Protecting the area around your well (the wellhead) is one of the most important steps you can take to safeguard your drinking water. It is the private well owner’s responsibility to ensure their water supply is safe. Groundwater can become contaminated when pollutants seep into the soil and eventually reach the aquifer. Problems may go unnoticed until they pose health or structural risks. A protected wellhead is the first line of defence.
Some wellhead protection practices are:
Maintain a safe setback zone
Create a protective area around the well, typically 30 metres (100 ft), and keep this area clear of:
– Fuel tanks
– Septic systems
– Manure piles
– Pesticides, fertilizers and chemical storage
Seal and protect the well casing
Ensure your well casing extends at least 30 cm above ground and is capped securely. The ground around the casing should be sloped away to prevent water pooling and entry of surface water.
Check to see if the well has a surface seal, e.g. is there a space or gap between the well casing and the ground around the well. If the well has a surface seal there should be no noticeable cracks in the surface seal around the well casing.
If the well does not have a surface seal, a qualified well driller or pump installer should be hired to install one.
Prevent cross contamination
Never connect your well to other water sources without back-flow prevention. Cross-connections can allow contaminated water to enter your system.
Manage surface runoff
Surface water can carry bacteria, sediments and chemicals. Divert runoff away from the wellhead using proper grading, drainage ditches or vegetation buffers.
Inspect regularly
At least once a year:
– Check the well cap for cracks
– Inspect the casing, where visible, for corrosion
– Look for signs of flooding, erosion, or animal activity
Regular inspections can help catch issues early.
Test your water
– Bacteriological contaminants – at least once a year or after flooding or work near the well
– Chemical parameters – every 2-5 years
Decommission inactive or abandoned wells
Deactivated wells are a potential source of contamination and should be maintained until they are decommissioned by a qualified well driller or pump installer. If a well is not used for 5 years it should be decommissioned.
Keep records
Track well construction details, maintenance activities, repairs and water test results. These records help identify changes in water quality over time and are valuable for future property owners.