Safety Issues

If you will be doing any work in or around your well you should be aware of several important safety issues:

• Never enter a well pit without taking safety precautions – A well pit is an enclosed and confined space where natural gases can displace oxygen. Entering such a well pit could result in suffocation. Also, if natural gases such as methane are present, explosions can occur.

• Secure well covers and/or caps must be replaced after any work has been conducted on a well – It is essential that wells are properly covered to prevent accidents and injury.

• Turn off all electrical power going to your well, pump and pressure system or pump house before measuring the water level to avoid the risk of shock or electrocution.

• Ensure good ventilation – Methane gas can be explosive, so if your well water contains methane gas, there must be good venting to the outside atmosphere for the entire pressure system.

• It is recommended to teat your water for safety regularly, even more so when water levels fluctuate in your well. Please see Ottawa Public Health's Water Testing page for more info.

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