9. Equipment Installation

Chapter Description

This chapter provides information, illustrations, advantages and disadvantages for the installation of pumps, caps, covers, vents and other equipment in or connected to wells. This chapter covers the requirements and exemptions for the installation of equipment in wells and provides information on the installation of equipment in wells completed above ground and in well pits.

Regulatory Requirements - Equipment Installation

Relevant Sections - The Wells Regulation

• Exemptions – Section 1.0.2
• Installation of Equipment – Sections 15.2 to 15.3
• Venting – Section 15.1
• Surface Drainage – Section 12.3
• Disinfection – Section 15
• Well Pits – Subsections 12(7) to 12(9), subsection 13(14) and Section 14.5

The Requirements - Plainly Stated - Installing Equipment

Relevant Sections - Additional Regulations Or Legislation

Ontario Regulation 164/99 as amended (Electrical Safety Code) made under the Electricity Act, 1998. S.O. 1998. Chapter 15, Schedule A;

Ontario Regulation 632/05 as amended (Confined Spaces) made under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter 0.1;

Ontario Regulation 213/91 as amended (Construction Projects) made under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter 0.1;

Relevant Guidance Documents

Fleming College. 2008. Manual for Continuing Education Course Safety (for Ontario Well Technicians).

WSC PAS-97(04) – “WSC Performance Standards and Recommended Installation Procedures for Sanitary Water Well Pitless Adapters, Pitless Units, and Well Caps.” Water System Council, Washington DC. WSC website.

Well Record - Relevant Sections

Figure 9-1: Relevant Sections Of Well Record - Logistics

Well Tag No. - confirms that the well record is for the well being worked on.

Map of Well Location - helps find the well on the property.

Well Contractor and Well Technician Information - identifies the well contractor and provides contact information in the event that additional information is needed.

Figure 9-2: Relevant Sections Of Well Record - Construction

Well Casing:

• Important for clearance (i.e., well diameter) with down hole components (e.g., submersible pump)
• Identifies where casing ends or open hole starts/ends

Well Screen:

• Identifies if a well screen is present and its length, slot size and depth
• Helps ensure that the pump intake is installed above the top of the well screen

Water Details:

• Identifies location of groundwater intersected by the well
• Identifies gas that could affect pumping and cause problems or hazards in the water distribution system and well site
• Provides general remarks on the quality of water observed

Figure 9-3: Relevant Sections Of Well Record - Results Of Well Yield Testing

1. After Test Of Well Yield:
   • Indicates if there is particulate such as sand or silt in the well.
   • If particulate is present then take appropriate measures to remove it from the water distribution system and install appropriate pumping equipment for these conditions.
2. If Flowing Give Rate (see Chapter 12: Flowing Wells for additional details on equipment installation in flowing wells):
   • If flowing conditions are encountered during construction:
     • the person constructing the well must install an appropriate device to control the discharge of water.
     • the person installing equipment in the well should ensure that the device installed to control the discharge remains intact or is properly re-installed after equipment installation.
3. Recommended Pumping Rate:
   • Indicates recommended yield to determine appropriate pump size.
4. Well Production:
   • Do not use this value to size the pump as it may result in the well producing sand (e.g., well produces 29 GPM but only sand free at 7 GPM).
5. Drawdown/Recovery Columns:
   • Assists in the determination of the well’s efficiency, appropriate pump size and intake elevation.
6. If Pumping Discontinued, Give Reasons:
   • Indicates reason pumping did not last one hour. The reasons may indicate that the test may be suspect or the well may be low yielding.
7. Pump Intake Set At:
   • Indicates the elevation of the pump intake during the test.
8. Final Water Level:
   • Measured at the end of the pumping test and can be used to determine the appropriate pump size and location.
9. Recommended Pump Depth:
   • Values and locations are estimated by person constructing the well based on the results of the yield test.
   • The installer should consider all of the information from the well yield test when determining appropriate pump size, pump rate and intake location.

Key Concepts

What To Consider When Installing Equipment

It is important to consider the protection of health, safety and the environment when installing equipment. Unless exempt, the following requirements and considerations are relevant to the installation of equipment:

1. Anything that is put into the well must not impair the quality of the water,
2. The purpose for installing equipment (e.g., measuring),
3. The sanitary well seal, cover or cap must be properly secured on the top of the well to prevent the entry of surface water and other foreign materials,
4. Other than sample collection, contaminants should not enter or exit the well during any monitoring or sampling events,
5. Any space around the waterline through the side of the casing or through the top of the casing must be made watertight, and
6. In the case where a pump is installed in a dewatering well, for example, the final grade of the ground surface must allow for the proper height of casing and must not allow ponding of water in the vicinity of the well.

Connections To Wells

Connections may be required for a well to function properly. Connections can be made above and below the ground surface to accommodate waterlines or instrumentation to enter a well, for instance. Any connection must be made watertight. This reduces the risk of contamination of both the well and the aquifer.

Venting The Well

The purpose of the vent is to allow the well to breathe, which allows equalizing pressures (i.e., when water is drawn out, air goes in so the column of water is at atmospheric pressure at all times) and allow the safe venting of natural and other gases to the outside atmosphere.

Well Caps And Covers

Proper covering of the well prevents the entry of foreign materials into the groundwater.

Securing the well is a safeguard against unauthorized entry into the well, vandalism or tampering. Securing the well includes ensuring that the well cap, seal or cover is on properly and may include the use of a protective cover with locking cap, barriers or fences. For information on securing the well refer to Chapter 7: Completing the Well’s Structure.

Casing Height & Mounding

The purpose of the minimum casing height is to prevent water from entering the well and to allow for venting. The purpose of mounding is to ensure that surface water runoff does not pond in the vicinity of the well and infiltrate into the well.

