settles to the
bottom of the tank. The effluent flows out of the tank into the ground through drains or is
pumped on to the ground surface.

shock chlorination - an inexpensive and straightforward treatment used to control

bacteria in water wells. The treatment involves placing a solution of chlorine and water down
a well for approximately 8 to 48 hours to kill off the bacteria. The well is then pumped for a
number of hours to flush out the bacteria and until the chlorine smell disappears. Regular
shock chlorination treatments once or twice per year are usually very effective at controlling
the problems associated with iron and sulfate-reducing bacteria.

spring - a natural flow of groundwater on to the ground’s surface.

98
Glossary

static or non-pumping water level - the static water level is the level at which water
stands in a well when the water level is at equilibrium with atmospheric pressures. It is a
measure of the depth from the ground surface or top of the well casing to the water level.

sulfate-reducing bacteria - microorganisms that break down the naturally occurring

sulfate in groundwater and produce hydrogen sulfide gas . Wells affected by this bacteria
will develop a rotten egg odor and a slimy deposit build-up on water pipes and plumbing
fixtures. Regular shock chlorination is usually very effective at controlling sulfate-reducing
bacteria in wells.

TDS - total dissolved solids - the sum of all inorganic and organic substances dissolved in
water. Generally the lower the TDS level, the better the water quality.

water table - the water surface or water level below which the pore spaces in soil and rock
are saturated with water.

water table aquifer - a shallow aquifer confined only by atmospheric pressure.

well development - the act of pumping and/or surging water or air in a well to remove
drilling mud and granular material from within the sand pack, borehole wall and aquifer
immediately adjacent to the perforated well screen or liner. The purpose is to clean the well
so that pumped water will be free of sediment and also to maximize the amount of water that
can be pumped from the well.

water well - any artificial excavation constructed for the purpose of exploring for or
producing groundwater.

well yield - the volume of water pumped from a well in gallons per minute.

wetland - area that is regularly wet or flooded and has a water table that stands at or above
the land surface for at least part of the year, such as a marsh or bog.

99
Glossary

100
 Module 2 — Planning Your Water System

Worksheet
Average Daily and Annual Water Requirements
The average daily and annual water requirement numbers can be used for estimating the amount of water used on a farm. The average daily
water requirements are based on typical average outside or in-barn temperatures that occur throughout the year. These numbers, however,
cannot be used for designing the water supplies and pumping capacity of a farm water system. For example, consider a beef feedlot on a hot
summer day. Feeder cattle will drink approximately twice the amounts shown in the table below. For this reason, the water supply and
pumping systems need to be designed to meet these peak demands.

Household use:
People _______ x 60.0 gpd = ______________ gpd gpd = gallons per day

Beef: Animal No. of

Size Animals
Feeders1 550 lb. _______ x 4.0 gpd = ______________ gpd feeders on silage
900 lb. _______ x 7.0 gpd = ______________ gpd feeders on silage
1250 lb. _______ x 10.0 gpd = ______________ gpd feeders on silage
Cows with Calves2 1300 lb. _______ x 12.0 gpd = ______________ gpd on pasture or hay
Dry Cow2 1300 lb. _______ x 10.0 gpd = ______________ gpd on pasture or hay
Calves2 250 lb. _______ x 2.0 gpd = ______________ gpd on pasture or hay
1
For peak demand on hot summer days above 25°C, multiply gpd x 2
2
For peak demand on hot summer days above 25°C, multiply gpd x 1.5

Swine:3 Animal No. of

Size Animals
Farrow-Finish
4
_______ x 20.0 gpd = ______________ gpd
Farrow-Late Wean4 50 lb. _______ x 6.5 gpd = ______________ gpd
Farrow-Early Wean 4
15 lb. _______ x 5.5 gpd = ______________ gpd
Feeder 50-250 lb. _______ x 1.5 gpd = ______________ gpd
Weaner 15-50 lb. _______ x 0.5 gpd = ______________ gpd

Sub Total ______________ gpd

3
Includes wash water for all types of swine operations.
4
No. of animals = No. of breeding sows.

* Store the completed worksheet in the back pocket.
 Module 2 — Planning Your Water System

Dairy: Animal No. of

Type/Size Animals
Milking Cow4 Holstein _______ x 30.0 gpd = ______________ gpd
Dry Cows/Replacement Heifers Holstein _______ x 10.0 gpd = ______________ gpd
Calves to 550 lb. _______ x 3.0 gpd = ______________ gpd
4
Includes 3 gpd/cow for wash water

Poultry: No. of Birds

Broilers _______ x .035 gpd = ______________ gpd
Roasters/Pullets _______ x .040 gpd = ______________ gpd
Layers _______ x .055 gpd = ______________ gpd
Breeders _______ x .070 gpd = ______________ gpd
Turkey Growers _______ x .130 gpd = ______________ gpd
Turkey Heavies _______ x .160 gpd = ______________ gpd

