Is Well Water Safe? The Truth About Private Wells
Worried about well water? Not sure what to expect when you’re looking at a house with a well? Do you picture an old-fashioned well where you lower a bucket like Anne of Green Gables? Or maybe you’re thinking of the one Batman fell into? Well, I’ve got news for you—modern wells are nothing like that.
While you might find one of those ancient relics in a heritage property, 99% of homes on the market today have modern, drilled wells. Standards for well water systems have changed drastically over the years, making them safer and more efficient than ever.
How Do Modern Wells Work? Is well water safe ?
A drilled well is created using a large drilling rig that bores deep into the earth. The rig is equipped with sensors that detect water sources underground. Once a sufficient water source is found, a well pipe is installed to protect the water supply from contaminants.
By today’s Canadian standards, the well pipe must extend 18 inches above grade. If you’re buying a home with an older well, you might need to add an extension to the pipe to bring it up to code. This is a small, but worthwhile investment—because trust me, you do not want rodents or insects making their way into your well water.
The Well Water System: How It Gets to Your Faucet
- Well Pump: Installed inside the well, the pump pulls water up and sends it to your home.
- Filtration & Treatment: Well water typically passes through a UV filter to kill bacteria. Some homeowners opt for additional filters, like charcoal filters, reverse osmosis (RO) systems, or water softeners to improve taste and remove minerals.
- Pressure Tank: This tank regulates water pressure and ensures steady water flow to your faucets.
If your area has hard water (common in rural parts of Canada), a water softener may be needed to prevent scale buildup in pipes and appliances.
Is Well Water Safe? Testing & Treatment
The short answer is yes—as long as you test it regularly. Unlike municipal water, well water isn’t treated by the city, so it’s up to the homeowner to ensure its safety. Here’s what you should do:
- Test Annually: Get your well water tested at least once a year for bacteria, nitrates, and contaminants.
- Check for Hard Water: If you notice white buildup on faucets, you may need a softener.
- Know Your Water Source: If the home is near farmland, check for pesticide or fertilizer runoff.
For more tips on buying a home with well water, visit our home buyer’s guide. Is well water safe ?
Get a Well Inspection When Buying a Home and know: is well water is safe
If you are buying a home, we strongly suggest having the well tested. A proper well inspection includes testing the recovery rate, flow rate, and a visual check of the water color after it has been running for an extended period. This is not a quick process—it usually takes up to an hour, sometimes 90 minutes to get an accurate assessment of the well’s performance.
Additionally, you should take a water sample for testing to ensure there are no harmful bacteria or contaminants. This step is typically handled by your realtor—well, at least if your realtor is as good as we are! If the test results are positive and everything checks out, you’re all set to buy that house with confidence!
The Bottom Line: Well Water is Safe with Proper Care
So, is well water safe? Absolutely—if properly maintained! With modern filtration systems, routine testing, and a little common sense, well water can be just as clean (or cleaner) than municipal water. Plus, you’ll never have to worry about city water bills!
Thinking about buying a home with a well? Have questions? Contact us at Tait Sargent Team for expert advice on rural properties and well systems!
Check the Ontario Government website here for more information on well.
