The History of Shallow Water Wells in British Columbia
For rural property owners across British Columbia, securing a reliable water supply through a water well is an important and often costly consideration. Historically, dug or shallow water wells were essential for early settlers and indigenous communities in British Columbia, providing a basic but often vulnerable water source due to contamination risks and seasonal fluctuations.
However, mid-20th-century advancements in water well drilling technology allowed for the construction of deeper, more reliable wells with better sanitary protection, making drilled wells the preferred method today. While many of the old dug wells remain, and commonly these wells run dry, especially in rural areas of British Columbia, modern drilled wells now dominate new installations, reflecting a broader commitment to enhanced water safety and environmental protection.
Shallow water wells in British Columbia are typically less than 15 meters (50 feet) deep and about 1 meter (3 feet) wide, making them relatively inexpensive to construct using common equipment like excavators and backhoes. However, their shallow construction carries significant factors that every property owner needs to be aware of.
This comprehensive guide aims to empower property owners, contractors, and land developers in making well-informed decisions regarding water wells., understanding their responsibilities, and ensuring their water supply remains safe and reliable.
Our goal is to help property owners make informed decisions about their shallow water wells. We provide advice on choosing the right location, building and caring for wells, following safety rules and regulations, performing regular maintenance and testing, and properly decommissioning water wells when no longer in use.
Primary Purpose of the British Columbia Shallow Water Well Guide
- To help property owners through the decision-making process for dug wells.
- Provide practical guidelines for proper siting, construction, and maintenance.
- Outline safety requirements and regulatory compliance.
- Detail ongoing maintenance and testing requirements.
- Explain decommissioning procedures when wells are no longer in use.
The Limitations of Dug Shallow Water Wells
- Dug wells face higher contamination risks due to surface proximity.
- Experience seasonal fluctuations affecting water availability.
- is often the sole viable choice in regions characterized by shallow aquifers.
Scope of the Guide for British Columbia Shallow Water Wells
- Combines practical knowledge from provincial regulations
- Professional guidelines from BC’s Groundwater Protection Regulation
- Industry best practices and real-world experience
The Pros and Cons of a Shallow Water Well
The Fundamentals of Shallow Water Wells in British Columbia
A shallow water well in British Columbia, also known as an excavated well, is fundamentally different from a drilled well in both its construction and operation. Unlike drilled wells that use specialized drilling equipment to create narrow, deep holes into the ground, these wells are created through excavation—literally digging a wide hole in the ground until it reaches the water table. This excavation typically uses common construction equipment like backhoes, excavators, or power shovels, making the initial construction more accessible and generally less expensive than drilled wells.
Your water well accesses shallow aquifers—underground layers of water-bearing soil, sands, or gravel. Once the excavation reaches below the water table, where the ground is fully saturated, water begins to seep into the hole. This water is then collected and stored within the dug well, which is typically lined with materials such as concrete or steel to prevent collapse and protect water quality.
Shallow Water Well Benefits and Considerations
When considering a water well for your British Columbia property, it’s essential to understand both the advantages and limitations of a shallow water supply option. Your decision should be based on careful consideration of your property’s geology, water needs, budget, and long-term maintenance capabilities.
Shallow wells are more affected by what’s happening on the surface compared to deeper drilled wells. Because they rely on water from near the ground, if there’s a drought or dry spell, the water level might drop below the well, leaving you without water. On the flip side, heavy rains or melting snow can cause surface water to enter the well, which might bring in contaminants and lower water quality.
Since shallow groundwater levels change with the seasons, the amount of water available in your well can vary a lot throughout the year. As a property owner, it’s important to be ready for these changes and consider water conservation during drier times. Also, because these wells are closer to the surface, nearby activities like farming, using road salt, or septic systems can more directly affect the quality of your water.
