Protecting Private Wells

The purpose of this program is to help landowners implement proper construction and maintenance practices for their existing wells and to reduce the risk of well water contamination.

Funding

Any landowner within the Lake Simcoe watershed with a water well on their property qualifies for up to 50 per cent funding, to a maximum of $1,000 for projects that reduce the risk of contamination of well water. Additional funds may be available from other environmental grant funding sources. LSRCA watershed coordinators will ensure that you are made aware of all the grant funding programs available to you.

What projects are eligible?

  • Installing pitless adapter to replace drilled well pits.
  • Grading and permanently seeding soil surface around well.
  • Sealing annular space around well casing.
  • Upgrading or replacement of dilapidated casing.
  • Extending well casing to16 inches (40 cm) above finished ground level.
  • Proper well head caps.
  • Earth moving to divert water away from well head.

What costs may be covered?

  • Materials and labour.
  • Wiring and plumbing costs associated with well upgrades.
  • Licensed contractor and/or licensed technician fee. The well contractor/technician must be licenced through the Ontario Ministry of the Environment.

Directory of Licensed Well Contractors/Technicians (Government of Ontario resource)

What isn't covered?

  • Permits.
  • Well pumps.
  • Water purification and\or treatment systems.
  • Drilling of new wells.

Conditions

  • Work that proceeds prior to funding approval does not qualify for funding assistance.
  • Landowners must hire a well contractor licenced by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment to do the work. If the work involves any alteration to the well, it must be done according to Ontario Regulation 903.
  • A minimum of two cost estimates must be submitted with your grant funding application.
  • A copy of the well contractor's licence must be submitted with yourgrant funding application.
  • If you have an outstanding violation with the LSRCA or any other regulatory agency, you may not be eligible.

How to Apply

Contact an LSRCA watershed coordinator

Application Form (PDF)

Project Profile (PDF)