Your Complete Guide to Water Wells in Milton
Spot, fix, and prevent common water well headaches before they leave you high and dry!
If you live in Milton, Georgetown, Oakville, Burlington, or the surrounding Halton Region, your home might rely on a water well for clean, fresh water. Unlike city water systems, wells draw directly from groundwater—meaning proper installation and maintenance are key to keeping your water safe and flowing smoothly.
At Plumbing Dunn Right, we’ve helped homeowners with well drilling, repairs, and maintenance for over a decade. Whether you’re considering a new well, troubleshooting an old one, or just want to keep your water in top shape, this guide covers everything you need to know.
What We’ll Cover:
Why Taking Care of Your Milton Water Well Matters
1
Installing a New Water Well
2
Essential Water Well Maintenance Best Practices
3
Troubleshooting Common Water Well Issues
4
Responsive, professional and great quality work. They know wells and made sense of our crazy system in no time.
– C. Price
1
Taking Care of Your Milton Water Well
Neglecting your well can lead to serious consequences that affect both your household and the environment:
- Murky or bad-tasting water from sediment buildup or bacterial contamination
- Low water pressure (weak showers = unhappy households)
- Sudden breakdowns (and nobody wants an emergency drill rig in their yard)
In Ontario, wells must meet strict regulations to protect groundwater. In Milton and Halton Hills, bylaws require proper permits, setbacks from septic systems, and regular testing. Skipping maintenance isn’t just risky—it could mean fines or even losing your water supply
Milton’s Water Table Trends
The Halton Region exhibits varied groundwater conditions that influence well performance:
- Northeast Milton (Britannia Rd area): Deeper wells (150+ ft) due to clay-heavy soil.
- Rural Flamborough: Higher risk of nitrates (from farming) – testing is critical!
- Halton Hills: Rocky terrain means drilling takes longer (but water quality is excellent).
Recent data from Halton Region Public Health indicates that proper well construction and maintenance could prevent most contamination incidents reported annually.
The good news? Most of these problems are preventable with proper care. Learn the essentials of taking care of your Milton water well to keep your system healthy and avoid expensive surprises.
2
Installing a New Water Well
Types of Water Wells
Drilled Wells
- The most common type in Ontario
- Typically extend 100-500 feet deep
- Feature steel casing to prevent contamination
- Designed for long-term reliability
Dug Wells
- Traditional shallow wells (10-30 feet deep)
- More susceptible to contamination and drought
- Becoming less common due to reliability concerns
The Installation Process
1. Site Assessment
- Evaluation of soil composition and water table depth
- Identification of potential contamination sources
- Determination of optimal well location
2. Permitting and Documentation
- Obtaining necessary municipal approvals
- Compliance with Ontario Wells Regulation (O. Reg. 903)
- Filing of Well Record with provincial authorities
3. Drilling and Construction
- Use of specialized equipment to create the well bore
- Installation of casing and protective features
- Development of the well to optimize water flow
4. Initial Testing and Commissioning
- Water quality analysis
- Flow rate measurement
- System pressure testing
Pro Tip: Ontario law says new wells must be at least 15 metres (50 ft) from septic systems—so plan carefully!
Are you considering installing a new well? We break down what Milton homeowners should know about the different types, process, and local regulations.
I’ve had these folks out a few times to deal with issues with my well system and problems of an aging house, and each time they have discussed options and ways to deal with the issues while trying to keep costs down. They know what they are doing.
– A. Federico
3
Essential Water Well Maintenance Best Practices
Routine Inspection Checklist
Monthly:
- Visual inspection of wellhead and surrounding area
- Water pressure monitoring
Biannually:
- Verification of well cap integrity
- Inspection of above-ground components
Annually:
- Comprehensive water quality testing
- Professional system evaluation
When to Seek Professional Assistance
Certain situations require immediate attention from licensed well contractors:
- Persistent changes in water clarity, taste, or odor
- Significant fluctuations in water pressure
- Visible sediment in water fixtures
- Unusual pump operation or noise
Special Note: Wells exceeding 20 years of service may require upgrades to meet current safety standards.
Step-by-Step Shock Chlorination (For Brave DIYers)
Only for minor bacterial issues! Major contamination needs a pro.
- Turn off the pump and drain pipes.
- Mix 1L bleach per 1,000L well water (e.g., a 20ft-deep well needs ~2L).
- Pour into well, then run every faucet until you smell bleach.
- Wait 12+ hours, then flush until bleach odor fades. Retest water in 48 hours
Warning: Over-chlorinating can damage pumps. When in doubt, call us!
Protect your well with simple routine checks. See our maintenance guide for what to do monthly, yearly, and when to call a pro.
4
Troubleshooting Common Water Well Issues
Owning a water well provides reliable access to fresh groundwater, but it can come with challenges. Common issues like low water pressure, contaminated water, and wells running dry can disrupt daily routines and pose health or safety risks. These problems may stem from mechanical failures, environmental changes, or aging equipment. If left unaddressed, they can lead to costly repairs or even system failure.
Recognizing the signs early and understanding potential solutions is key to maintaining a safe and efficient well system. This guide explores these common water well issues and how to effectively troubleshoot them for long-term reliability.
Problem: Low Water Pressure
Check Potential Causes:
- Pressure tank malfunctions
- Pipe obstructions
- Pump performance issues
Recommended Actions:
- Verify pressure tank operation
- Inspect for pipe restrictions
- Call a Pro if he pump is noisy or cycles on/off constantly.
Problem: Contaminated Water
Check Potential Causes:
- Cracked well cap or casing
- Nearby septic system failure
- Surface water leaking into well
- Bacterial growth in system
Recommended Actions:
- Stop drinking the water immediately
- Check well cap and surrounding area for damage
- Test for bacteria and nitrates
- Call a pro if you notice:
- Strong chemical odors
- Oil sheens in water
- Persistent contamination after shock treatment
Problem: Well Running Dry
Check Potential Causes:
- First Step: Check for leaks or overuse (e.g., filling pools).
- Worst Case: You may need deepening or a new well.
Recommended Actions:
- Verify pressure tank operation
- Inspect for pipe restrictions
- Call a Pro for pump evaluation
Professional Well Services
Plumbing Dunn Right offers comprehensive well services to Halton Region residents:
- New well installations with full regulatory compliance
- Diagnostic evaluations using advanced techniques
- Preventive maintenance programs
- Water quality testing and treatment solutions
Our team combines technical expertise with local knowledge to deliver reliable water solutions tailored to your property’s specific needs.
Learn how to identify and solve the most common well issues Milton homeowners face, from weak water pressure to contamination concerns.
Final Thoughts
Your well works hard for you – return the favor with these easy steps:
- Prevent problems – Regular checkups stop small issues from becoming big headaches.
- Test yearly – Quick water tests give peace of mind about your family’s safety.
- Act fast – Notice changes? Call us quick to avoid bigger repairs.
- Keep notes – Track service dates in your phone or notebook for future reference.
We’ve cared for Milton wells for over 10 years. Questions? We’re happy to help!
For personalized advice regarding your well system, contact our licensed professionals for a consultation.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information and should not replace professional assessment. Always consult qualified well contractors for site-specific recommendations.