Well Construction and Licensing
The licensing of well contractors and technicians promotes and supports enforcement of safe environmental practices to maintain the health of Ontario’s groundwater resources. You will need a well technician license or employ a person with a well technician license to construct, maintain, repair or upgrade a well.
This collection of resources was assembled for well contractors, technicians and anyone interested in learning the rules for constructing, maintaining or making repairs to a water well.
Rules for the person who is constructing a new water supply well.
You can also find the full set of requirements for well construction and licensing at:
Find a Contractor
- Find Licensed Well Contractors – Use this directory to find licensed well contractors.
- Find an Ontario Ground Water Association (OGWA) Member Contractor in your Area – Use this directory to find a contractor.
Licensing & Records
- Well Contractor License – How to apply for and renew a well contractor license so you can operate a well construction business.
- Well Technician License – How to apply for and renew a well technician license, as well as add a new class(es).
- Well Records – How to complete, submit or get a copy of a well record.
Technical Bulletins for Ontario’s Wells Regulation
- Completing the New Well’s Structure
- Completing the Structure of the New Test Hole or Dewatering Well
- Constructing New Multi-Level Monitoring Test Holes
- Constructing New Test Holes & Dewatering Wells
- Constructing New Test Holes & Dewatering Wells in Operation for No Longer than 180 Days
- Constructing New Uncased Test Holes & Dewatering Wells in Operation for No Longer than 30 Days
- Exempted Activities Performed on Wells, Including Test Holes & Dewatering Wells
- Flowing Test Holes and Dewatering Wells
- Flowing Wells
- Installing Equipment in a Well
- Licensing (Class 5) for individuals who Perform Tests on Wells
- New Construction of the Hole, Casing, Well Screen and Annular Space
- Shallow Works Test Holes and Dewatering Wells
- Site Considerations & Initial Planning for Test Holes & Dewatering Wells
- Siting a New Well
- Test Hole and Dewatering Well Licensing
- Test Hole & Dewatering Well Maintenance
- Test Hole & Dewatering Well Repairs & Alterations
- Test holes and dewatering wells – Requirements and best management practices
- Understanding the Meaning of Well, Test Hole and Dewatering Well
- Water Supply Wells: Requirements and Best Practices
- Well Abandonment: How to Plug and Seal a Test Hole or Dewatering Well
- Well Abandonment: How to Plug and Seal a Well
- Well Abandonment: When to Plug and Seal a Well
- Well Construction Licensing
- Well Disinfection
- Well Maintenance
- Well Record, Reporting & Tagging for a Test Hole & Dewatering Wells
- Well Repairs and Other Alterations
Well Technician Training
- Fleming College – Ontario Well Technician training courses at Fleming College including courses to obtain your license and courses to maintain your license.
- Lusk Geo Inc. – Provides training in groundwater, water wells, geothermal systems and Well Technician Licensing.
Associations
- Ontario Ground Water Association – a not for profit association consisting of professional members who are involved in the ground water industry in Ontario. They include — Well Drillers, Environmental/Geotechnical Drillers, Pump Installers, Manufacturers and Suppliers, as well as Scientists and Engineers. Included are the company owners as well as their employees.
- Canadian Water Quality Association – representing the Canadian water quality improvement industry.
- Ontario Onsite Wastewater Association – representing the onsite and decentralized wastewater industry in Ontario, including educators, regulators, engineers, contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, service providers, and other parties.
- Hydrogeologists Without Borders – a Canadian non-profit organization and registered charity, based in Calgary.
- Canadian National Ground Water Association – a Canadian non-profit consisting of members of the ground water industry across Canada.
- Professional Geoscientists of Ontario (PGO) – governs the practice of professional geoscience in Ontario.
- Professional Engineers of Ontario – the licensing and regulating body for engineering in the province.
Water Testing
- Well Wise Water Testing Program– administered by the Ontario Ground Water Association. This program provides cost effective water testing for things other than bacteria in your water. Metals, minerals, salts, fuels, solvents, fluoride, mercury, sulfate, tannin/lignin, pesticides/herbicides, and glyphosates. Test bottles are shipped to you with return freight included. Not for Profit water testing.
- Public Health Unit (PHU) Testing – Find your local PHU for information on free well water testing for E. Coli and Coliform bacteria. Check your water spring, summer, and fall.
