Rural Living
By Laura Partyka, REALTOR® · Campbell River & Acreage Specialist · The Worthy Group, Oakwyn Realty Ltd.
I might be one of the few people in Campbell River who actually looks forward to the November rain! After a long, dry summer, there’s something reassuring about knowing our groundwater supplies have an opportunity to replenish. Especially when you live on a rural property and rely on a well for your water.
But here’s something worth knowing: Not all wells respond to rainfall the same way.
Shallow Wells vs. Drilled Wells: What’s the Difference?
Shallow wells (often called dug wells) collect groundwater from relatively close to the surface. They’re generally more sensitive to seasonal changes. During a dry summer, water levels can drop significantly. When the rains return, those levels may recover, depending on the local ground conditions.
Drilled wells are typically much deeper, accessing groundwater through underground sand, gravel or bedrock formations. They’re often less affected by short-term weather changes, but that doesn’t mean they’re immune to drought or contamination.
And here’s the interesting part: More rain doesn’t automatically mean better water!
Heavy rainfall can increase the risk of surface contaminants entering a poorly protected well, particularly shallow wells. That means the very rain we’ve been waiting for is also a good reminder to check our drinking water.
Three Things I’d Recommend This November
1. Test your well water. Health Canada recommends testing private well water for bacteria at least every six months. Fall is an excellent time, especially after heavy rainfall. Clear, great-tasting water is not necessarily safe water!
2. Have a look around your wellhead. Make sure the cap is secure, surface water drains away from the well, and there’s no evidence of flooding, animal activity or damaged casing.
3. Pay attention to your water supply. If your well struggled through the summer, keep a record of changes in pressure, recovery time or water availability. A qualified well professional can help determine what, if anything, is a problem.
One thing I always encourage people to understand when purchasing a rural property is their water source. A beautiful acreage with gardens, animals and plenty of room to grow is wonderful, but having a reliable, safe water supply is what makes that lifestyle sustainable.
Whether you’re on a small acreage in Oyster River, a farm north of Campbell River or an older rural property outside town, knowing a little more about what’s happening beneath your feet is time well spent.
And as for the rain? I’m happy to see it back. Although I’ll probably be singing a different tune by February!
Laura Partyka
Work hard, stay humble.
Laura Partyka, REALTOR® · Worthy Group | Oakwyn Realty Ltd. | BC Owned & Operated