Artesian wells

Whether for your principal residence or the cottage, for lawn irrigation or renovation work, an artesian well is often the ideal choice for your drinking water supply. Safe and dependable, artesian wells draw their water from underground faults in the rock; the water is thus usually of higher quality than that found in a shallow well as it is better protected against infiltration and the danger of possible contamination.

Since the Groundwater Catchment Regulation (GCR) came into effect in June 2003, all new artesian wells are subject to more stringent construction standards and require an application for a municipal permit. In addition, certain minimum distances must be respected with regard to nearby septic systems and other
sources of contamination.

Click here for more details on the GCR.

As stipulated in the GCR, each drilled well for which the rock is less than 5 metres from the surface must be protected with a concrete collar in the upper part. In such a case, drilling starts with a 10'' diameter for a 6'' well. Bentonite grout is then injected into the annular space between the two up to a depth of 18', which will protect the upper part of the well from contamination.

Note: the sealing of the artesian well must always have a 2'' width all around, larger than the casing diameter. In addition, the prescribed collar may be obligatory in the event that the well is not installed a recommended distance from a septic bed or a nearby source of contamination. The flow rate required for each well will be different and will vary based on the particular requirements of each project and each person. For more information, consult the GCR or contact us for advice.