- List of Licensed Laboratories in Ontario – This is a list of laboratories licensed to perform drinking water tests in Ontario. Prior to submitting samples please contact the licensed laboratory for pricing .
- Testing Well Water – An instructional video on how to take an accurate sample of your well water for E. Coli and Coliform bacteria testing.
Visit our online library’s main webpage to find more resources on topics related to drinking water.
Photo from Luskgeo.com
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Wednesdays with Warren: Water Operator Training Videos
Wednesdays with Warren is an initiative by Water Movement to bridge the connection between Indigenous water operators by providing a collaborative online space where they can connect, share lessons learned and access a video library.
Water Movement is a registered Canadian non-for-profit. Their team of volunteers includes a unique mix of industry professionals and university students. For more information, visit their website.
Wednesdays with Warren Video Library
Meet Water Operator Warren Brown!
How to do a Chlorine Residual Test
Knowledge is Power! PLCs and Water Treatment
Slow Sand Filtration and Filter Scrape
Visit our online library’s main webpage to find more resources on topics related to drinking water.
Image from https://www.watermovement.ca/
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First Nations and Federal Systems Resources
The Walkerton Clean Water Centre is committed to supporting First Nations drinking water systems in Ontario. For a list of provincial regulations, see our Regulatory Resources for Ontario Systems post.
The following organizations can provide more information or assistance.
General:
- Indigenous Services Canada
- Chiefs of Ontario
- Health Canada – Environmental and Workplace Health department
Technical Services:
Training:
- Ontario Water Wastewater Certification Office
- Aboriginal Water and Wastewater Association of Ontario
- Keewaytinook Centre of Excellence
- Circuit Rider Training Program
Water Quality:
Visit our online library’s main webpage to find more resources on topics related to drinking water.
Drinking Water System Resources
About Drinking Water Advisories
Advice for the Operation of Potable Water Field Test Equipment
AWWAO: Helping Train and Certify Ontario First Nations Operators
Bottled Water: Selection & Application in Federal Facilities
Capital Facilities and Maintenance Program
Chlorine in Drinking Water in First Nation Communities
Controlling Corrosion in Drinking Water Distribution Systems
Design Guidelines for First Nations Water Works
Disinfection By-Products in Drinking Water
Disinfection for Micro-Systems
Domestic Reclaimed Water for use in Toilet and Urinal Flushing
Drinking Groundwater and Well Water Safety
Eco Report Details First Nations Water Issues and Offers Hope
Emergency Response Plan for Drinking Water Systems in First Nations Communities
Ending Long-Term Drinking Water Advisories
Environment Canada: Water and the Environment
First Nation Community Infrastructure
First Nation Infrastructure Fund
First Nations Infrastructure Investment Plans and Reports
First Nations On-Reserve Source Water Protection Plan
Guidelines for Canadian Recreational Water Quality – Third Edition
Inspecting Your Well: A Step-By-Step Checklist
Issuing and Rescinding Boil Water Advisories in Canadian Drinking Water Supplies
Issuing and Rescinding Drinking Water Avoidance Advisories in Emergency Situations
Lifecycle of a First Nation Community Infrastructure Project
Maintenance Management Plan for Drinking Water and Wastewater Systems in First Nations Communities
National First Nations Water Leadership Award
Potassium from Water Softeners
Practice Quizzes for Math, OIT and Class 1 Certifications
Preventive Maintenance Tasks for Tribal Drinking Water Systems Guide Booklet (US EPA)
Protocol for Centralised Drinking Water Systems in First Nations Communities
Protocol for Decentralised Water and Wastewater Systems in First Nations Communities
Protocol for Safe Drinking Water in First Nations Communities
Providing Safe Drinking Water in Areas of Federal Jurisdiction
Protocols and Guidelines for Water Systems
Questions and Answers on Drinking Water Treatment Devices
Report Pollution and Spills – Spills Action Centre
Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act
Safe Drinking Water – Your Responsibility
Short-Term Drinking Water Advisories by Region
Sustaining Healthy Communities Through a New Clean Water and Wastewater Fund
The OFNTSC: Delivering the Know-How to Achieve Clean Water in First Nations Communities
Training and Support for Managing Drinking Water Systems in First Nations Communities in Ontario
Ultraviolet & Reverse Osmosis for Micro-Systems
Water and Wastewater Policy and Level of Services Standards (Corporate Manual System)
Water Filtration & Ion Exchange for Micro-Systems
Water Quality 101: Potable Water Micro-System Fundamentals
Water Sampling in Federal Facilities
Water Treatment Plant at Six Nations of the Grand River