When installing or connecting equipment, the minimum casing height must be maintained and any mounding around the well that has been disturbed must be be restored to meet the drainage requirements found in the “Plainly Stated” section of this chapter. This does not apply if the equipment installation is exempt from the Wells Regulation (e.g., measuring the water level in a well using a water level meter) or if the equipment is installed in an exempted well (e.g., a pond).

Well Pits

A well pit is an enclosed structure, located at and below the ground surface that houses the top of the well and any associated pumping equipment. The top of the well casing extends out of the floor of the well pit.

A well pit is usually installed at or near the time of pump and associated equipment installation in the well.

The well pit can:

• protect the well from outside environmental conditions such as freezing of waterlines and the entry of surface water runoff and other foreign materials, and
• allow access to the well and pumping system from the ground surface for maintenance and repair.

Health And Safety Considerations - Trenches, Confined Spaces And Electrical

The safety manual from the well drilling continuing education course provides details regarding safety when excavating or working in trenches and confined spaces, along with precautions for working with or around electrical lines. This manual is available from Sir Sanford Fleming College (see the “Resources” section). It is recommended that these guidelines and the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its relevant regulations be reviewed prior to taking on any related tasks. Failure to be aware of the surroundings and follow appropriate safety procedures could result in serious injury or death.

Installing Pumping And Other Equipment

The Wells Regulation exempts any of the following activities that are part of the construction of a well:

• Inspecting the well using equipment that is not left unattended in the well.
• Monitoring, sampling or testing the well using equipment that:
  • is not used to test the yield of the well or the aquifer, and is not left unattended in the well; or
  • is not used to test the yield of the well or the aquifer, and was previously installed in the well.
• Installing equipment for monitoring, sampling or testing a test hole or dewatering well, unless:
  • the installation of the equipment involves an alteration of the well, other than notching the top of the casing; or
  • the equipment is used to test the yield of the well or the aquifer.

Any equipment installed in a well must be clean as required by the Wells Regulation.

Reminder: All equipment installed in a well must not cause or have the potential to cause impairment to the water in the well or the groundwater as required under subsection 30(1) of the Ontario Water Resources Act.

Reminder: For further information on what activities are exempt and what activities and wells require licensing, see Chapter 3: Well Contractors & Well Technicians – Licences, Responsibilities & Exemptions.

Pump Terms & Facts

A water well pump is designed to move water by a physical or mechanical action.

Pump

includes associated pumping equipment.

Horsepower of the pump, outlet pressure in metres (or feet) of head, rate of water flow and inlet suction in metres (or feet) of head are key factors in selecting a pump. The head is considered the height the pump can raise a column of water at atmospheric pressure. Pressure is the amount of force acting on a unit area. Two units that may be used to describe pressure are psi (pounds force per square inch), and kPa (Kilopascals).

To select the type of pump, a system curve graph is created describing the relationship between the system’s head and flow rate. Also a pump performance curve graph is created describing the relationship between the head versus the flow rate of the pump. By combining the two graphs, the pump type, horsepower and best operating system can be selected. Further information on pump selection may be found in Groundwater and Wells, Third Edition, 2007^{footnote 2[2]}.

Table 9-1 provides common acronyms for flow rate and head parameters used in the installation of pumps and associated equipment. Table 9-2 provides pressure to head conversions used in pump selection.

The volume and weight of water are other considerations when selecting a pump. The following are a few common facts related to the volume and weight of water when installing a pump in a well:

• An Imperial gallon of fresh water weighs 4.5 kg (10 lbs).
• One litre of fresh water weighs 1 kg (2.2lbs).
• A cubic foot of water contains 0.028 cubic metres, 7.48 US gallons, or 6.24 Imperial gallons; and weighs 28.3 kg (62.4 lbs).
• A cubic metre of water contains 265 US gallons or 220 Imperial gallons.
• Volume of water per metre (or foot) in some wells:
  • 10.8 cm (4.25 inches) inside diameter contains 9.2 litres per metre (0.61 gallons per foot)
  • 13.3 cm (5.25 inches) inside diameter contains 13.9 litres per metre (0.94 gallons per foot)
  • 15.9 cm (6.25 inches) inside diameter contains 19.9 litres per metre (1.33 gallons per foot)
  • 0.91 m (3ft) diameter bored or dug well contains 656.1 litres per metre (44.0 gallons per foot)

Pump Types

The major pump types that are typically installed in wells are:

• Centrifugal pumps
• Jet pumps – shallow and deep
• Submersible pumps
• Variable speed constant pressure pumps
• Deep well turbine pumps
• Vertical turbine pumps

Table 9-3 provides details for the advantages, disadvantages, general capabilities and applicable well types for these pumps.

Graphics Of Installed Pumps

The following graphics illustrate the installation layout for the following scenarios:

• Drilled Well with Shallow Jet Pump (Figure 9-4)
• Drilled Well with Deep Jet Pump (Figure 9-5)
• Drilled Well with Submersible Pump (Figure 9-6)
• Dug and Bored Wells with Shallow Jet Pump (Figure 9-7)
• Dug and Bored Wells with Submersible Pump (Figure 9-8)
• Driven Point Well with Shallow Well Pump (Figure 9-9)

The graphics show examples of installation only. They are not to scale. All dimensions and locations are for illustrative purposes only. Each of the wells shown Figure 9-4 through Figure 9-9 may encounter conditions that may require specialized design or construction. For example:

• flowing artesian conditions,
• presence of gas, or
• breathing (sucking & blowing) conditions where the well and aquifer formation are significantly affected by changes in atmospheric pressure

Reminder: The illustrations and graphics do not depict every circumstance and do not necessarily represent full compliance with other requirements found in the Wells Regulation.

Reminder: See the tables in the Tools Section at the end of this chapter for Drop Pipe and Down Hole Component information.