Sheep/Goats:
Ewes/Does _______ x 2.0 gpd = ______________ gpd
Milking Ewes/Does _______ x 3.0 gpd = ______________ gpd

Horses, Bisons, Mules _______ x 10.0 gpd = ______________ gpd

Elk, Donkeys _______ x 5.0 gpd = ______________ gpd
Deer, Llamas, Alpacas _______ x 2.0 gpd = ______________ gpd
Ostriches _______ x 1.0 gpd = ______________ gpd

Sub Total ______________ gpd

Total Daily Livestock Water Requirements ______________ gpd

Annual Water Requirements

Irrigation of garden and yard in the summer (assume 6 in. application)
Area in square feet ____________ x 3 gal./sq. ft. = ___________ gal.
Chemical spraying (acres) ______ x ___ gal/acre x ______no. of applications = ___________ gal.
Greenhouse = ___________ gal.
Fire (min. 1200 gal./2 hour period) = ___________ gal.
Other uses = ___________ gal.
Total daily livestock water requirements (from above)______ gpd x 365 days = ___________ gal.
Total Annual Water Requirements ___________ gal.

* For information on water requirements for field crops, contact an irrigation specialist.
Note: These livestock and poultry water requirement numbers have been compiled with input from Alberta
Agriculture and Rural Development staff. If you have questions or comments, please call an Agricultural Water
Specialist at 310-FARM (3267). Also visit Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development’s website: www.agric.gov.ab.ca
and use the “Dugout/Lagoon Volume Calculator” for determining the size of a dugout.
* Store the completed worksheet in the back pocket.
 Module 2 — Planning Your Water System

Worksheet
Sizing of Water Systems
Water System Fixtures Peak Use Rates
Automatic cattle waterers ____ X 2 gpm = ______ gpm gpm = gallons per minute
(100 head size)

Hog nipple waterer ____ X 1 gpm = ______ gpm

Poultry fountain ____ X 1 gpm = ______ gpm
Yard hydrants ____ X 5 gpm = ______ gpm
Household (number of households) ____ X 5-10 gpm = ______ gpm
Fire hydrant ____ X 10 gpm = ______ gpm
Other ____ X ____gpm = ______ gpm

Note: The minimum design flow rate of the system must exceed the peak use rate of the fixture that uses the largest amount of water.

Note: If the well is not solely capable of providing enough water for your peak use demand, you will need to install additional water
storage. The well can be operated without overpumping, and the added water storage provided will ensure water for all your activities
during peak demands.

* Store the completed worksheet in the back pocket.

 Module 2 — Planning Your Water System

Worksheet
Farm Water Supply Inventory
A. Wells
Date Depth Casing Diameter Well Production
1. Well Purpose / Location
Constructed (ft.) (in.) (gpm)
a.
b.
c.
Date Depth
2. Unused Wells / Location Date Plugged Materials Used
Constructed (ft.)
a.
b.
c.
3. Dry Holes
How many dry holes have been drilled on and around the farmstead? _________________________
How deep were these dry holes? _________________________
4. Water Quality
What water quality problems limit the usefulness of these wells?
a. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
b. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
c. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
B. Dugouts
1. Dugout Purpose / Location Date Constructed Size (Length, Width, Depth) Approximate Volume
a.
b.
c.
2. Problems with these dugouts (e.g., seepage, quality, inadequate run off)
a. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
b. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
c. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
C. Other Water Sources and Their Limitations (Hauling, Springs, Rivers, etc.)
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

* Store the completed worksheet in the back pocket.

 Module 4 — Water Well Drilling Agreements

Water Well Drilling Agreement Form

Identification
1. Well owner________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Address___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2 Licensed water well contractor ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Address___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Licensed water well contractor approval no.___________

3. Land location of well: Qtr_______ Sec_______ Twp_______ Rge_______ W of_____Meridian Lot_______ Block_______ Plan_______
4. Proposed starting date_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Proposed completion date __________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Water Requirements
5. Proposed well use: Household______________ Livestock_____________ Irrigation______________
6. Desired water quality On-site tests:
total dissolved solids_______________________parts/million iron______________________________________parts/million
hardness_________________________________parts/million pH_______________________________________parts/million
7. Desired yield_____________L/s (gpm) Min. acceptable yield_____________L/s (gpm)
8. Groundwater supply options based on existing records________________________________________________________________________________

Well Construction
9. Maximum desired depth_______________ m (ft.)
10. Type of drilling____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
11. Diameter of hole___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
12. Flowing well control_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
13. Well connection____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
14. Formation logging procedure_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
15. Annulus or casing seal_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
 Module 4 — Water Well Drilling Agreements

16. Artificial sand pack________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

17. Well development method: Backwashing__________ Jetting_________ Surging__________ Heavy pumping__________ Bailing________________