Physical Dimensions of Dug Shallow Well
- Depth typically under 15 meters (50 feet)
- Width approximately 1 meter (3 feet)
- Variable dimensions based on local conditions and construction methods
Common Uses of Dug Water Wells in British Columbia
- Household water supply in rural areas
- Small-scale agricultural operations
- Remote property water access
- Traditional water sourcing in historical communities
- Homestead land for off-the-grid living
Shallow Well Benefits
- Cost-effective construction compared to drilled wells
- Accessible construction methods using common equipment
- Suitable for areas with reliable shallow aquifers
- Traditional approach with historical significance
Common Water Source Challenges
- Higher vulnerability to surface contamination
- Seasonal water availability fluctuations
- Requires more frequent maintenance
- May experience unreliable flow rates
Selecting the Ideal Location to Dig a Well
Strategic Site Selection
Choosing the right spot for your dug water well is one of the most important decisions to ensure you have a safe, reliable water supply. Where you place the well affects how much water you get, how clean it is, and how well it holds up over time.
Start by looking at your property carefully. Think about natural factors like the shape of the land, the type of soil, how groundwater moves, and how the water table changes with the seasons. Also consider land use factors, such as where buildings are or will be, nearby sources of pollution, and what your neighbors are doing.
It’s best to choose a higher area because that can help keep surface water from flowing into your well. Avoid low spots, drainage paths, and areas that flood easily. And keep in mind any future plans for your property, as changes to the landscape could affect your well’s performance and safety.
It’s important to note that digging a shallow well during the wet BC seasons might not be the best idea because the extra water you locate then can dry up by summer. Most groundwater experts recommend locating shallow well water during the driest time of the year instead. This approach helps ensure that the water source will remain steady and reliable without having to dig too deep or lose the well once the British Columbia weather warms up.
Ensuring Safe Distances: Required BC Water Well Setbacks
Following water well setback requirements isn’t just about meeting provincial regulations—it’s about protecting your family’s health and keeping your well water safe to drink. In British Columbia, the Water Well Construction Regulations set specific minimum distances between your well and potential sources of contamination. These distances are based on how pollutants move through soil and groundwater.
The required setbacks create a safety buffer around your well, giving the soil a chance to filter or dilute any contaminants. This protection zone acts as a crucial barrier, allowing time for the soil to filter or dilute any pollutants, ensuring that the water reaching your well is safe for consumption. The guidelines also take into account the time it takes for groundwater to travel through the soil, allowing natural filtration processes to work effectively.
Let’s break down why these specific British Columbia water well setbacks matter:
- The 15-meter setback from existing wells prevents wells from interfering with each other’s water supply and reduces the risk of cross-contamination.
- The 6-meter distance from buildings allows for proper maintenance access and helps prevent foundation drainage from affecting well water quality.
- The 30-meter separation from contamination sources like septic systems, chemical storage, and animal manure is crucial because these sources can introduce harmful bacteria, chemicals, and nutrients into groundwater.
- The 120-meter requirement from cemeteries and dumping grounds provides an extra margin of safety due to the potentially serious nature of contamination from these sources.
For more details on these requirements, check out the BC government guidelines on well water here: BC Well Water Regulations.
BC Water Well Construction and Best Practices
Building Quality Water Well
In British Columbia, even shallow water wells are subject to regulations and aren’t totally unregulated. The province has specific guidelines that must be followed to ensure water quality and safety.
For instance, water wells must comply with the Water Well Construction Regulations and the Groundwater Protection Regulation, which outline construction standards, setback distances, and other requirements—even for wells that are less than 15 meters deep. This ensures that every well, regardless of depth, is built to protect groundwater from contamination and to safeguard public health.
Before beginning construction, it’s crucial to understand that a properly constructed well is your first line of defense against contamination.
The casing stick-up and the surface seal are pivotal elements of water well protection. The casing stick-up is the part of the well that extends above the ground, and it must be at least 30 cm (about 1 foot) high. This height helps keep rainwater and runoff out of the well, offers flood protection, makes the well visible, and makes maintenance easier. The surface seal acts like an umbrella, stopping polluted surface water from seeping down along the outside of the well casing. The two most critical elements of surface protection are the casing stick-up and surface seal.
Understanding Casing Stick-Up
The casing stick-up is the portion of your well casing that extends above ground level. This seemingly simple feature serves several crucial purposes:
- Prevents surface water from flowing directly into your well.
- Provides a barrier against flooding
- Makes the well visible to prevent accidental damage
- Allows for easier maintenance and water quality testing.
