Well drilling advisories
Last updated on March 5, 2024Regional concerns about water availability, water quality and flowing artesian conditions may have an impact on deciding the design and cost of constructing a well, or the treatment prior to use of the water from the well.
It is important to be aware of any advisories and how they might impact the budget and the work.
Flowing artesian conditions
As a registered well driller, your pre-drilling assessment can determine the range of artesian pressures and flows that might be found during drilling. Information is available to help you determine areas where you are more likely to encounter flowing artesian conditions.
Activate the artesian wells layer on either iMapBC or on the B.C. Water Resources Atlas and discover where flowing artesian wells have been reported. The interactive maps are best viewed in Internet Explorer.
Water supply
When estimating costs for your clients, you may need to account for any concerns about water quality and water availability that may increase the cost of developing the water supply.
Water quality advisory
In the presence of bacteria or other contamination, regional water quality advisories, boil water notices or do not use water notices may be in place. Before you drill, make sure you are aware of any advisory or notice and understand how the conditions affect planning your work with the property owner. Treating the water before use may lead to unanticipated costs for the well owner.
Water availability
Water may be in limited supply where you are drilling for many different reasons because of water allocation restrictions. Find out what restrictions exist and how that might affect the development of your client's water supply.
Drilling in coastal areas
Saltwater intrusion occurs when saline (salty) water is drawn into a freshwater aquifer. Learn more about how to avoid causing saltwater intrusion.