Material
18. Casing material___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Inside diameter__________ wt. per m(ft.)__________ wall thickness__________
19. Well cover___________________________ Distance from top of casing to ground_________________________________________________________
20. Liner material_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Inside diameter__________ wt.per m(ft.)__________ wall thickness__________
21. Screen
Manufacturer_____________________________________________ Material______________________________________________________________
Length ___________________________________________________ Nominal diameter_____________________________________________________

Yield Testing
22. Yield testing duration (hours)_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
23. Pump type __________________________ Size _______________________________

Disinfection
24. Disinfection_______________________________________________ 25. Well head finishing________________________________________________

Costs
26. Test holes per metre (foot)__________________________________ 32. Sand pack________________________________________________________
27. Reaming per metre (foot)___________________________________ 33. Development______________________________________________________
28. Drilling/boring per metre (foot)______________________________ 34. Labor per hour____________________________________________________
29. Casing per metre (foot)_____________________________________ 35. Water testing_____________________________________________________
30. Liner per metre (foot)______________________________________ 36. Reclamation of unused well________________________________________
31. Screen____________________________________________________

Total
37. Total Costs________________________________________________ 38. Payment schedule_________________________________________________

Guarantee
39. Guarantee________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
* Store the completed worksheet in the back pocket.
 Module 5 — Monitoring and Maintenance of Your Water Well

Worksheet
Water Well Monitoring Log
Year_________ Well No. _____ Qtr_____ Sec_____ Twp_____ Rge_____ W of_____Meridian Lot_____ Blk_____ Plan____

Month / Day Time Water Level Comments

(quality, presence of sediment, yield problems)
Pumping Non-pumping

January ________

February ________

March ________

April ________

May ________

June ________

July ________

August ________

September ________

October ________

November ________

December ________

* At the end of the year, review the chart for any water level trends.
* Store the completed worksheet in the back pocket.
 Module 6 — Shock Chlorination of Water Wells

Worksheet
Calculating Water and Chlorine Requirements (200 PPM)
for Shock Chlorination

Complete the following table using your own figures to determine how much water and chlorine you need to shock chlorinate your well.

Volume of 5 1/4% 1Domestic 12% Industrial Sodium 2

70% High Test Calcium
Casing Diameter
Water Needed Chlorine Bleach Hypochlorite Hypochlorite

Imperial gal. needed per Dry weight2 per 1 ft.

(in) (mm) L per 1 ft. (30 cm) of water L per 1 ft. (30 cm) of water
1 ft. of water in the casing (30 cm) of water

4 (100) _____ft. x 1.1 gal. = _____ _____ft. x 0.019 L = _____ _____ft. x 0.008 L = _____ _____ft. x 1.44 g = ______

6 (150) _____ft. x 2.4 gal. = _____ _____ft. x 0.042 L = _____ _____ft. x 0.018 L = _____ _____ft. x 3.12 g = ______

8 (200) _____ft. x 4.2 gal. = _____ _____ft. x 0.072 L = _____ _____ft. x 0.032 L = _____ _____ft. x 5.46 g = ______

24 (600)3 extra 200 gal. _____ft. x 0.340 L = _____ _____ft. x 0.148 L = _____ _____ft. x 25.40 g = _____

36 (900)3 extra 200 gal. _____ft. x 0.760 L = _____ _____ft. x 0.34 L = ______ _____ft. x 57.20 g = _____

1
Domestic chlorine bleach should not have 3
See modified procedure for large diameter wells on page 53.
additives or perfumes.
2
Since a dry chemical is being used, it should
be mixed with water to form a chlorine
solution prior to placing it in the well.

* Store the completed worksheet in the back pocket.

 Module 9 — Plugging Abandoned Wells

AWWID Well ID Number: ______________________

(call 780-427-2770 to obtain) Worksheet
Record of Well Plugging
Original landowner's name:____________________________________________________ Date of plugging:__________________________

Legal land description of well: Qtr________________ Sec___________ Twp__________ Rge___________ W of______ Meridian
Lot_________________ Blk___________ Plan____________________________

GPS Location): ________________________________ Latitude: ______________________________ Longitude: __________________________________

Location reference points on the farm (i.e., distance from buildings):_____________________________________________________________________

Current well depth:_______________________ Original well depth:_________________________ Well diameter:______________________________

Was well casing removed before plugging?_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Water characteristics: (attach any analysis done)

Reason for plugging the well:_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Type and quantity of plugging material used:__________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
How was material placed into the well?________________________________________________________________________________________________

Who completed the procedure?________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Mail a copy of this worksheet to the Groundwater Information Centre. Include a photocopy of the original drilling report if possible.

Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development

Groundwater Information Centre
11th Floor, Oxbridge Place
9820 - 106 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2J6

* Store the completed worksheet in the back pocket.