The requirement for a minimum 30 cm (1 foot) extension is exactly that—a minimum. In areas prone to flooding or heavy snow accumulation, a higher stick-up might be advisable. The joints in the casing must be sealed with materials specifically approved for drinking water use to prevent contamination.
Surface Seal Construction
The surface seal is a critical component that prevents contaminated surface water from seeping down along the outside of your well casing. Think of it as an umbrella that directs water away from your well. The seal must be:
- Made of bentonite clay or equivalent material that can expand and contract without cracking
- At least 2.5 cm thick to ensure adequate protection
- Extended to a 5-meter radius around the casing to provide comprehensive protection.
- Properly compacted to prevent settling and crack formation
Bentonite clay is specifically recommended because it:
- Swells when wet, creating an effective barrier.
- Maintains its seal even with ground movement.
- Is stable over long periods
- Is non-toxic and safe for drinking water
Minimum Depth Best Practices for Shallow Well Construction
- Wells should extend at least 3 meters (10 feet) deep.
- Deeper wells generally provide better filtration and reliability.
- Consider seasonal water table fluctuations.
British Columbia Water Well Documentation Requirements
Proper documentation of your British Columbia water well is important for keeping a record of how it was constructed. This record is useful for future maintenance, any changes you might want to make, or even when you sell your property.
The well construction report should include details like the well’s location, the date it was built, its depth and width, the materials used, water level readings, and the type of soil encountered during construction. This detailed information also helps future owners and contractors and lets developers understand exactly what you’re working with and how best to take care of it.
Water well documentation is especially valuable when it’s time to decommission a well. Many rural properties in British Columbia often lack detailed records on their shallow wells, so having this information on hand can make the process much easier and more efficient.
Hidden Hazards: Unprotected Shallow Wells Pose a Risk
Shallow water wells, often hidden among overgrown vegetation on properties, can be very dangerous. Some of these wells, which may be as deep as 50 feet and lack any cover, pose a very serious risk—especially to children who might accidentally fall in.
I would estimate that there are tens of thousands of these shallow dug water wells on rural properties throughout British Columbia that are no longer in use; they haven’t been in use for years, and most of them have not been legally decommissioned as per provincial requirements.
Buying Real Estate with Unused Shallow Water Wells in British Columbia
When buying or selling rural property in British Columbia, it’s essential to know where any old, abandoned wells are located and whether they’ve been properly decommissioned. A certified professional should have provided a decommissioning report to the BC MOE confirming a well has been safely sealed.
Upon acquiring a property with unused shallow wells, the responsibility for their decommissioning falls on you. It’s wise to address this during the negotiation process and require the seller to decommission these wells with a full decommissioning report as part of the deal.
Decommissioning dug water wells in British Columbia is often costly. The large diameter of these wells and the requirement for the specified closure plug—with sealant material such as bentonite—can drive up expenses.
When drafting a real estate agreement for a rural property, it’s smart to request full disclosure regarding any unused water wells, whether dug or drilled. Many drilled wells, for example, were abandoned because they were dry and were never properly sealed. This is why it pays to work with a real estate agent who truly understands the complexities of rural properties in British Columbia.
For more on water well decommissioning guidelines, visit:
Maintaining Your Shallow-Dug Water Well
The Foundations of Well Maintenance in British Columbia
Keeping your shallow well in good shape is crucial for having safe drinking water. Because these wells are closer to the surface, they’re more likely to pick up contaminants from rainwater or nearby activities. Regular upkeep helps your well last longer and keeps your water clean.
Dug wells can be greatly influenced by weather and environmental changes. In British Columbia, the heavy rains might let surface water seep in, and seasonal shifts can change the groundwater levels. Local land use activities like farming or construction—and even changes in the natural flow of water on your property—can also affect your water quality.
Water Well Maintenance Schedule
To keep your water well in top shape, set aside time every month to inspect it. Look closely at the well casing for any cracks, holes, or signs of wear. Make sure all the joints are dry and secure, and that the casing sticks up at least 30 centimeters above ground. This extra height is key to keeping water out where contamination could seep in.
Also, check that water around the well is draining away properly. Watch for any pooling or erosion near the casing and ensure the ground slopes away from the well to prevent water from gathering around it.
