FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Upfront and transparent answers when you need it the most.
Drilling Q&A
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PVC AND STAINLESS STEEL SCREENS?
Stainless steel screens have significant advantages when producing the well.
Precise slot openings are made to have the inside larger, allowing for materials to pass through the screen and not plug the screen.
Lower entrance velocities and higher flow rates through the screen so silts are not pulled into the well.
CAN THE PUMP GET STUCK IN THE WELL?
Old wells with steel casing can degrade over time. Due to the extra rust from the steel it can trap the pump or partially collapse in the well. This can trap the old pumps in the well. It was common to attach a rope line to the pump, and it can break after rotting and it can fall on top the pump, around the pump and between the pump and casing. We use PVC casing with a (5 inch inside diameter), stainless steel screens (5 inch inside diameter), stainless steel in the well. This practice gives one inch of clearance between the pump and the casing/screen. If any debris falls into the well it will not plug the screens and render your well useless.
WHAT IS THE BENEFIT OF USING 5 INCH SCREEN INSTEAD OF THE 3 INCH OR 4 INCH? ISN'T THE 3 INCH OR 4 INCH CHEAPER?
A five-inch screen allows more water to enter the well, often giving better well water flow; it reduces sediments plugging the screens.
Often companies will charge for one length of smaller 3 inch or 4 inch , the same as we charge for the larger 5-inch and we use two lengths of screens.
The more opening in the screen allows for a lower entrance velocity, and avoids pulling in silts and sediments into the well.
Rust and minerals can build on the pump and sometimes you can not pull the pump if you use smaller casing.
Drilling Fluid Questions
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR DRILLERS TO USE DRILLING FLUID? HOW DOES THIS BENEFIT ME?
We create a filter cake (a thin wall of mud) that add density to the liquid, making it heavier than water so the well wall does not fall in.
Stabilizing the well wall so we can get the screens and casing to the correct depth.
Too heavy a liquid, it will plug the aquifer the fine silts and sands will not drop from the solution making it a challenge to identify what your drilling through. Velocity will slow down and make it challenging to clean the well properly. New mud can not be absorbed so the mud balls up.
Fluid Recycling Questions
DO ALL WELL DRILLERS USE A FLUID RECYCLING UNIT?
No, not like ours. We are the only drillers, that we know of, that use such a unit in Saskatchewan.
Sourced our equipment out of country
Acquired specifically to drill locally in sandy / silty aquifers.
WHY USE A FLUID RECYCLING UNIT?
The benefit that we find, especially within Saskatchewan, is that silt and sediments are removed from the mud … thus makes a better well for all wells that we use it on.
The unit cuts back on the amount of fine debris being re-circulating and pumped back into the aquifer.
We can see the drilling debris in "real" time.
This fine debris can cause problems when producing the well and in some cases plug a well completely. This reduces the risk for the owner of the well.
General Well Questions
WHAT HAPPENS IF SOMETHING FALLS INTO THE WELL?
Using a 5 inch inside diameter casing and a 5 inch screen allows for things to fall into the well without plugging the well it will go to the bottom of the well. You can always add a "well packer screen" inside this screen if trouble ever arises.
IF YOU DRILL IN A LOW SPOT ON THE PROPERTY WILL IT SAVE ON FOOTAGE?
Sometimes drilling in a higher location can be more beneficial because the well depends on the construction of the aquifer.
Example: A low spot on the property can be a low spot in the aquifer.A low spot on the property is subject to surface contamination, whereas high spot of property is less likely to be contaminated.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN ... TO PRODUCE THE WELL?
When a well is produced, you are removing small material, silts and clays from the aquifer, well screen and gravel/sand pack.
We are determining the gal per minute.
We pump water out of the well, surge, jet, and air lift water out of the well.
This works to push water through the screens and removing silts, sand and fine debris.
This needs to be done until the well water is clear of silt and sand and is producing properly.
Some wells produce easily, other wells produce after much effort. (0-5 days).
WHAT DOES IT MEAN WHEN I'M TOLD ... 'I OVER PUMPED A WELL?'
An aquifer can collapse from a lack of water pressure in the aquifer (depending on the aquifer).
Example: If the aquifer can produce 5 gal per minute, make sure that your pump rate is set at 5 gal per minute or less.
That means that too much water came from the aquifer at one time, can cause sand and silts to migrate.
Silt and sand migration can plug your screens.
Grants & Rebate Questions
WHERE CAN I FIND GRANT INFORMATION?
This website has link to all the grants available through the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Sask. Watershed Authority.
Clients often tell us that navigating the Ministry website can be a challenge because there are many drop down boxes in order to find the forms, as non of them are titled grant information. Some clients have said that they have actually stopped looking because it was too challenging to find.
To make it easier, Wolverine Drilling Inc. has a page with all the links you might require for the grant information and application. Go to Rebates & Grants.
Please note: for many clients who meet the criteria, this grant can have large substantial savings.
Pump Requirement Questions
HOW BIG OF A PUMP DO I NEED?
This is usually determined by gal per minute, distance to be pumped and the vertical height of water in the well.
WHY SHOULD WATER ENTERING FROM THE SURFACE BE CHLORINATED PROPERLY?
