As drought persists, some rural Nova Scotians turn to drilled wells

When the dug well on their property ran dry for the first time in its 200 years, Nancy Grove and Peter Gale had to weigh two options: wait out a drought with no end in sight or spend around $20,000 on a drilled well. 

Like many other Nova Scotians, the Baxters Harbour, N.S., couple found themselves dependent on water pickups from the local community centre and on a neighbour with a drilled well who allowed them to run a hose between their properties to get some water in the house. 

The couple moved into their home on the Bay of Fundy over 30 years ago, though the well has been there much longer. Back in the day, it provided potable water to a little church down the road, the local school, and other people in the tight-knit community.

But after watching the forecast for weeks, Grove says she and her husband realized the water table would not be replenished any time soon and they couldn't rely on their neighbour's well much longer with winter on the way and the hose at risk of freezing.

“There's a certain amount of sadness to retire the old well because it's been so great for so many years,” said Grove, a retired nurse, of their decision.

She and her husband, a carpenter, would have preferred to save the money. But they decided the 91-metre-deep well that was drilled in early October was a worthwhile investment, especially if a similar drought happens again. 

Ian Spooner, a hydrologist at Acadia University, says that while drilled wells are more reliable than dug wells in drought conditions, Nova Scotians struggling through the drought should consider several factors — especially the cost and the geology of the property — before having a well drilled.

Spooner said there is a risk the drought could persist through the winter, meaning the water table may not recover until spring. 

He suggests people consider alternative water sources and determine if using those measures to bridge the gap is more feasible than drilling a well. They include drawing water from a pond or river using pumps, using natural groundwater springs, picking up water, hiring water haulers and accessing community wells.

Some municipalities are considering or already have programs to provide loans for property owners who may need a new well. Spooner said people should contact their municipalities to inquire about possible financial aid. 

If it's determined that a drilled well is the best option, Spooner said property owners should talk to neighbours before calling a drilling company. 

“How deep are their wells? What kind of yield and what kind of water are they getting from their wells?” he said.

“The best way to understand this is to talk to people around you. And if you can get a professional … they can give you a really rapid assessment as to not only the cost of your water, but also the quality of that water.”

Understanding the property's geology is essential, Spooner said, as landowners face the risk of drilling in the wrong area and failing to find water.