The Office of Drinking Water (ODW) visited the Beaconia Pail Fill to conduct their annual compliance inspection on September 9, 2020. The ODW noted and instructed that the free flowing artesian well as it is operating, does not comply with Provincial Legislation and is in contravention of the Groundwater and Water Well Act. Since then, we have been directed by regulators that some changes must be made, including a flow control device and disinfection process to ensure the safety of the water for human consumption. At this time, no decision has been made by Council. Council is currently exploring all options while keeping in mind the safety of our residents, cost and most importantly following Provincial Legislation including the Groundwater and Water Well Act and the Drinking Water Safety Act.

You can view these mentioned Provincial Acts below:

• The Drinking Water Safety Act
• The Groundwater and Well Water Act
• Well Standards Regulation

Council is in agreeance that maintaining the public’s access to water free of charge at this specific location is preferred. However the requirements to achieve compliance come with significant capital investment and ongoing operational expenses. For these reasons we are gathering public usage information to better inform the decision making process.

What are the next steps?

• Professional inspection of the well was completed February 28, 2022. The professional third party findings detailed that the well is at the end of its useful life and due to sediments and low flow rates a new well should be considered. “The uncontrolled spilling of 22 litres per second is wasting a valuable resource that could be used by others in the area. Over 11 million litres is going to waste per year.”
• Meet with qualified contractors to upgrade proposals
• Continue to communicate and share information with the public
• Gather public feedback and water consumption information through our survey
• Bring a report back to Council with findings of survey for consideration