The importance of a Well & Water Inspection
Owning a private ground water resource allows homeowners to control their own water supply. Water Wells could provide drinking water of the highest quality. A home with a private well comes with the important responsibility of keeping the water well in good working order. Having a basic understanding about ground water quality and quantity will help homeowners to ensure that their well is supplying sufficient, potable water for their household.
When purchasing a house on a private water well, there are three key items to consider:
- Water quality
- Water quantity
- Well and water treatment system
A Well & Water Inspection is a comprehensive check on the quality and the quantity of water produced by ground water wells. Why considering Well & Water Inspection when purchasing a house on a well?
Imagine the following two realistic scenarios:
- You have finally found the house of your dreams, the sale is final, and one day after moving into your new house, you realize that after you run the water for only 30 minutes, the well runs dry. This means that there is no water supply to the entire house. It takes the well two and a half hours to recover…
- After moving into your new house you notice that the water has a rotten egg smell, tastes salty, or has a blackish color! You do know that there are water treatment equipment installed downstairs, but you are not fully aware what they are for and if they even function properly…
There is a way to prevent unwanted surprises and expenses after purchasing a house on a well: getting a Well & Water Inspection done before purchasing a house. Although a potability (bacteria) sample is requested by your bank for the mortgage, yet this could be mislead if the well has been previously shocked (chlorinated) before the bacteria sample is taken. Shocking the well brings back a safe test result, indicating that the water is safe to drink. But, it is important to keep in mind that bacteria grow back in only a few weeks, and that by shocking the well the initial problem has only been delayed rather than solved.
The quality of the water: Water quality is affected by a combination of natural processes, including human activities. Most relate to chemical compositions underground. However, other factors such as biological, physical, and radiological conditions can affect water quality as well. During a Well & Water inspection several checks are performed to asses the quality of water: the main components of the water are checked, which involve certain properties and the presence of minerals such as hardness, iron, sulphur, total dissolved solids, PH (alkalinity/acidity), tannin etc. A potability sample is collected and taken to a private lab for testing, and within 24 hours a certificate is delivered. Homeowners with a private well need to keep hazardous chemicals, such as pesticides, fertilizer, paint, and motor oil far away from the well, and maintain a "clean" zone between the well and any kennels or livestock operations. Moreover, it is important to maintain proper separation between the well and buildings, waste systems, or chemical storage areas.
The quantity of the water: a Well & Water Inspection includes a thorough inspection of the well construction: the casing is checked from the inside by using a specialized Well-View camera that is descended into the well. Any detected abnormalities will be discussed with the client on the spot. Moreover, the well and pump depth are measured, and a pump flow test is performed from the well: this is a measurement of the flow of water, noted in gallons per minute, indicating the adequacy of the water supply from the well into the water infrastructure. A pump flow test is an important measurement tool to assess whether the well provides sufficient water supply for residential use. Moreover, an inspection of well equipment is performed to assure that it is sanitary and meets local code requirements.
The Well & Water Inspection also includes detailed reporting on the findings regarding to the condition of the well and water in the residence. Clients are always encouraged to attend the inspection as this offers an excellent opportunity to talk to the inspector directly. The report is completed with text, brochures, and recommendations within 48 hours of the inspection.
Canadian Water Inspection Services is a company that is well known for their reliable knowledge and their patience and understanding for their clients. We do not only offer a written report, but also answer all the questions the client may have. We care about our clients, with a clear and important aim: providing an essential service that will add value to people’s properties, health, and life.
Moe Rayyes – Owner
Canadian Water Inspection Services
www.waterinspection.ca
moe@waterinspection.ca
C. 613-878-1975
B. 613-425-0450
F. 613-425-0451
Oasis Realty Brokerage note: we recommend well and water inspections (as discussed above) on all properties privately serviced and your Realtor® can help with the correct legal clause to include this as a buyer condition in an Agreement of Purchase and Sale. Our firm does not do these inspections ourselves but rely on reputable 3rd parties like Canadian Water Inspection Services to do so on behalf of our clients.
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