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WHERE ON YOUR PROPERTY SHOULD A WATER WELL BE DRILLED?

Groundwater is essential in many parts of Alberta. Hence, a well's location is more important than just convenience. Property owners should be careful while drilling a water well to ensure that they get safe water. Read our blog to learn all about properly drilled wells. 

Distance from Contaminants 

Drilling, installation and maintenance of a borehole, bore pump for a house, private water supply.

Potential sources of contamination are among the first essentials to analyze while drilling a water well at your property. Your well should be placed away from septic tanks, sewage systems, agricultural runoffs, and places where you store chemicals. To prevent contamination of the well, a distance of at least 15 meters from septic tanks and 30 meters from chemical storage sites should be maintained. 

Topography and Accessibility

The topography of your property is a vital factor for your water well. Avoid low-lying areas prone to flooding and areas with steep slopes, as they are difficult to access. Choose an elevated and flat area to allow easy access for maintenance and repairs, minimizing the risk of surface water contamination.

Geological and Hydrological Conditions

Understand your property's geological and hydrological conditions. Consult with a hydrologist or a professional well-driller to gain insights into the local water table, soil, and rock composition. This is a crucial step, as different soil and rock types significantly affect drilling costs and well yield.

Traditional Knowledge

Consider the distance of your well from existing wells and industrial facilities. Learn about the locations of underground pipes to avoid damage during drilling. Do not place your well near overhead power lines to prevent the risk of contact or electrocution.

Environmental Impact

Opt for a location for your water well that minimizes environmental impact. Avoid areas that could affect natural habitats or disrupt local water flow to maintain ecological balance and promote sustainable water use.

Local Rules and Regulations

The local rules and regulations for drilling a water well in Alberta include the following:


  • Location: Wells must be at least 3.25 meters from any building and cannot be located in pits. The top of the well casing must extend at least 20 centimetres above the ground. 

  • Accessibility: Wells must be accessible for cleaning, repairing, monitoring, and inspecting. 

  • Setbacks: Wells must be set back from potential contamination sources. 

  • Well cap: Wells must have a cap or cover to protect them from surface water and external elements.

  • Sloping: The area around the well must be sloped to prevent water stagnation. 

  • Contractor: Only a licensed water well contractor with Approval to Drill Water Wells can drill a well. The contractor must be a certified journeyman water well driller. 

  • Yield test: This test involves removing water from the well for at least two hours, recording the water level, and then recording the water level for two hours afterward. It helps the contractor analyze a safe and sustainable pumping rate for the well.

Choose Elk Point Drilling Corp for Water Well Drilling in Alberta

We are a family-owned business that has been providing safe drilling services in Alberta since 1950. Our team offers various drilling services, including water well maintenance and servicing. Contact us today for more information.



Branch Office Information

Alberta Elk Point Drilling Corp

PO Box 3790

115 South Ave

Spruce Grove,  AB

T7X 3B1

Phone: 780-960-9355(WELL)

Fax: 780-962-4990

Email: info@elkpointdrilling.com

Saskatchewan  Elk Point Drilling Corp
R.R. #3
North Battleford, SK
S9A 2X4
Phone: 306-445-9355 (WELL)

Fax: 305-445-4665

Email: info@elkpointdrilling.com

Service Area

Locations in Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Alberta and North Battleford, Saskatchewan Servicing:

Athabasca

Barrhead

Bashaw

Beaumont

Bentley

Blackfalds

Bon Accord

Bonnyville

Bruderheim

Calmar

Camrose

Cold Lake

Daysland

Devon

Drayton Valley

Edson

Elk Point

Fairview

Fort Mcmurray

Fox Creek

Gibbons

Grande Cache

Grande Prairie

Grimshaw

Hardisty

High Level

High Prairie

Hinton

Innisfail

Killam

Lac La Biche

Lacombe

Lamont

Leduc

Legal

Lloydminster

Mayerthorpe

Millet

Morinville

Mundare

Olds

Onoway

Peace River

Penhold

Ponoka

Red Deer

Redwater

Rimbey

Rocky Mountain House

Rycroft

Sedgewick

Sexsmith

Slave Lake

Smoky Lake

Spirit River

Spruce Grove

St. Paul

Stavely

Stettler

Stony Plain

Sundre

Swan Hills

Sylvan Lake

Thorsby

Tofield

Trochu

Two Hills

Valleyview

Vegreville

Vermilion

Wabasca

Wainwright

Westlock

Whitecourt

North Battlefield

Saskatoon

Regina

Prince Albert

Kindersley

Swift Current

Rosetown

Biggar

Social

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