Cool, Clear Water
Many rural residents rely on groundwater to supply their homes, industrial, and livestock operations. Generally speaking, groundwater can provide a safe and reliable supply if the right steps are taken to develop the source and protect it from contamination. We have received a number of questions lately about the quality of rural water supplies on various properties, so I thought I would try and address some of them in this column. More extensive information can be found on both the Saskatchewan and Alberta Agriculture websites.
Wells are one of the most common sources of water in this area. One estimate suggests that there may be close to 10,000 active water wells in the Midwest. These come either bored or drilled. Bored wells have larger diameters, often 24" to 36"and usually go no deeper than 100'. Drilled wells often go much deeper, in some cases up to several hundred feet in order to reach a feasible aquifer.
There are advantages and disadvantages to each. Bored wells have a large water column, so can provide a reserve supply, especially in a slow recovery situation. However, they are much susceptible to surface pollution and seasonal weather patterns. There were a number of shallow wells that dried up in the drought conditions experienced earlier this decade. Drilled wells take advantage of the natural purification processes that occur as water seeps down into the earth. However, the water can also flow through mineral zones that make it necessary to treat it for human consumption or comfort.
When a Realtor writes an offer on a property that has a well, we always make it subject to an acceptable water quality and quantity report. It is difficult to live in the country without an adequate supply of water. When I was growing up on the family farm, we depended on several shallow wells for both us and the livestock. If water was scarce, it was rationed. Four people using two inches of bath water on a Saturday night was not unusual. I have no desire to repeat that experience, nor would I recommend it for my clients. Water is not everywhere, and you should never purchase land for domestic use without determining adequacy of supply.
We ask our buyers to obtain a yield test conducted by an independent professional. It should address four parameters - static water level, pumping rate, how far the water level is drawn down at the end of a given pumping period, and the depth to the water-producing zone. The report will estimate the specific capacity of the well, assisting the buyer in determining if it will be sufficient for their needs. Also for a number of years now, well drillers have been required to electronically log each new well and submit that information to the province.
Water should also be tested to determine if it meets the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality. It can change over time, so should probably be tested once per year and steps taken to correct any contamination. My father talks about how he almost died as infant in 1919 until a public health nurse visited the farm and advised my grandparents on not using water from a well down slope from a corral. People at that time just did not know the correlation. Even today, we see incidences of stomach upset, severe illness, and even death (Walkerton) reported in the media from a specific type of bacteria that has found its way into the water source.
Most of the time though, taste and odours in groundwater can be related to high iron content or the growth of iron-loving bacteria in the supply. I have seen homes where all that was needed was the replacement of a forgotten charcoal filter, better landscaping around the well, a tight fitting lid, replacement of a faulty septic field, or regular "shocking" of the well with chlorine.
Vern McClelland is associate broker with RE/MAX of Lloydminster. If you have questions or comments on this article or other real estate matters, he can be reached at 780.808.2700 or through the McClelland Group website www.mcclelland.ca
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