Working With First Nations to Improve Drinking Water
Wastewater System Resources
Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999
Capital Facilities and Maintenance Program
Circuit Rider Training Program
Emergency Response Plan for Wastewater Systems in First Nations Communities
Environment Canada: Wastewater
First Nation Community Infrastructure
First Nation Infrastructure Fund
First Nations Infrastructure Investment Plans and Reports
Lifecycle of a First Nation Community Infrastructure Project
Maintenance Management Plan for Drinking Water and Wastewater Systems in First Nations Communities
Protocol for Centralised Wastewater Systems in First Nations Communities
Protocol for Decentralised Water and Wastewater Systems in First Nations Communities
Report Pollution and Spills – Spills Action Centre
Septic Tank and Leaching Bed Safety
Sustaining Healthy Communities Through a New Clean Water and Wastewater Fund
Wastewater in First Nations Communities
Water and Wastewater Policy and Level of Services Standards (Corporate Manual System)
WCWC Pilot Testing Projects Completed for First Nation Communities
A Study to Reduce Disinfection By-Products in a First Nation Community’s Drinking Water Supply *NEW*
Conventional and Dissolved Air Flotation Jar Testing
Conventional Treatment Optimization for Big Grassy First Nation
Decentralized Pilot Testing for Wauzhushk Onigum Nation
Optimizing Coagulant Doses by Jar Tests
Optimizing Regeneration Process of Greensand Filtration to Reduce Disinfection By-Products *NEW*
Reduction of Iron and Manganese Using Conventional Treatment and Greensand Filtration
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Walkerton Clean Water Centre Supporting Drinking Water Operator Ethics
The Walkerton Clean Water Centre (WCWC) is pleased to announce the launch of its first course available on-demand, Ethics for Drinking Water Operators.
Ontario’s drinking water operators hold a position of trust in safeguarding public health and should recognize the importance of highly ethical behaviour as part of their role. This course will introduce participants to the concept of ethics and core ethical values. Participants will review incidents where unethical operator behaviour has jeopardized public health. The relationship between ethics and the law will be discussed, as well as the personal and legal consequences resulting from unethical behaviour. The session will include strategies for creating an ethical environment in the workplace.
This course has been developed for drinking water operators of all levels, but will be of interest to drinking water supervisors, managers and other drinking water stakeholders. Successful participants will receive 0.3 Continuing Education Units.
Ethics for Drinking Water Operators is WCWC’s first course to feature a user interface with integrated registration and curriculum. Participants are able to register and complete the course at their convenience. Work is underway to expand the number of courses available in this new format.
For further information about WCWC’s e-learning offerings, or to register, please visit wcwc.ca/registration or contact us at 866-515-0550 or training@wcwc.ca.
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Drinking Water Quality Management Standard (DWQMS) Provincial Workshop Proceedings – 2020
The Drinking Water Quality Management (DWQMS) Provincial Workshop is a WCWC course held annually to provide DWQMS representatives with an opportunity to share and discuss their experiences. This forum allows them to share best practices and solutions for challenges encountered during implementation or continued maintenance of a quality management system. The program consists of different facilitators leading sessions on a variety of topics tying into a common theme. The theme for this year’s workshop was ‘Vision 2020’.
DWQMS Workshop Breakout Session Summary – 2020
Workshop Presentations
DWQMS Program Status Update – Vision 2020 facilitated by Christopher Manning & Amanda Boyden.
Continual Improvement: Wastewater & Linear Infrastructure facilitated by Ann Darby & Amanda Boyden.
Applying QMS Principles facilitated by Christopher Manning & Amanda Boyden.
Electronic Records Management facilitated by Janine deBoer.
Best Management Practices facilitated by Brigitte Roth.
What’s New? Ontario Watermain Disinfection Procedure facilitated by Tony Santos.
Asset Management Plans facilitated by Ted Joynt.
Transitions to V2.0 facilitated by Marco Brunato.
Supporting Documents
Request for Early Implementation of the Watermain Disinfection Procedure
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Mandatory Certificate Renewal (MCR) Course Resources
This course provides an overview of key regulatory updates and a review of requirements supporting the improvement of non-compliances identified in MECP inspections. The role of Ontario’s operators in protecting public health will be highlighted, and participants will be introduced to the concept of Operator Ethics.
