If you’ve turned on the tap and been met with nothing but a sputter of air, you’re not alone. Many homeowners in Grey, Bruce, and Simcoe counties experience dry wells during certain times of year. Understanding the reasons behind it (and knowing your options) can save time, frustration, and unnecessary costs.
Why does my well go dry? 3 Common reasons why your dug well is no longer providing water
The most common reason is that the water table has dropped below the depth of the well.
Declining Water Table
- Drought: Extended periods of little or no rainfall can reduce groundwater recharge.
- Over pumping: Excessive pumping from your well or nearby wells can lower the local water table.
- Seasonal variation: Water levels can fluctuate depending on the time of year (e.g., dry summer vs. wet spring).
Shallow Well Depth
Dug wells are typically shallow (often less than 50 feet deep), so they’re more vulnerable to drying out than deeper drilled wells.
- If the well is too shallow, it may not reach water-bearing layers during dry periods.
Increased Local Water Use
- New homes, farms, or businesses in the area may be using more groundwater.
- This collective use can drop the water table faster than it recharges.
Short-Term Solutions
- Wait for Recharge
- If the drought is temporary, the water table may rise again in a few days, it could also take weeks or months.
- Use an Auxiliary Water Source
- Haul water in for from your local bulk water company like Mountain Services.
- Tap into rainwater harvesting if you’ve set it up.
Mountain Services provides clean, treated water from approved sources to homes, farms, and businesses in: Collingwood, Thornbury, Meaford, Markdale, Chatsworth, Owen Sound, Allenford, and surrounding communities.
Use Stored Rainwater
If you have a rainwater harvesting system, use it to supplement your needs until your well recovers.
Long-Term Prevention
- Deepen or drill a new well to reach a more reliable water source.
- Manage water use during peak dry months.
- Schedule a well inspection to assess the capacity and condition of your system.
Need Water Now? We Can Help.
When your well runs dry, Mountain Services is ready to deliver fast, reliable bulk water right to your property. Our clean, treated water is safe for cisterns, holding tanks, and other storage systems.
Call us today to arrange delivery and get your household, farm, or business back up and running.
