Groundwater is an important source of drinking water for many communities in the Central Okanagan. Currently, the ground water levels in the Okanagan are declining and below average. It is estimated that over 750,000 British Columbians rely on wells to supply their drinking water. Many community wells, however, are located in areas where human activities can affect water quality. The impact is most severe where community wells draw water from shallow aquifers that are vulnerable to contamination from land use activities and non-point sources of pollution. Unregulated activities at the land surface have already resulted in the contamination of some community wells.  Click here to view Fact Sheets on Groundwater from the Ministry of Land, Water and Air Protection.

Are you a Private Well Owner?

Take a look at the seven fact sheets (link to .pdf coming soon) and well protection toolkit for general information for private well owners. This information is intended to encourage private well owners and users to test their well water quality on an ongoing basis and to provide information to better protect private domestic drinking water sources. For specific information or questions on testing your well water supply, contact your local public health inspector.