Resources
AWWA Free Water Audit Software
CBC – Carleton Place Crash on Highway 7
GeoPro Lone Work Safety System
Guidance for Issuing and Rescinding Boil Water Advisories in Canadian Drinking Water Supplies
Hamilton’s Corrosion Control Program
Information for Property Owners about Lead Water Service Line Replacement
Ontario Traffic Manual – Book 7 – Temporary Conditions
Response to Adverse Drinking Water Quality Incidents
Visit our online library’s main webpage to find more resources on topics related to drinking water.
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Free Small Systems Training from the Government of Canada
‘This site contains water quality training materials that provides basic information that can help a person learn how to operate and maintain a micro-system (water systems serving up to and including 25 people). The training has been developed by Canadian federal departments as part of a multi-barrier approach to providing safe drinking water in areas of federal jurisdiction, including on federal lands, in federal facilities and/or in First Nations communities. This includes Federal government employees working in Canada, as well as Canadian Coast Guard, Canadian Forces personnel, and Canadian diplomatic mission staff working abroad.
The training is provided in two parts: the main training is in a video or e-Learning format with the second part being an accompanying document that can be printed for more in-depth training.’
Water Quality Training Modules
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WCWC Dedicated to Providing Client Support
The WCWC Training Operations department supports our clients by coordinating mandatory and specialized training for water system owners, operators and operating authorities across Ontario. Kelly Weber, Training Support Representative, answers some common questions about WCWC training.
With all the COVID-19 restrictions, are you offering in-class training?
Yes we are continuing to offer in-class training and WCWC has incorporated a COVID-19 Training Session Protocol to enhance safety for our participants and staff. This protocol includes a pre-screening for our venues, participants and staff, social distancing and disinfection measures, and follows all guidelines for “Training in COVID-19” of the Ministry of Labour.
I am not comfortable attending a class right now, what are my options?
WCWC has been offering several of our popular courses virtually, and more are under development! These are live virtual training sessions with interaction between the instructor and participants and there is a class maximum of 15. View our upcoming schedule by visiting wcwc.ca/registration.
How do I register for upcoming courses?
You can register right on our website! Visit wcwc.ca/registration and click on the course, then “register now”.
Can I have a copy of my training certificate?
For certificates for courses delivered by WCWC, you can log in to “my profile” anytime and view your course history and reprint a copy of your certificate. Or please email training@wcwc.ca or call WCWC directly at 1-866-515-0550.
For further information about any WCWC courses, please visit wcwc.ca or contact us at 866-515-0550 or training@wcwc.ca.
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Private Wells
This post provides information to homeowners related to operating and maintaining their private water supply wells.
Visit our online library’s main webpage to find more resources on topics related to drinking water.
Water Supply Wells: Requirements and Best Practices – Best management practices and recommended techniques that help a person constructing a well to go beyond the minimum standards set by the Ontario Wells Regulation and better protect and minimize adverse impacts to our environment.
Best Management Practices: Water Wells – A hardcopy publication that can be ordered through Service Ontario for well owners. Explains well components, maintenance, new well construction requirements and procedures for unused wells.
Private Well Water Manual – A Quick Users Guide – A manual produced by the Grey Bruce Public Health Unit for homeowners either installing a new well on their property or for those who have questions about an existing well.
Wells on Your Property – Information and rules for residential well owners for the proper location, construction, maintenance and abandonment of a well from the Ministry of the Environment of Ontario.
Water Supply Wells: Technical Bulletins – A series of technical bulletins on well issues created for a person who currently owns a water supply well. The purpose is to summarize the information found in the Water Supply Wells – Requirements and Best Management Practices manual published by the Ministry of the Environment of Ontario.
Well Records – Directions on how to complete, submit or get a copy of a well record in Ontario.
Well Records Map – This map allows you to search and view well record information from reported wells in Ontario.
Be Well Aware, Information for Private Well Owners – The Be Well Aware series will help you take the right steps to protect your well water from bacteria, viruses, parasites or chemicals that could make you sick. Produced by Health Canada.
Water Well Care Info Sheets – The Water Systems Council has developed a complete library of water well care information sheets to educate well owners about the basics of their well system, the importance of water well maintenance, keeping good records, water well testing and understanding your results, and how to protect and conserve your water supply for years to come.
