In the vast, rolling prairies and foothills of Alberta, where the land stretches far beyond the eye can see, there lies an unseen but essential resource that has sustained families, farms, and entire communities for generations—water wells. These wells are not just a convenience; they are the very foundation of rural life, allowing thousands of Albertans to thrive in landscapes where municipal water systems do not reach.
When purchasing an acreage or rural real estate near Calgary or anywhere in Alberta, it is critical to investigate the water well. Always consult a professional and have the well inspected.
A Hidden Network of Life
Alberta is home to over 500,000 water wells, providing water to rural homes, farms, and businesses. Unlike city dwellers who turn on their taps without a second thought, rural Albertans rely on these wells to draw water from deep underground aquifers. Beneath the soil and rock, ancient reservoirs of fresh water move through the earth, supplying life to those who depend on it.
For many rural families, a well is the first thing they check before buying land—it’s as critical as the home itself. A good well means independence, sustainability, and security. It means knowing that, no matter what happens in the world, clean water is only a few feet below the ground, ready to be drawn up for drinking, bathing, irrigation, and livestock.
Drawing Water from the Earth
The process of accessing groundwater is both simple and remarkable. A well is drilled deep into the earth, often hundreds of feet down, to reach an underground aquifer. A sturdy casing is installed to prevent contamination, and at the bottom of the well, a submersible pump quietly does its work—drawing up water through a pipe and delivering it straight to homes and barns.
Modern wells are marvels of engineering, designed to provide consistent, safe water even in the harshest Alberta winters. From the frost-covered fields of Grande Prairie to the foothills of Rocky View County, wells keep the province running—fueling agriculture, supporting wildlife, and sustaining human life.
The Beating Heart of Rural Alberta
For rural families, a well is more than a hole in the ground—it’s peace of mind. It’s knowing that no matter how far they are from the city, they are self-reliant. It’s standing at the kitchen sink in the early morning, pouring a glass of fresh, crisp well water, knowing that it came from deep within Alberta’s land—untouched, unprocessed, and naturally pure.
Farms depend on wells to water crops, hydrate cattle, and power irrigation systems. A single farm may have multiple wells, each providing lifeblood to the land. Without wells, Alberta’s agricultural industry—one of the strongest in Canada—would struggle to exist.
A Privilege, Not a Guarantee
Alberta is fortunate to have abundant groundwater resources, but not everyone in the world is so lucky. Many countries face water shortages, pollution, or the complete absence of groundwater. The ability to drill a well and access clean water is a privilege and one that comes with responsibility. Maintaining wells, preventing contamination, and ensuring sustainable use of groundwater are crucial to protecting this resource for future generations.
A Well is More Than a Hole—It’s a Legacy
Ask any Alberta farmer, rancher, or acreage owner about their well, and they’ll tell you a story. A story of testing the flow rate before moving in, of the first cold drink on a hot day straight from the tap, of teaching their kids how to check the pump, or even of the time the well ran dry in a drought year. A well is a connection to the land, a bond between people and the water that has flowed beneath Alberta for millennia.
So, the next time you see a rural property with a well, know that it’s not just a piece of infrastructure—it’s a source of life, freedom, and resilience, quietly working below the surface to keep Alberta’s rural communities thriving.
Guide to Maintaining a Rural Well for an Acreage in Alberta
Understanding Your Well
A well is a private water source that provides access to groundwater. Proper maintenance and testing are essential to ensure a clean and reliable water supply. Before buying an acreage or buying any rural property it is crucial to understand how to care for a well, assess water quality, and determine if the flow rate meets your household needs.
Always ensure there is a well-testing clause in your offer to purchase a rural property. It is always a good choice to have professional conduct testing and an inspection of your well. Professionals should be consulted if you are unsure of what is needed for your well as it is critical to the health of your acreage or farm.
Benefits of having a well
Independence: No reliance on municipal water sources.
Lower Costs: No monthly water bills.
Quality Control: You control water treatment and filtration.
Risks of a Well
Contamination: Potential for bacteria, nitrates, and other contaminants.
Drought Sensitivity: A well may not be sufficient in dry seasons,
Water levels- this can be dependent on the depth of the well and draw from neighbours in the same aquifer.
Maintenance Costs: Regular upkeep and repairs are necessary.
Pump Failure: A malfunctioning pump can lead to water supply disruptions.
Maintaining Your Well
1. Well Inspection & Maintenance
Inspect the well casing annually for cracks, rust, or damage.
Ensure the well cap is secure and vermin-proof.
Keep the area around the well clean and free from chemicals, fuel, or fertilizers.
Prevent surface water from pooling around the wellhead to avoid contamination.
Schedule a professional inspection every 3-5 years.
2. Water Quality Testing
How to Get a Well-Tested in Alberta:
Contact Alberta Health Services (AHS) for free bacterial water testing.
Private laboratories can test for minerals, nitrates, and other contaminants.
Regular testing is recommended twice a year (spring and fall) or if the water changes in taste, color, or smell.
Common Contaminants to Test For:
Bacteria (E. coli, total coliforms)
Nitrates and Nitrites (from fertilizers, livestock waste)
Metals (iron, manganese, lead)
Hardness and pH Levels
Hydrocarbons and Pesticides (if near farms or industrial sites)
3. Flow Rate & Water Supply
What is a Good Flow Rate?
A standard household requires 3-5 gallons per minute (GPM).
For a family of four, 5 GPM or higher is considered adequate.
Large properties with irrigation or livestock may require higher flow rates.
How to Test Well Flow Rate
A professional well driller or water specialist can conduct a flow test.
DIY test:
Fill a 5-gallon bucket from a tap connected to the well.
Time how long it takes to fill the bucket.
Convert to GPM: (60 seconds/time to fill bucket) x 5 = GPM.
Recovery Rate is also important: how quickly the well replenishes after heavy use.
4. Well Pump & Equipment Maintenance
Pump Life Expectancy: 10-20 years.
Check Pressure Tank: Ensure it maintains steady pressure (40-60 psi is typical).
Replace or Clean Filters: If using a filtration system, maintain it according to manufacturer recommendations.
5. Seasonal Considerations
Winter: Insulate pipes and pump to prevent freezing.
Spring & Fall: Test for contaminants due to runoff changes.
Before Buying an Acreage or Rural Farm: Well Checklist
✅ Request Well Records: Previous testing, depth, age, and flow rate. A
Alberta online database for water wells https://groundwater.alberta.ca/waterwells/d/
✅ Confirm Flow Rate: At least 5 GPM for a family of four.
✅ Water Quality Testing: Ensure the water is free from contaminants.
✅ Check for Nearby Risks: Farms, septic systems, or industrial sites that may affect water quality.
✅ Inspect Well Equipment: Ensure the pump and pressure tank are in good condition.
✅ Have a Backup Plan: Consider rainwater collection or cistern storage if the well is low-yield.
Additional Resources
Government of Alberta – Water Wells & Groundwater: Water Wells & Groundwater
Well Owner’s Guide by Alberta Environment and Parks: Water Wells that Last (PDF)
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada – Water Quality and Well Protection: Agricultural Water Management
By following these guidelines, you can ensure a safe, reliable, and sustainable water supply for your acreage in Alberta.