For more tips on water well maintenance, visit:
Seasonal Water Well Care Requirements
Each season brings its own challenges for maintaining your shallow water well in British Columbia. In spring, clear away winter debris and check for any damage caused by frost, road salt, or sand. During summer, keep the area around your well free of overgrown vegetation and monitor water levels during dry spells.
In the fall, remove fallen leaves and other organic matter, and get your well housing ready for colder weather. In winter, watch for heavy snow buildup that might block access for repairs and look out for any ice damage on exposed parts.
Water Testing and Disinfection Recommendations
Regular water testing is essential to ensure your well water is safe to drink. In British Columbia, it’s a good idea to test shallow wells for bacteria twice a year—usually in the spring and late fall—since seasonal changes can affect water quality. A complete chemical analysis could also be done annually. Additionally, test your water after major weather events if you notice any changes in taste or appearance, or following nearby construction or water well repairs.
Based on my experience reviewing hundreds of shallow well lab reports, I strongly recommend that any water from a dug well be fully filtered and disinfected with a UV system prior to consumption and food preparation.
Water quality can fluctuate rapidly, emphasizing the constant vulnerability of water from shallow wells to contamination.
Dug wells are particularly vulnerable to contamination—not only from environmental factors but also because many are not rodent-proof, leading to incidents where rodents or even snakes have fallen in over the years.
Decommissioning Unused Shallow Wells in British Columbia
Safe and Legal Water Closure
If you have a water well that’s no longer being used, it’s very important to properly decommission it to protect the local groundwater. An abandoned well can act as a direct pathway for contaminants to enter the water supply that many British Columbians depend on.
Under current rules, you must decommission your well if it has been unused for five consecutive years, is in dangerous condition, can no longer be properly maintained, is contaminating groundwater, or poses safety hazards.
Although British Columbia regulations allow for a temporary deactivation—keeping the well safe while leaving open the possibility of future use—this option is only valid for up to five years, after which full decommissioning is required.
Step-by-Step Guide to Decommissioning a Shallow Well in British Columbia
Properly decommissioning an unused shallow well is crucial for protecting both your property and your community’s groundwater supply. Below is a clear breakdown of each stage in the decommissioning process, based on British Columbia’s Groundwater Protection Regulation and standard best practices. Always consult with a certified well contractor to ensure compliance and proper execution.
1. Initial Assessment
- Review Records: Gather any information available about the well, such as location, depth, construction details, and previous water quality reports.
- Inspect Current Condition: Examine the well for signs of deterioration or contamination.
Why It’s Important:
Having a clear understanding of the well’s history and condition will help you plan a safe and effective decommissioning strategy.
2. Remove Well Pump Equipment and Clean
- Extract All Equipment: Remove the pump, piping, and any other components from inside the well.
- Thorough Cleaning: Clean the interior of the well to remove sediment and debris.
Why It’s Important:
Removing equipment and debris ensures the well is free of blockages and contaminants before sealing.
3. Install Durable Seals
- Prevent Vertical Water Movement: Use sealing materials designed to resist shrinking or cracking.
- Barrier Against Contaminants: Proper sealing blocks potential pollution sources from entering the groundwater.
Why It’s Important:
A reliable seal is your first defense against contamination. If water can travel around the casing or through cracks, pollutants can enter the aquifer.
4. Proper Filling
- Use Clean Materials: Fill the well with uncontaminated materials such as sand, gravel, and bentonite (a type of clay).
- Layering Sealants: Place sealant layers (e.g., bentonite plugs) at required intervals throughout the well.
- Closure Plug: Ensure a closure plug of at least 5 meters at the top of the well.
- Compact Materials: Proper compaction prevents settling that could create gaps over time.
Why It’s Important:
Layering and compacting materials keeps the well securely sealed from bottom to top, blocking any future water movement through the abandoned well.
5. Manage the Casing
- Cut or Remove Casing: Take out or cut off the well casing below ground level.
- Seal the Casing Area: Ensure the space around the casing is also properly sealed to prevent any surface water infiltration.
Why It’s Important:
Surface contaminants often enter at the casing. Removing or cutting the casing below ground level and sealing it helps eliminate an easy entry point for pollutants.