Reminder: All figures and diagrams are for illustrative purposes only and do not necessarily represent full compliance with other requirements found in the Wells Regulation.

Figure 9-4: Drilled Well With Shallow Jet Pump

Figure 9-4 is a cross-section diagram of a drilled well with a shallow jet pump. A casing extends from at least 40 centimetres (16 inches) above the ground surface into the hole. A vermin-proof well cap is located on top of the well. The electrical conduit opening, located on the bottom right of the vermin-proof cap, has been plugged. A well tag has been permanently affixed to the casing above the ground surface. The ground surface around the well has been mounded to prevent ponding of water in the vicinity of the well.

A cross-section of a building’s basement is shown to the left of the drilled well. To the left of the well is a vertical wall and basement floor of the foundation. The vertical wall extends from above the ground surface to just below the frost line. At the bottom of the vertical wall, a horizontal floor extends from the bottom of the vertical wall to the left. In the subsurface and above the horizontal floor, a horizontal blue dotted line represents the frost line. The frost line extends from the vertical wall to the right side of the diagram.

A jet pump is shown in the diagram lying on top of the basement’s floor and to the left of the vertical wall. A vertical output pipe extends vertically from the jet pump. A horizontal water pipe extends horizontally from the jet pump to the right through the vertical wall and through the side of the casing into the well. The horizontal pipe is sealed to the vertical wall with a waterproof sealing compound (e.g., hydraulic cement). The horizontal pipe is sealed to the casing with a pitless adapter. The horizontal pipe is located below the frost line.

A drop pipe (or riser pipe) is attached to the interior of the pitless adapter inside the well. The drop pipe extends below the static water level to a foot valve (or check valve). An intake screen is attached to the bottom of the foot valve.

An excavation is located around the casing. The excavation extends from the ground surface to just below the pitless adapter. The excavation is filled with suitable sealant. The suitable sealant extends a minimum 20 centimetres (8 inches) outward from the well casing and within minimum 20 centimetres (8 inches) from the top of the ground surface. Below the excavation, there is an annular seal between the outside of the casing and the side of the hole.

Reminder: This figure is not to scale, it is for illustrative purposes, and does not necessarily represent full compliance with other requirements found in the Wells Regulation. It does not depict every circumstance

.

Figure 9-5: Drilled Well With Deep Jet Pump

Figure 9-5 is a cross-section diagram of a drilled well with a deep jet pump. A casing extends from at least 40 centimetres (16 inches) above the ground surface into the hole. A vermin-proof well cap is located on top of the well. The electrical conduit opening, located on the bottom left of the vermin-proof cap has been plugged. A well tag has been permanently affixed to the casing above the ground surface. The ground surface around the well has been mounded to prevent ponding of water in the vicinity of the well.

A cross-section of a building’s basement is shown to the right of the drilled well. To the right of the well is a vertical wall of the basement’s foundation. The vertical wall extends from above the ground surface to just below the frost line. At the bottom of the vertical wall, a horizontal floor extends from the bottom of the vertical wall to the right. In the subsurface and above the horizontal floor, a horizontal blue dotted line represents the frost line. The frost line extends from the vertical wall to the left side of the diagram.

A deep well setup jet pump is shown in the diagram lying on top of the basement’s floor and to the right of the vertical wall. A vertical output pipe extends vertically from the jet pump. A horizontal pressure pipe extends horizontally from the jet pump to the left through the vertical wall and through the side of the casing into the well. The horizontal pressure pipe is sealed to the vertical wall with a waterproof sealing compound (e.g., hydraulic cement). The horizontal pressure pipe is sealed to the casing with a pitless adapter. The horizontal pressure pipe is located below the frost line. A horizontal suction pipe extends horizontally from the jet pump to the left through the vertical wall and through the side of the casing into the well. The horizontal suction pipe is sealed to the vertical wall with a waterproof sealing compound (e.g., hydraulic cement). The horizontal suction pipe is sealed to the casing with a pitless adapter. The horizontal suction pipe is located below the frost line.

A drop pressure pipe and suction pipe are attached to the interior of the pitless adapter inside the well. The drop pipes extend a minimum 3 metres below the static water level. A jet unit (venturi unit) is attached to the bottom of the two drop pipes. A foot valve (check valve is attached to the bottom of the jet unit (venturi unit). An intake screen is attached to the bottom of the foot valve.

An excavation is located around the casing. The excavation extends from the ground surface to just below the pitless adapter. The excavation is filled with suitable sealant. The suitable sealant extends a minimum 20 centimetres (8 inches) outward from the well casing and within minimum 20 centimetres (8 inches) from the top of the ground surface. Below the excavation, there is an annular seal between the outside of the casing and the side of the hole.

Reminder: This figure is not to scale, it is for illustrative purposes, and does not necessarily represent full compliance with other requirements found in the Wells Regulation. It does not depict every circumstance.

Figure 9-6: Drilled Well With Submersible Pump

Figure 9-6 is a cross-section diagram of a drilled well with a submersible pump. A casing extends from at least 40 centimetres (16 inches) above the ground surface into the hole. A vermin-proof well cap is located on top of the well. A well tag has been permanently affixed to the casing above the ground surface. The ground surface around the well has been mounded to prevent ponding of water in the vicinity of the well.

An excavation is located around the casing. The excavation extends from the ground surface to just below the pitless adapter. The excavation is filled with suitable sealant. The suitable sealant extends a minimum 20 centimetres (8 inches) outward from the well casing and within minimum 20 centimetres (8 inches) from the top of the ground surface. Below the excavation, there is an annular seal between the outside of the casing and the side of the hole.

