The Province of Prince Edward Island has taken another important step to protect drinking water with amendments to the Environmental Protection Act Water Well Regulations.
The Water Well Regulations govern the location, design and construction of wells, as well as licencing of well drillers. Minister of Environment Chester Gillan said changes to the regulations are a key component of the Provincial Drinking Water Strategy.
"Whether they draw their water from their own individual well or from a municipal system, all Islanders rely on wells to tap into groundwater. So proper installation and maintenance of wells is critical to the quality of our drinking water," said Minister Gillan. "Unfortunately, many cases of drinking water contamination can be traced back to poor well construction. These changes, which will see that new wells meet the highest construction standards, will help ensure that contaminants do not reach the water supply."
The amended regulations require additional sealing of well casing and the use of vermin proof well caps to shut out earwigs and other pests.
Minister Gillan said another significant change in the regulations relates to setbacks from potential sources of contamination such as septic tanks, manure storage facilities and oil tanks. The regulations always set out where wells could be located in relation to these structures; however, they did not do the reverse.
"For example, a homeowner could not construct a well within 15 metres of a large capacity oil tank, but there was nothing in the regulations to prevent someone from installing an oil tank five or 10 metres from a well. That now works both ways so we have more control over potential sources of contamination near wells," said Minister Gillan.
Other changes to the Water Well Regulations more clearly define the training requirements for well drillers and establish a licence for well contractors. Previously, individual well drillers were licenced, but not well drilling companies. Minister Gillan said licensing the companies simply provides for greater accountability.
The PEI Drinking Water Strategy takes a multi-barrier approach to protecting water in Prince Edward Island. It addresses both private wells and municipal water systems and includes actions to protect water at the source, improve system design and operation, and ensure adequate monitoring and reporting.
"Through the Drinking Water Strategy, the Government of Prince Edward Island has taken a proactive approach to protecting our water supply. With the continued cooperation of Islanders, we will ensure that our drinking water stays clear from the ground to the glass," said Minister Gillan.
For more information on the Water Well Regulations, contact the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment, Water Resources Division, at (902) 368-5044 or toll free 1-866-368-5044.