Surface water can contain bacteria, nutrients (that bacteria can feed on) which can harm the aquifer.
MOST OF THE WELLS IN MY AREA ARE ALL LARGE DIAMETER, CAN I STILL GET A SMALL DIAMETER WELL?
The majority of large diameter wells in Sask. are seepage wells, and do not produce much water (per minute) but have immense holding capacity. Generally 90 feet is the maximum depth these can reach and may tap into a one or more small seepage aquifers this may give a pump rate from .5 gal and up depending on the area.
If the large diameter taps into a know aquifer, or an aquifer that can produce more than seepage then generally we can match or do better then the gal per minute of a large diameter on the same site.
The way a small diameter is produced differently than a large diameter. If done properly, a small diameter well is designed to pull silts, sediments from the aquifer and has uniform precision cut slots to keep from plugging. Small diameter wells use packing sand (clean, man made, silica beads that are uniform in size).
Large diameters wells rely upon manually cutting slots into the casing with an electric hand tool and may not be uniform is size, depth, and length. Often pit gravel is used to pack the void between the well wall and the casing (may contain unoxidized minerals, rock, uneven sizes and shapes) which may be foreign for the aquifer. There are no stainless screens in large diameter wells.
Grout Questions
WHAT DOES IT MEAN ... TO GROUT A WELL?
When the well is made it is possible to drill through smaller aquifers of poor quality or may be already might be contaminated.
Grout is made up of dehydrated clay chips, that swell when hydrated.
This swelling seals of the well casing from other aquifer contamination and surface contamination (sewer, "black water", chemical run off, etc.).
Buying Property Questions
I AM LOOKING AT BUYING A PROPERTY WITH AN OLDER WELL ON IT.
WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR?
Check to see what the material of the well is made from. In older times, wood and steel was the standard. Now we use PVC, fiberglass, and stainless steel screens.
Old steel casing called "black iron" will corrode, and rust where the water and the atmosphere meet. This is especially important if the well has been sitting dormant for a while.
When putting an old well back into service and the water level in the well drops, there can be a change of pressure in the casing that has not occurred for quite some time and can collapse shortly after use, or a few use cycles.
If the sale of the property hinges on an existing well, the well should be proven, water samples taken and shown not to be contaminated and written assurances that the well is viable. This can help protect you if the well collapsed, or is contaminated.
Old farms used to have pump houses, for some reason many chemicals were stored in the pumphouse. The common grouting practices may not have been available or endorsed as they are today.
Often it is too late after they have purchased the property, and learn then the well is not functioning or is contaminated. You can get a well driller out to prove the well before you purchase or sell the property.
Water Well Testing Questions
I JUST BOUGHT A PROPERTY, IS MY WATER SAFE TO DRINK?
Private water supplies (water wells and dugouts) are not subject to regulations that all public and semi-public drinking water supplies are required to test for various parameters on a regular basis. There is no guarantee that any untreated water is safe for human consumption. It is the responsibility of the owner/users to have their water supplies tested by a reliable source.
WHERE CAN I GET MY WATER TESTED?
There are various options available that we consider to be reliable sources for water testing.
The Saskatchewan Disease Control Laboratory.
They perform a wide range of bacteriological and chemical tests on drinking water supplies.
Submit samples to:
Saskatchewan Disease Control Laboratory
5 Research Drive
Regina, SK S4S 0A4
If you have specific questions regarding water testing, please call (306) 787-7138.
Water Security Agency
Head Office
111 Fairford Street East
Moose Jaw, SK S6H 7X9
8:00am to 5:00 pm
Monday to Friday
Phone: 306.694.3900
We have also utilized Wigs Pumps & Waterworks Ltd. in Saskatoon for water sample testing.
Phone: 306.652.4276
For more information please call Rich Green at 306.229.8561. He is a neutral third party that can answer questions from your reports and can assist with many follow up assessments, if needed.
WHERE CAN I OBTAIN A SAMPLE BOTTLE TO HAVE MY WATER TESTED?
To have your drinking water tested for total coliform bacteria and nitrate you must use a special, sterilized container. Water sample containers are distributed to RM offices and public health offices throughout the province. If you wish to have your water tested for other parameters, see the SaskH2O web site for more information at http://www.saskh2o.ca/. To ensure your testing results are correct and to prevent sample contamination, it is important to follow proper procedures for collection of water samples to prevent sample contamination. Detailed sampling procedures are printed on the back of requisition forms from . Read the instructions before sample collection.
HOW DO I SUBMIT MY WATER SAMPLES TO THE LAB?
To ensure accurate test results, it is important to follow instructions for submitting water samples. Detailed water sample instructions are printed on the back of requisition forms
***Read the instructions before sample submission.***
Samples MUST be submitted in insulated coolers with ice packs to ensure samples are cool but not frozen during overnight transportation. Cooler and coolants are returned to submitter as soon as possible, and the Saskatchewan Disease Control Laboratory is responsible for the cost of returning. Use “flip-top” style label with laboratory address on one side, and the submitter address on the other side. The Saskatchewan Disease Control Laboratory does NOT supply coolers. However, the Lab does pay for costs of returning coolers.
