By Rory Hale – REALTOR®, Rural Properties & Acreages near Calgary
Buying raw land in rural Alberta presents an exciting opportunity to create your dream property from the ground up. Whether you envision building a cozy family homestead, a hobby farm, or a getaway cabin, one of the first questions to consider is: Where will your water come from?
When I purchased my property, I didn’t have a well, but the area was surrounded by water, so I thought drilling a well would be straightforward. However, it turned out to be more complicated. I researched the depth of wells in my area, which ranged from 50 feet to 250 feet. That’s a significant difference since the cost of drilling is largely dependent on the depth of the well.
I spoke with my neighbours about the quality of their water, inquiring whether it was soft or hard, and checking for iron, sulphur, and magnesium levels. I also consulted a local driller https://www.mywaterdrilling.ca/ named Tony, who proved to be an invaluable resource.
After gathering quotes to drill the well, I began the process, confident that I had done the necessary homework and understood my expected costs. However, when the drill reached around 50 feet, I overheard the drilling crew discussing another site that had already failed to produce water after two attempts. That realization sent a wave of panic through me—dry wells are a real possibility, just like in the oil and gas industry; not all wells yield water.
Fortunately, as drilling continued, water started to flow out of the well bore. I was immensely relieved. My well ended up being 107 feet deep, producing an ample supply of water, although it contained a lot of iron. Thankfully, iron filters are common in my area, making it manageable.
For rural properties, drilling a water well is essential. As your local rural real estate professional and a landowner myself, I’m here to guide you through the potential challenges and risks associated with well drilling, ensuring you make informed decisions to protect your investment.
💧 1. Cost of Drilling a Well in Alberta
Drilling a water well in Alberta can range from $10,000 to $40,000, depending on various factors like depth, geology, and materials. Here’s what influences the cost:
Depth: Deeper wells cost more (50 to 300 feet typical).
Geological Challenges: Hard bedrock or complex strata add expense.
Materials: Stainless steel vs. PVC casing can impact cost.
Pump Installation: Submersible pumps and pressure tanks are extra.
Testing and Permits: Don’t forget licensing and water quality tests.
💡 Mitigation:
Work with a licensed well driller who knows local geology.
Budget for extra depth and unplanned site relocations.
Have a hydrogeological assessment before drilling.
🚫 2. Risk of Drilling a Dry Hole
A dry well means no significant water source was found — a costly mistake. This risk is higher in areas with:
Fractured bedrock
Seasonal water table changes
No prior well data
💡 Mitigation:
Review well logs from nearby properties.
Conduct a geological survey before drilling.
Drill during wet seasons to ensure water availability.
🦠 3. Contamination Risk
Groundwater contamination is a significant concern when drilling. Common sources include:
Agricultural runoff
Septic system leakage
Industrial pollutants
Natural contaminants like iron or sulfur
💡 Mitigation:
Site your well uphill and away from potential contaminants.
Install well casings and caps to prevent surface infiltration.
Regularly test your water for quality and safety.
🌱 4. Aquifer Depletion
Over-extraction can lower the water table and reduce well yield, particularly in areas with multiple wells.
💡 Mitigation:
Monitor well levels regularly.
Use water conservation practices to extend well life.
🪨 5. Geological Hazards
Drilling in Alberta’s foothills may encounter:
Karst topography: Risk of underground voids.
Gas pockets: Potentially hazardous during drilling.
Fault lines: Unstable ground can affect well integrity.
💡 Mitigation:
Review Alberta Geological Survey data.
Choose experienced drillers who follow gas safety protocols.
📝 Legal Considerations
Obtain all required permits and licenses.
Verify water rights to ensure sustainable use.
Stay compliant with the Alberta Water Act.
🧰 Maintenance and Long-Term Care
Regular pump maintenance
Annual water quality testing
Monitor for signs of contamination or reduced flow
🏡 Why Work with a Knowledgeable Realtor
Buying raw land requires careful planning and expertise. As your rural realtor, I’m here to help you evaluate properties for well potential, connect you with local drilling experts, and ensure you’re making a sound investment. Whether it’s guiding you through well regulations or helping you assess natural water sources, I’ve got you covered.
Living rural means enjoying self-sufficiency, and your well is a key part of that lifestyle. Let’s find you a property where your well water is plentiful and your peace of mind is guaranteed!
📲 Contact Rory Hale for expert advice on buying rural properties and navigating well drilling in Alberta.