Well Aware Booklet – A Guide to Caring for Your Well – The Well Aware booklet was compiled by Green Communities Canada, in partnership with the Ontario Ground Water Association, with financial support from Ontario Ministry of the Environment.
Well Aware Video – Since 2001, Well Aware has helped more than 3,900 Ontarians to gain confidence in the management of their wells and to protect their family’s drinking water. This video accompanies the booklet compiled by Green Communities Canada, the Ontario Ground Water Association and the Ontario Ministry of the Environment.
Water Well Basics – Knowing the basics about water wells is important whether you are planning a well, are a new well owner, or have owned a well for a long time. Knowing the basics can equip you to make sound decisions about your water well system. Produced by wellowner.org.
Water Well Maintenance – Regular water well system maintenance is important. Knowing and practicing the basics of regular well maintenance can reduce risks to your water supply and prevent costly and inconvenient breakdowns. Produced by wellowner.org.
Groundwater Quality and Quantity – The quality of your water is important. Knowing the basics about water testing and treatment can help you diagnose and address water quality issues-whether they be matters of taste, odor, or appearance, or health risks. Produced by wellowner.org.
Well Owner’s Guide – The National Ground Water Association Well Owners Guide is a comprehensive manual where you’ll find valuable information from proper well construction, routine well maintenance and water testing. Email subscription required for download link.
Buying a Home With a Well – A Water Systems Council fact sheet produced to help prospective or current homeowners make informed decisions when buying a home with a well.
Find Licensed Well Contractors – Use this directory to find licensed well contractors in Ontario.
Free Private Well Training – This program is a collaboration between the Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP) and the Illinois State Water Survey to boost knowledge of well owners and the water professionals that serve well owners day to day.
Learn About Groundwater – Groundwater is one of our most valuable resources—even though you probably never see it or even realize it is there. There is water somewhere beneath your feet no matter where on Earth you live. This collection is part of a series produced by the United States Geological Survey called Water Science School.
Groundwater and the Rural Homeowner – A report produced by the United States Geological Survey for prospective or current rural homeowners to gain a basic yet comprehensive overview of ground water and problems one may expect to encounter and some solutions.
Overview of Water-related Diseases and Contaminants in Private Wells – A webpage produced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) listing top causes of outbreaks in individual private wells. Links to more information on specific germs or chemicals can be found on this page.
What to do After the Flood – A fact sheet of emergency procedures for when flood conditions threaten your well produced by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
Disinfection
Well Disinfection Tool – The well disinfection tool provides an easy way to calculate the amount of chlorine product that is needed to disinfect a well. The tool also provides the procedures and precautions to take when disinfecting the well. Produced by Public Health Ontario.
Chlorine Dilution Calculator– This easy-to-use calculator tells you how much bleach product to dilute with water to get your desired concentration (ppm) of chlorine solution. Produced by Public Health Ontario.
View these similar posts on the WCWC online library for more information.
Homeowner Information and Resources
Well Aware and Well Wise Program Resources for Homeowners
Wells Help Desk and Well Records in Ontario
Well Construction and Licensing
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Walkerton Clean Water Centre Hosting Virtual Workshop: Drinking Water Quality Management Standard – Vision 2020
The Walkerton Clean Water Centre (WCWC) is pleased to be hosting a live, virtual workshop, Drinking Water Quality Management Standard – Vision 2020, on two occasions this fall.
This live, virtual workshop will be geared toward Drinking Water Quality Management Standard (DWQMS) representatives, utility managers, drinking water operators, regulators and municipal decision makers. Participants will learn about applying QMS principles, change management strategies, records management, best management practices, the Ontario Watermain Disinfection Procedure, asset management, transitions to DWQMS 2.0, and continual improvement to wastewater and linear infrastructure. As well, the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) will provide an update on the DWQMS program.
This will be WCWC’s ninth year hosting this provincial workshop in support of its clients. Feedback from past participants has been excellent. One 2019 participant noted, “…really look forward to the workshop every year. It’s always a great experience and I take so many best management practices back to use.”
Two workshops are scheduled for 2020:
- November 4 & 5, 2020
- November 25 & 26, 2020
The cost to register is $450.00 + HST.
For further information, or to register for this workshop, please visit wcwc.ca/registration or contact us at 866-515-0550 or training@wcwc.ca.
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