6. Surface Grading and Marking
- Grade the Surface: Reshape the surrounding area so water drains away from the former well location.
- Mark the Location: Add a permanent marker or record the spot for future reference, especially during any property development.
Why It’s Important:
Proper grading prevents water from pooling around the well site, and marking the location allows future owners or workers to identify it for regulatory or construction purposes.
Why Decommissioning Matters
- Health and Safety: Abandoned wells can act as direct entry points for contaminants. Properly sealing them helps protect the broader water supply.
- Regulatory Compliance: British Columbia’s Water Sustainability Act and Groundwater Protection Regulation require safe decommissioning to protect public health and the environment.
- Liability Reduction: If a well is not decommissioned correctly, it can pose safety hazards and lead to expensive legal or environmental consequences in the future.
Final Thoughts
Decommissioning a shallow well isn’t a simple DIY task. It requires a certified professional to ensure every step meets provincial regulations and best practices. By following these guidelines, you’ll help safeguard groundwater quality in British Columbia for generations to come.
For detailed regulatory information, refer to:
- Water Well Decommissioning British Columbia
- BC Groundwater Protection Regulation (Water Sustainability Act)
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for general guidance and may be subject to updates or changes in provincial regulations. Always consult with a qualified well professional and refer to the latest British Columbia government resources.
Who Can Legally Decommission Water Wells in British Columbia?
Decommissioning a water well in British Columbia is not a do-it-yourself task. It must be carried out by a qualified professional—usually a certified well contractor or technician—who is familiar with the Groundwater Protection Regulation and other relevant provincial guidelines. This ensures that the work is both safe and effective, protecting local groundwater supplies.
Key Requirements
Certification or Licensing
- The individual performing the decommissioning should be certified or licensed by the appropriate provincial authority.
- Certification confirms they have the necessary training, knowledge, and experience to safely seal a well.
Compliance with Regulations
- Professionals must follow the Groundwater Protection Regulation, which provides standards for sealing materials and methods.
- By adhering to these rules, the risk of contamination entering the aquifer is greatly reduced.
Documentation
- A decommissioning report is typically required to finalize the process.
- This document outlines the methods and materials used, and confirms the well has been properly sealed to prevent future contamination.
Why These Requirements Matter
- Protecting Public Health: Proper decommissioning ensures that abandoned wells don’t become a conduit for contaminants to enter the groundwater.
- Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Failing to meet provincial requirements can lead to fines or legal complications.
- Preserving Property Value: A well that has been legally and safely decommissioned reduces future liabilities and makes a property more attractive to potential buyers.
Property Owners and Water Well Decommissioning in British Columbia
Under certain conditions, a property owner can decommission their own well in British Columbia. However, the owner must still follow the Groundwater Protection Regulation and any other relevant provincial guidelines. This means using approved sealing materials, ensuring proper filling and sealing procedures, and submitting the required documentation (such as a decommissioning report) to the provincial authorities.
While the regulation does not prohibit a well owner from doing the work themselves—particularly for shallower wells—most experts strongly recommend hiring a qualified, certified well professional. Decommissioning can be complex, and mistakes may lead to groundwater contamination or future liability issues.
If you do choose to proceed on your own, make sure you fully understand all the regulatory requirements, including filing any necessary records with the province.
Further Resources
For a more detailed look at well decommissioning rules and certified professional listings, visit:
- BC Well Water Guidelines (Ministry of Environment)
- British Columbia Ground Water Association
- British Columbia Wildfires and Water Wells
Disclaimer: This information is meant for general guidance and may be subject to updates in provincial regulations. Always consult with a qualified well professional and refer to the latest resources from the British Columbia government.
Conclusion
Taking care of a water well in British Columbia means knowing how your well works, constructing and maintaining it properly, and regularly checking the water’s quality and safety. By looking after your well, you ensure safe water for your rural property now and help protect a precious resource for the future.
As our climate changes and development expands across British Columbia, protecting our groundwater becomes even more important. When well owners build their wells correctly, maintain them diligently, and decommission them when needed, they play a key role in safeguarding these precious water resources for the future.
