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Introduction — How to Use This Workbook
Module 5 Monitoring and Maintenance of Your Water Well
An effective monitoring program will identify changes in water levels and water quality.
This module outlines how to measure water levels and water quality on an ongoing basis.
A water well monitoring worksheet is included.
Module 6 Shock Chlorination
This module outlines the importance of shock chlorination for well maintenance.
Shock chlorination is used to control bacteria in water wells. Uncontrolled, bacteria can
cause reduced well yield, restricted water flow, staining, odours and plugging of water
treatment equipment. This module outlines a procedure you can do yourself to shock
chlorinate your well.
Module 7 Troubleshooting Water Well Problems
There are many causes of water well problems. This module outlines some of the causes
and provides a troubleshooting guide. The troubleshooting guide identifies four symptoms —
reduced well yield, sediment in the water, change in water quality and spurting household
taps — and explains what to check for and how to correct the problem.
Module 8 Protecting Your Well from Contamination
Once a well is contaminated, it is difficult to remove the contaminant. This module aims
at preventing contamination from poor well design and construction, old wells, well pits,
farm water hydrants, inadequate sewage systems, seismic shot holes, over-application of
manure or improper storage of manure or fertilizer, hazardous material storage, fuel storage
tanks, pesticides and contamination during well maintenance.
Module 9 Plugging Abandoned Wells
Abandoned wells are a threat to groundwater quality and a safety hazard for children
and animals. This module outlines the steps to plugging a well. Some steps you can do
yourself and others you may want to hire a licensed water well contractor to complete.
Module 10 Groundwater Management
This module outlines how the province is protecting groundwater from overuse and
contamination. It also covers groundwater licensing as well as strategies that deal with
inventory, allocation, protection and conservation.