Nancy Grove and Peter Gale faced a dilemma when their long-standing dug well dried up after two centuries. The Baxters Harbour, N.S., residents had to choose between enduring an ongoing drought or investing approximately $20,000 in a drilled well.
Similar to many Nova Scotians, the couple relied on water deliveries from the local community center and a generous neighbor with a drilled well who allowed them to connect a hose for household water needs. The well, serving the Bay of Fundy property for over 30 years, had historically supplied clean water to the nearby church, school, and community members.
After monitoring the weather forecast, Grove and Gale recognized that the water table wouldn’t replenish soon. With winter approaching and the risk of the hose freezing, they decided to retire the old well, despite sentimentality, acknowledging its historic service.
Opting for a 91-meter-deep drilled well installed in early October, the retired nurse and carpenter viewed it as a necessary investment for future drought resilience. Ian Spooner, a hydrogeology professor at Acadia University, emphasized the importance of evaluating factors like cost and property geology before well drilling, especially in drought conditions.
Spooner cautioned that the drought might persist into winter, delaying water table recovery until spring. He suggested exploring alternative water sources like ponds, rivers, natural springs, water haulers, or community wells before committing to drilling. Additionally, some municipalities offer financial assistance programs for new well installations.
Before drilling, property owners should consult neighbors about well depths and water quality. Understanding the land’s geology is crucial to avoid drilling in unsuitable areas. Sand and gravel deposits are recommended groundwater sources, while certain minerals can complicate drilling and contaminate water.
Ultimately, well-informed decisions are essential, with Spooner highlighting the security of drilled wells amid uncertain drought conditions. He advised property owners to seek professional assessments and consider the quality and cost of water sources before proceeding with well drilling.