A cross-section of a building’s basement is shown to the right of the drilled well. To the right of the well is a vertical wall of the foundation. The vertical wall extends from above the ground surface to just below the frost line. At the bottom of the vertical wall, a horizontal floor extends from the bottom of the vertical wall to the right. In the subsurface and above the horizontal floor, a horizontal blue dotted line represents the frost line. The frost line extends from the vertical wall to the left side of the diagram.

A precharged pressure tank is shown in the diagram lying on top of the basement’s floor and to the right of the vertical wall. A horizontal pressure pipe extends horizontally from the pressure tank to the left through the vertical wall and through the side of the casing into the well. The horizontal pressure pipe is sealed to the vertical wall with a waterproof sealing compound (e.g., hydraulic cement). The horizontal pressure pipe is sealed to the casing with a pitless adapter. The horizontal pressure pipe is located below the frost line.

A drop pipe is attached to the interior of the pitless adapter inside the well. The drop pipe extends below the static water level to a foot valve (or check valve). A submersible pump is attached to the bottom of the foot valve.

An electrical control box is attached to the interior of the vertical wall. An electrical cable extends vertically below the electrical control box. The electrical cable turns to the right and extends to the left through the vertical wall into the lower portion of the excavation around the well. The electrical cable turns upward into an electrical conduit. The electrical cable and conduit extend upward into the bottom of the vermin-proof well cap. The electrical cable extends through the well cap and turns downward into the well. The electrical cable extends downward in the well and attaches to the submersible pump.

Reminder: This figure is not to scale, it is for illustrative purposes, and does not necessarily represent full compliance with other requirements found in the Wells Regulation. It does not depict every circumstance.

Figure 9-7: Dug And Bored Wells With Concrete Casing And A Shallow Lift Pump

Figure 9-7 is a cross-section diagram of a dug or bored wells with concrete casing and a shallow lift pump. A casing extends from at least 40 centimetres (16 inches) above the ground surface into the hole. There are watertight joints between sections of casing. A solid, watertight well cover is located on top of the well. A well tag has been permanently affixed to the casing above the ground surface. The ground surface around the well has been mounded to prevent ponding of water in the vicinity of the well.

An excavation is located around the casing. The excavation extends from the ground surface to just below the pitless adapter. The excavation is filled with suitable sealant. The suitable sealant extends a minimum 20 centimetres (8 inches) outward from the well casing and within minimum 20 centimetres (8 inches) from the top of the ground surface. Below the excavation, there is an annular seal between the outside of the casing and the side of the hole.

A cross-section of a building’s basement is shown to the right of the dug (or bored) well. To the right of the well is a vertical wall of the basement. The vertical wall extends from above the ground surface to just below the frost line. At the bottom of the vertical wall, a horizontal floor extends from the bottom of the vertical wall to the right. In the subsurface and above the horizontal floor, a horizontal blue dotted line represents the frost line. The frost line extends from the vertical wall to the left side of the diagram.

A jet pump is shown in the diagram lying on top of the basement’s floor and to the right of the vertical wall. A vertical output pipe extends vertically from the jet pump. A horizontal pressure pipe extends horizontally from the jet pump to the left through the vertical wall and through the side of the casing into the well. The horizontal pipe is sealed to the vertical wall with a waterproof sealing compound (e.g., hydraulic cement). The horizontal pipe is sealed to the casing with a durable sealing material, link seal or pitless adapter. The horizontal pipe is located below the frost line.

A drop pipe (or riser pipe) is attached to the interior of the pitless adapter or horizontal pipe inside the well. The drop pipe extends below the static water level to a foot valve (or check valve). An intake screen is attached to the bottom of the foot valve.

Reminder: This figure is not to scale, it is for illustrative purposes, and does not necessarily represent full compliance with other requirements found in the Wells Regulation. It does not depict every circumstance.

Reminder: Larger diameter wells must not be entered as they are dangerous unless adequate safety precautions are taken using Confined Spaces Regulation 632/05 under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Figure 9-8: Dug And Bored Wells With Concrete Casing And A Submersible Pump

Figure 9-8 is a cross-section diagram of a dug or bored wells with concrete casing and a submersible pump. A casing extends from at least 40 centimetres (16 inches) above the ground surface into the hole. The ground surface around the well casing has been mounded. There are watertight joints between sections of casing. A solid, watertight well cover is located on top of the well. A well tag has been permanently affixed to the casing above the ground surface. The ground surface around the well has been mounded to prevent ponding of water in the vicinity of the well.

An excavation is located around the casing. The excavation extends from the ground surface to just below the pitless adapter. The excavation is filled with suitable sealant. The suitable sealant extends a minimum 20 centimetres (8 inches) outward from the well casing and within minimum 20 centimetres (8 inches) from the top of the ground surface. Below the excavation, there is an annular seal between the outside of the casing and the side of the hole.

A cross-section of a building’s basement is shown to the right of the dug (or bored) well. To the right of the well is a vertical wall of the basement. The vertical wall extends from above the ground surface to just below the frost line. At the bottom of the vertical wall, a horizontal floor extends from the bottom of the vertical wall to the right. In the subsurface and above the horizontal floor, a horizontal blue dotted line represents the frost line. The frost line extends from the vertical wall to the left side of the diagram.

A precharged pressure tank is shown in the diagram lying on top of the basement’s floor and to the right of the vertical wall. A horizontal pressure pipe extends horizontally from the pressure tank to the left through the vertical wall and through the side of the casing into the well. The horizontal pressure pipe is sealed to the vertical wall with a waterproof sealing compound (e.g., hydraulic cement). The horizontal pipe is sealed to the casing with a durable sealing material, link seal or pitless adapter. The horizontal pressure pipe is located below the frost line.

A drop pipe is attached to the interior of the pitless adapter inside the well. The drop pipe extends below the static water level to a foot valve (or check valve). A submersible pump is attached to the bottom of the foot valve.