I DON'T HAVE A COOLER TO USE. NOW WHAT?
When a sample is dropped off at the lab within 6 hours of collection, a cooler is not required. I was told that my water samples had to arrive at the lab within 48 hours of collection.
WHY ONLY 48 HOURS?
Scientific studies have shown that the numbers of bacteria in water decreases with passing time, especially when the sample temperature is high. Testing your water within 48 hours will greatly reduce the chance of false results.
What tests should I request to confirm that my drinking water is safe? Private water supplies should be tested annually for total coliform bacteria and nitrate. There are many other tests that may be required depending upon the type and location of the water source. For example, dugouts and shallow wells on farms are susceptible to contamination by pesticides. Some groundwater sources contain elevated levels of arsenic.
WHAT ARE TOTAL COLIFORMS?
Total coliforms are a group of bacteria that are used as the principal indicator for the sanitary quality of water. The presence of any coliform bacteria indicates that the water is unsafe for human consumption.
MY WATER SAMPLE TEST SHOWED IT CONTAINED COLIFORM BACTERIA. WHAT CAN I DO TO CORRECT THIS?
If your drinking water supply contains coliform bacteria, it must be disinfected prior to consumption. Boiling water for several minutes will kill bacteria present in the water. Using a UV light as part of your treatment system can also be beneficial. If you require specific information on your water supplies, please contact the public health Inspector in your Regional Health Authority.
MY NEIGHBOURS WELL HAS NITRATES. WHAT ARE NITRATE AND WHERE DOES IT COME FROM? WHAT IS THE ACCEPTABLE CONCENTRATION IN DRINKING WATER?
Nitrate is a stable, oxidized form of nitrogen. The sources of nitrates in water include agricultural fertilizers, animal wastes, domestic sewage, decaying matter (old wooden well cribbing, or surface contamination) and natural geological formations (brackish water from a seam containing organic material).
MY REPORT READS, NOT TO BE USED FOR INFANT OR ANIMAL CONSUMPTION DUE TO NITRATES. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
The Canadian Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality has set 45 mg/L as the maximum acceptable concentration (MAC), based primarily on a condition known as "infantile methemoglobinemia". Specifically, nitrate reduces the ability of blood to transport oxygen to body tissues, resulting in cyanosis or "blue baby syndrome." In extreme cases, this condition has been reported to be fatal.
MY WATER CONTAINS HIGH LEVELS OF NITRATE. HOW CAN I REMOVE NITRATE FROM MY DRINKING WATER?
Nitrate can be removed from water by distillation or reverse osmosis filtration. It might be recommended that you use an ion-exchange filters, they have been found to successfully remove significant quantities of nitrate.
Please note: Boiling water will NOT decrease the nitrate concentration in the water. Blending water that has high nitrate levels with water that has lower concentrations is also a common practice to reduce nitrate in drinking water.
MY DRINKING WATER HAS BEEN FOUND TO BE ACCEPTABLE BASED ON TESTS FOR TOTAL COLIFORM BACTERIA AND NITRATE. IS THIS WATER SAFE TO DRINK?
These two tests indicate that the water is safe ONLY with respect to contamination by coliform bacteria and nitrate. It does not indicate anything else regarding the quality or safety of the water supply.
For example, the water sample is found to be acceptable for bacteria and nitrate may contain pesticides or arsenic. It is impractical and expensive to test all private water supplies for all possible contaminants. If a problem is suspected or you have a concern regarding the safety of the water supply, further specific types of testing can be requested. If your contact the public health inspector in your Regional Health Authority for specific advice regarding your site and specifics.
I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE QUALITY OF MY DRINKING WATER. WHAT HOME WATER TREATMENT DEVICES SHOULD BE USED?
The type that should be used depends upon several factors including the quality of the water source and what you want to remove from the water, there are many water filtration system types available.
Contact the public health inspector at your Regional Health Authority for specific advice.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO HAVE MY WATER TESTED? WHERE DO I SEND THE MONEY?
The cost varies depending upon the type and number of tests being performed.
For example, a drinking water package (Nitrate plus total coliform and E. coli Bacteria) costs $26.25 (5% GST included). Service charges for other tests may be found at the Water Testing Service Charges link provided or on the SaskH2O web site.
REFERENCES:
Government of Saskatchewan. Web. Saskatchewan Healthy People, Healthy Province. Web. 20. Apr. 2013
MY DRINKING WATER HAS BEEN FOUND TO BE ACCEPTABLE BASED ON TESTS FOR TOTAL COLIFORM BACTERIA AND NITRATE. IS THIS WATER SAFE TO DRINK?
These two tests indicate that the water is safe ONLY with respect to contamination by coliform bacteria and nitrate. It does not indicate anything else regarding the quality or safety of the water supply.
For example, the water sample is found to be acceptable for bacteria and nitrate may contain pesticides or arsenic. It is impractical and expensive to test all private water supplies for all possible contaminants. If a problem is suspected or you have a concern regarding the safety of the water supply, further specific types of testing can be requested. If your contact the public health inspector in your Regional Health Authority for specific advice regarding your site and specifics.
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