Nancy Grove and Peter Gale faced a dilemma when their 200-year-old dug well dried up due to an ongoing drought in Baxters Harbour, N.S. They had to choose between enduring the water scarcity or investing approximately $20,000 in a drilled well.
Similar to many residents in Nova Scotia, the couple relied on water deliveries from a local community center and a neighbor with a drilled well who allowed them to connect a hose for water access. Their property, located on the Bay of Fundy, has been their home for over three decades, with the well serving the community, including a nearby church and school, in the past.
With no relief in sight for the drought and winter approaching, Grove and Gale decided to opt for a 91-meter-deep drilled well in early October, despite the sentimental attachment to their old well. Ian Spooner, a hydrogeology professor at Acadia University, highlighted the importance of considering factors like cost and property geology before proceeding with well drilling.
Spooner cautioned that the drought may persist into the winter, delaying water table replenishment until spring. He recommended exploring alternative water sources such as ponds, rivers, natural springs, water haulers, and community wells before committing to drilling a well. Some municipalities are offering loan programs to assist property owners in need of new wells, emphasizing the significance of understanding the geology of the land before drilling.
By consulting with neighbors and professionals and assessing the property’s geology, landowners can mitigate the risk of drilling in unsuitable areas and failing to find water. The Department of Natural Resources and Renewables emphasized the importance of considering sand and gravel deposits as excellent groundwater sources. Additionally, the province provides a groundwater regions map outlining bedrock types and sediment deposits for guidance.
While the decision to drill a well ensures water security, Spooner underscored the temporary nature of droughts and the potential for dug wells to recover over time. Information and careful planning are crucial for landowners contemplating well drilling, balancing the immediate need for water security with long-term sustainability.