An electrical control box is attached to the interior of the vertical wall of the basement. An electrical cable extends vertically below the electrical control box. The electrical cable turns to the right and extends to the left through the vertical wall into the lower portion of the excavation around and the casing of the well. The electrical cable is sealed to the vertical wall with a waterproof sealing compound. The electrical cable extends downward in the well and attaches to the submersible pump.

Reminder: This figure is not to scale, it is for illustrative purposes, and does not necessarily represent full compliance with other requirements found in the Wells Regulation. It does not depict every circumstance.

Reminder: Larger Diameter wells must not be entered as they are dangerous unless adequate safety precautions are taken using Confined Spaces Regulation 632/05 under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Reminder: The connection for the horizontal and vertical pipes shown would be supported by using a pitless adapter and supporting steel bracket anchored to the inside of the casing.

Figure 9-9: Driven Point Well With Shallow Lift Pump

Figure 9-9 is a cross-section diagram of a driven point well with a shallow lift pump. A casing extends from at least 40 centimetres (16 inches) above the ground surface into the hole. An air tight well cap is located on top of the well. The electrical conduit opening, located on the bottom right of the air tight well cap has been plugged. A well tag has been permanently affixed to the casing above the ground surface.

An excavation is located around the casing. The excavation extends from the ground surface to just below the pitless adapter. The excavation is filled with suitable sealant. The suitable sealant extends a minimum 20 centimetres (8 inches) outward from the well casing and within minimum 20 centimetres (8 inches) from the top of the ground surface. Below the excavation, there is an annular seal between the outside of the casing and the side of the hole.

A cross-section of a building’s basement is shown to the left of the driven point well. To the left of the well is a vertical wall of the foundation. The vertical wall extends from above the ground surface to just below the frost line. At the bottom of the vertical wall, a horizontal floor extends from the bottom of the vertical wall to the left. In the subsurface and above the horizontal floor, a horizontal blue dotted line represents the frost line. The frost line extends from the vertical wall to the right side of the diagram.

A shallow pump is shown in the diagram lying on top of the basement’s floor and to the left of the vertical wall. A vertical output pipe extends vertically from the shallow pump. A horizontal water pipe extends horizontally from the shallow pump to the right through the vertical wall and through the side of the casing into the well. The horizontal pipe is sealed to the vertical wall with a waterproof sealing compound (e.g., hydraulic cement). The horizontal pipe is sealed to the casing at a “T” joint connection. The horizontal pipe is located below the frost line.

Reminder: Conditions and considerations for using a shallow well lift pump in a driven point well are as follows:

• Because of the small diameter of the well, this is generally the only type of pump that is suitable but a jet pump may also work.
• For new point wells constructed after December 31, 2007, a T-connection is made below the ground surface with the waterline (lateral pipe) attaching to the well casing.
• The new point well also will have an air tight well cap.
• The entire assembly must be airtight in order for the pump to maintain a vacuum in the entire well and waterline.
• The T-configuration allows access to the well and, if necessary, allows access to conduct maintenance on the well such as shock chlorination.
• The design of the point well should be able to withstand freezing and thawing.

Reminder: This figure is not to scale, it is for illustrative purposes, and does not necessarily represent full compliance with other requirements found in the Wells Regulation. It does not depict every circumstance.

Reminder: This set up is similar for jetted wells attached to a shallow well pump.

Below Ground Connections To Wells

Drilled Wells

The Wells Regulation - When making below ground connections to the casing of a drilled well, the person constructing the well must use a well seal or pitless adapter (including pitless units) and the connection must be watertight.

Pitless units or pitless adapters allow lateral pipes (i.e., waterlines) outside a drilled well casing to connect to drop pipes (waterlines) inside the well.

Reminder: A drop pipe usually extends from the connection at the pitless adapter to the pump or intake portion of the pumping equipment inside the well.

Pitless Adapters

A drop pipe usually extends from the connection at the pitless adapter to the pump or intake portion of the pumping equipment inside the well.

• connects downhole pumping equipment to piping in the trench, and
• allows the downhole pumping equipment to be easily removed while standing at the ground surface.

The size and number of holes through the casing depends on the design of the pitless adapter and pump equipment.

To ensure that the connection is watertight, it is necessary that person installing the pitless adapter follow the manufacturer’s specifications and ensure that the adapter being installed is appropriate for the environment and the well design (e.g., casing size).

The Wells Regulation - The person constructing the well must not use a cutting torch to make an opening in the casing wall to accommodate a pitless adapter.

A cutting torch creates an opening that is too irregular to be made watertight.

Figure 9-10: Pitless Adapter

Figure 9-11: Pitless Adapter Installed

Pitless Units

A pitless unit is a commercially manufactured piece of well casing with a pitless adapter already installed through the wall of the unit. It is primarily designed to make a watertight connection on top of the well casing.

Typically, a person installing a pitless unit will cut the top of well casing below the frost level. The pitless unit is then installed onto the top of the well casing by either welding or using a special clamp device.

To ensure that the connection is watertight to the well, it is important that persons installing pitless units follow manufacturer’s specifications and ensure that the unit being installed is appropriate for the environment and the well design (e.g., casing size).

Figure 9-12: Cross-Section Of Pitless Unit

Figure 9-12 is a cross-section diagram of a pitless unit. The pitless unit is shown as a vertical pipe. A vermin-proof well cap is affixed to the top of the pitless unit. Below the vermin-proof cap and on the left side of the pitless unit, an air vent extends out of the pitless unit. Below the cap and on the right side of the pitless unit, an electrical conduit opening has been affixed to the exterior of the pitless unit to allow an electrical cable to enter into the well. The bottom of the pitless unit is attached to a casing using a watertight welded or threaded joint.

In the interior of the pitless unit, there is a vertical pull pipe that extends from the top of the pitless unit to a guide plate. To the left of the pull pipe an adjustable rod extends from the top of the pitless unit to the guide plate. A safety clip is attached to the top of the guide plate and pull pipe. The safety clip holds adjustable rod to guide plates when pulling the pump. A horizontal connection extends through the right side of the pitless unit from the guide plate. A standard neoprene O-ring seals the interior of the pitless unit around the horizontal connection. A drop pipe extends below the guide plate to the pump.

An electrical cable extends through the electrical conduit opening and into the pitless unit. The electrical cable extends downward through the pitless unit and well to the submersible pump.

Figure 9-13: Photographs Of Pitless Units

Sanitary Wells Seals

Sanitary well seals are primarily designed to create a watertight seal where the waterlines, air vents and electrical lines extend through the top of the well casing.

A sanitary well seal consists of a neoprene gasket between two steel plates. When the two plates are tightened together, the neoprene gasket expands, which seals waterlines, air vents, electrical lines and the casing.

When installing a sanitary well seal, it is necessary to follow the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure that the connection is watertight and the appropriate seal is installed for the environment and the well design.

Figure 9-14: Sanitary Well Seal

The photograph shows an example of one kind of sanitary well seal. In this case, a blue steel plate is underlain by a black neoprene gasket. The gasket is underlain by another blue steel plate. One waterline can pass through the centre of the well seal. An air vent can be threaded onto the seal on the left side of the well seal. The red plug can be removed on the right side of the well seal to allow for an electrical line or other equipment through the well seal. By tightening the four steel bolts on top of the well seal, the two plates are tightened together expanding the neoprene gasket. The squeezed gasket seals the waterline, electrical line and the casing. The well seal is typically found at the top of the well casing. Other sanitary well seals have two holes for two waterline installations used in jet pumps.

Other Wells (e.g.,Dug And Bored Wells)

The Wells Regulation - When making a below ground connection to a well casing of a well other than a drilled well (e.g., constructed by boring, digging or augering equipment), the person constructing the well must make the connection watertight with a durable bonding material.

Any bonding material must be durable and adhere to the side of the casing and the waterline. Also, the bonding material must not impair the water quality.

Large diameter corrugated conduits or other pipe used to protect waterlines in trenches should not extend through the well casing. Only properly connected and sealed waterlines and electrical lines should extend through the casing.

It is important to know and follow the manufacturers’ specifications for bonding material and installation of waterlines through the well casing (e.g., fiberglass, galvanized and concrete).

Reminder: Hydraulic cement looks like other cement and is used to stop water leaks through cracks and faults in concrete. Tape should be used to hold the cement in the connection area while it sets (cures).

Installing Suitable Sealant Into Trench

To install a waterline and electrical wire from the well to the building’s plumbing and electrical box, a trench is typically excavated from the well to the building. The trench will expose the side of the well. The depth of the trench is typically below the frost line to minimize the risk that the horizontal waterline from the well to the building’s plumbing will freeze.

The Wells Regulation - When making a below ground connection to the casing of a well, the person constructing the well must fill any outside excavation with suitable sealant extending from the casing a minimum distance outward of 20cm (8 inches) and extending from the bottom of the excavation to within 20cm (8 inches) of the ground surface.

The person excavating the trench should consider the direction of the trench and the proximity to potential sources of contamination as the trench can act as a preferential pathway for contaminants.

Venting The Well

The purpose of the air vent is to allow the well to breathe, which allows equalizing pressures (i.e., when water is drawn out, air goes in so the column of water remains at atmospheric pressure at all times) and the venting of natural gases.

Venting After New Well Construction

The Wells Regulation - When constructing a new well, the well must be vented to the outside atmosphere in a manner that will safely disperse all gases. This requirement does not apply to a:

• test hole, or
• well where the casing will be used to transmit water out of the well (e.g., driven point well).

Reminder: Flowing wells are not exempt from the regulatory requirement for venting unless the casing is used in some form to transmit water out of the well or the well is a test hole. A mechanical or inflatable packer with an air release valve and air vacuum relief valve may be installed to vent the well to allow air into and out of the well during pumping. See Chapter 12: Flowing Wells for further information.

Venting During Pump Installation In Drilled Wells

The Wells Regulation - Unless exempt, if a pump is installed in a drilled well, the person constructing the well must install an air vent on the well and meet the following requirements:

• An air vent must have a minimum inside diameter of:
  • 0.3 cm (0.12 inch) for a well casing that has an inside diameter < 12.7 cm (5 inches), or
  • 1.2 cm (0.47 inch) for a well casing that has an inside diameter ≥ 12.7 cm (5 inches)
• In an area where there is potential for flooding, the air vent on a well must extend above the maximum anticipated flooding level and not less than 40 cm (16 inches) above the ground surface.
• On a drilled well in a well pit, the air vent may have a sufficient length to extend above the covering of the well pit.
• The open end of the air vent must be shielded and screened to prevent the entry of foreign materials (e.g., insects) into the well.

Reminder: A vent with a larger inside diameter will reduce the risk of the vent freezing during periods of extreme cold temperatures.

Reminder: The largest possible vent area (cross-sectional area) should be selected to help prevent freezing during periods of extreme cold.

Figure 9-15: Watertight Cap With Extendable Screened Air Vent Located Above The Well Cap

Figure 9-16: Watertight Cap With Snorkel Vent Used To Prevent Flood Water From Entering The Top Of A Drilled Well

Figure 9-17: PVC Well Seal Air Vent

This shows an example of a ½ inch air vent that can be threaded on a sanitary well seal as the one shown in Figure 9-14.

Figure 9-18: Vented Vermin Proof Cap Attached To Well Casing

Figure 9-19: Vent Locations On The Underneath Portion Of Three Vermin Proof Caps Commonly Used In Ontario

Wells Encountering Gas

The Wells Regulation - Where a well is constructed and natural gas is encountered, the person constructing the well must immediately notify the well purchaser, the owner of the land on which the well is situated and the Director that the condition exists.

The Wells Regulation - If a well is producing a natural gas or other gas and the gas is detected, the well owner must do at least one of the following:

• Abandon the well and take the necessary steps to plug and seal the well,
• Take the necessary measures to manage the gas in a way that prevents any potential hazards and ensure the measures are functional at all times, or
• Seek the written consent from the Director to allow for the continued use of the well (see Chapter 14: Abandonment: When to Plug & Seal Wells).

Reminder: See the Encountering Gas, Contamination and Water Quality Problems section of Chapter 5: Constructing the Hole, Casing & Covering the Well for further information and best management practices dealing with natural gas.

Wells Caps And Covers

The purpose of well caps and covers is to prevent the entry of surface water and other foreign material into the well. The following requirements will apply to covering the well unless an exempted activity is being performed.

The Wells Regulation - If the well is constructed by a method other than boring and digging (i.e., jetting, drilling, and driving) the person constructing the well must seal the top of the casing with a commercially manufactured vermin-proof well cap.

For example, wells constructed by drilling, jetting and driving are captured by this well cap requirement.

The Wells Regulation - If a well is constructed by boring and digging, the person constructing the well must cover the top of the casing with a solid, watertight well cover that prevents the entry of surface water and other foreign materials.

Preventing the entry of other materials includes designing the well cover to be of sufficient strength to withstand any known weight that might be applied to the well cover or cap and the freezing and thawing action that may cause the cover to break.

Reminder: It is important that anyone constructing a well install the well cover or cap to the design specifications provided by the manufacturer and ensure that the design will work for the environment and well.

Covering The Well

Dug Or Bored

The person constructing the well must cover the top of the well casing with a solid watertight well cover so that surface water and other foreign materials can not enter into the well. This includes fastening and securing the cover to reduce the risk of children being able to access the well.

Figure 9-20: Dug Well With A Solid Well Cover

Figure 9-21: Dug Well Cover With Watertight Plastic Access Lid Added To Well Cover

Figure 9-21 shows the green coloured access lid is sealed to the top of the concrete cover using a butyl joint non toxic sealing material (mastic sealing material). An opening (not shown) exists in the centre of the concrete. The top of the access lid is affixed to the access lid riser using screws. The access lid and remaining well cover must prevent the entry of surface water and foreign materials from entering the well.

Reminder: Figure 9-22 to Figure 9-25 are for illustrative purposes only and do not necessarily represent full compliance with other requirements found in the Wells Regulation.

Figure 9-22: Well Cover Access With Plastic Lid

The figure is a cross-sectional view of a large diameter concrete well with a plastic access lid.

There are four components to the well; there are two concrete tiles that make up the casing, on top of which lies a concrete well cover, which has a plastic access lid.

The lower concrete tile is shown completely below ground surface. The upper concrete tile is on top of the lower tile, and it is noted that the joint between the tiles is sealed. About one-third of the upper concrete tile is above ground surface. The ground surface is highest around the well, with ground surface sloping away from the well.

The concrete well cover has a large diameter opening in the centre of the cover to facilitate access into the well casing. The plastic access lid is installed in the middle of the concrete well cover and seals the opening of the concrete well cover.

On the left side of the figure, there are two exploded views. The first exploded view is of the seal between the concrete well cover and plastic access lid, which illustrates a mastic sealant between the cover and lid. The second exploded view is of the plastic access lid, and illustrates the use of a pin or screw in the lid to prevent the top of the lid from opening.

Solid cover including access lid must be properly designed to prevent physical hazards and must be sufficiently attached to the casing to prevent surface water and other materials from entering the well.

A common type of mastic sealant material is non-toxic butyl sealant.

Figure is not to scale; all dimensions and locations are approximate. This figure does not reflect a situation where an air vent would be necessary to safely vent gas from the well site.

Figure 9-23: Well Cover Access With Concrete Lid

The figure is a cross-sectional view of a large diameter concrete well with a concrete access lid.

There are four components to the well; there are two concrete tiles that make up the concrete casing, on top of which lies a concrete well cover, which has a concrete access lid.

The lower concrete tile is shown completely below ground surface. The upper concrete tile is on top of the lower tile, and it is noted that the joint between the tiles is sealed. About one-third of the upper concrete tile is above ground surface. The ground surface is highest around the well, with ground surface sloping away from the well.

The concrete well cover has a small diameter opening in the centre of the cover to facilitate access into the well casing. The concrete access lid is installed on top of the concrete well cover and seals the opening of the concrete well cover. A weather-proof flexible neoprene (rubber or mastic sealant) is shown below the concrete access lid which is used to seal between the lid and cover. The access lid has a semi-circle shaped handle to lift the lid off of the cover.

Solid cover including access lid must be properly designed to prevent physical hazards and must be sufficiently attached to the casing to prevent surface water and otehr amterials from entering the well.

A common type of mastic material is non-toxic butyl sealant.

Figure is not to scale; all dimensions and locations are approximate. This figure does not reflect a situation where an air vent would be necessary to safely vent gas from the well site.

Figure 9-24: Well Cover With No Access Lid

The figure is a cross-sectional view of a large diameter concrete well with a concrete well cover.

There are three components to the well; there are two concrete tiles that make up the concrete casing, on top of which lies a concrete well cover.

The lower concrete tile is shown completely below ground surface. The upper concrete tile is on top of the lower tile, and it is noted that the joint between the tiles is sealed. About one-third of the upper concrete tile is above ground surface. The ground surface is highest around the well, with ground surface sloping away from the well.

The concrete well cover does not have an opening and provides cover for the entire well casing. Two metal handles are shown as anchored into the concrete cover.

Solid cover including access lid must be properly designed to prevent physical hazzards and must be sufficiently attached to the casing to prevent surface water and other materials from entering the well.

A common type of mastic sealant is non-toxic butyl sealant.

Figure is not to scale; all dimensions and locations are approximate. This figure does not reflect a situation where an air vent would e neccessary to safely vent gas from the well site.

Reminder: The joint between the concrete well cover and the top casing shown in both Figure 9-23 and Figure 9-24 must be sealed with a mastic sealing material strip (i.e., butyl joint non toxic sealant) in areas where flooding is anticipated to occur.

Figure 9-25: Well Cover With Metal Sleeve

The figure is a cross-sectional view of a large diameter concrete well with a metal sleeve overtop of a concrete access lid.

There are five components to the well; there are two concrete tiles that make up the concrete casing, on top of which lies a concrete well cover, which has a concrete access lid. The lid and cover are enveloped by a metal sleeve.

The lower concrete tile is shown completely below ground surface. The upper concrete tile is on top of the lower tile, and it is noted that the joint between the tiles is sealed. About one-third of the upper concrete tile is above ground surface. The ground surface is highest around the well, with ground surface sloping away from the well.

The concrete well cover has a small diameter opening in the centre of the cover to facilitate access into the well casing. The concrete access lid is wedge-fit into the concrete well cover and seals the opening of the concrete well cover. The access lid has a semi-circle shaped handle to lift the lid off of the cover.

A metal sleeve is attached to the outside of the concrete well cover and provides a shield to the cover and lid.

Cover, including access lid and metal sleeve, must be properly designed to prevent physical hazards and must be sufficiently attached to the casing to prevent surface water and other material from entering the well.

Figure is not to scale; all dimensions and locations are approximate. This figure does not reflect a situation where an air vent would be necessart to safely vent gas from the well site.

Reminder: The joint between the concrete well cover and the top casing shown in Figure 9-25 must be sealed with a mastic sealing material strip (i.e., butyl joint non toxic sealant) in areas where flooding is anticipated to occur.

Drilled Or Other

The person constructing the well must seal the top of a well casing, that is not constructed by digging or boring, a commercially manufactured vermin-proof well cap. This includes a properly installed and sealed sanitary well seal, and a watertight and airtight well cap for a jetted or driven point well.

Reminder: Waterlines sealed to the top of the casing and to a pump under a vacuum are considered vermin-proof well caps for dewatering systems using shallow point wells.

Figure 9-26: Vermin Proof Well Cap

Figure 9-27: Vermin-Proof Cap And Threaded Conduit

Alternative To A Well Cap Or Cover

The Wells Regulation - The cover, cap or seal is not required if all of the following criteria are met:

• a floor has been constructed around or adjacent to the casing of the well,
• a pump (includes associated equipment such as waterlines) is installed above or adjacent to the well. (This scenario would include wells with a vertical turbine pump, hand pump or other type of pump positioned directly over the casing),
• the top of the casing is shielded in a manner sufficient to prevent entry of any material that may impair the quality of the water in the well, and
• the casing of the well is extended to at least 15 cm (6 inches) above the floor that has been constructed around or adjacent to the casing of the well.

Figure 9-28: Example Of A Well Not Requiring A Cover, Cap Or Seal - Vertical Turbine Pump Installed Directly Over The Well Casing

Casing Height And Mounding

The Wells Regulation - Unless exempt, any person installing equipment in a well must ensure that the casing height, mounding and surface drainage meet requirements discussed in Chapter 7: Completing the Well’s Structure.

Well Pits

In most circumstances, well pits are not allowed to be constructed on new or existing wells.

The Wells Regulation - In only two circumstances, however, a person constructing a new well may be allowed to finish the well with a well pit. The Wells Regulation provides options for the construction of permitted well pits depending on the location of the well, the type of equipment used to construct the well and the well’s purpose. The two permitted circumstances are:

1. The Wells Regulation permits the construction of a new well with a well pit as long as the well is constructed with diamond drilling equipment in connection with mineral exploration.
2. The Wells Regulation permits the construction of a test hole or dewatering well with a new well pit or the addition of a new well pit to an existing test hole or dewatering well if the well is located where vehicle or pedestrian traffic is likely to pass directly over the well and the well is completed with a flush-mounted well cover in accordance with the Wells Regulation.

Along with the information provided in this section, see the “Plainly Stated” section in this chapter for further requirements and information on permitted well pits.

Well pits are usually installed at or near the time of pump and associated equipment installation in the well. The top of the well casing extends out of the floor of the well pit.

A well pit is designed to:

• contain the upper portion of a drilled well,
• prevent the upper portion of the well, and
• waterlines from freezing and allow access to the top of the well.

Well pits were the preferred choice of pump installers when installing waterlines out of the top of a drilled well to a building until the widespread use of submersible pumps, pitless adapters and pitless units began.

There are many problems associated with well pits in Ontario, such as:

• surface water can pond around the casing and above the top of drilled wells,
• large openings in the well pit’s walls can allow surface water and foreign materials to enter the pit and possibly, the top of the well, impairing the well water,
• the structure can be unsafe,
• the structure can be subject to frost heave,
• flush-mounted well pits (vaults) may be damaged by snow removal or other vehicles, and
• surface water can enter the well and cause groundwater mounding.

Reminder: A well pit is considered a confined space. There are many serious risks and hazards associated with this type of confined space including electrocution, asphyxiation, physical hazards such as drowning or falling, presence of poisonous gases and explosive gases. All required preventative measures when entering a confined space must be undertaken prior to accessing or entering any well pit. