Private

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What's on this page
Groundwater
Water Table
Responsibilities
Testing for Contaminants
Testing Water

Groundwater

What is Groundwater?

Although recreation and most sources of drinking water in Muskoka are reliant on surface water, groundwater is also important. Groundwater flows into surface water through seeps and springs. In the rural areas, groundwater is the principal source of drinking water.

Groundwater is water held in cracks and pore spaces under the ground.

Groundwater Levels

Groundwater levels reflect changes in recharge areas, and discharge from an aquifer . When water-level changes are due to large volume of extraction, this may affect the direction in which groundwater flows.

Recharge rates depend on;

• Precipitation
• Evaporation

• Transpiration by plants
• Surface water infiltration

Discharge occurs as

• Natural flow from an aquifer to streams or springs
• Evaporation and transpiration from the shallow water table
• Leakage to vertically adjacent aquifers
• Withdrawal from wells

Water Table

The water table is the level at which the water stands in a shallow well. It is the top of the saturation zone. Above the water table the small spaces between particles of earth are filled by air, or by air and water. Below the water table, every available space is filled with water. The water table is not flat. It has peaks and valleys that echo the shape of the land above.

Private Well Owner's Responsibilities

1. Maintain the well after the completion. Prevent surface water or other foreign materials from getting into the well.
2. Keep your well accessible; free of debris, brush and other obstructions.
3. Ensure that unused or unmaintained wells are plugged and sealed properly.
4. Test the water for bacteria at least three times a year.
5. It is also recommended that you inspect your well at least once a year to:
• keep it in good working order
• eliminate/reduce contaminants
• respond to contamination problems

What Contaminants Should I Test For?

The Ministry of Environment suggests you test your water for the following major biological contaminants:

• Microbiological Contaminants
• Volatile Organics
• Inorganics
• Pesticides and PCBs

However, it all depends on your water and your well. You may need other tests done to ensure good water quality. Talk to your local professional and refer to the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit for information.

How to Test Water

It is recommended that you test your water in the spring or after a heavy rainfall. This is when it is most likely to experience water quality problems. If your water quality is good at these times then it should be good the rest of the time.

Visit the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit for specific information on

• Testing your drinking water
• Treatment of drinking water
• Disinfecting your well
• Iron and Hardness
• Nitrate and Sodium
• Surface water sources
• Water treatment devices for bacteria removal
• Water treatment devices for chemical removal
• Well construction
• Bad test results
• Beach postings
• Foaming of surface waters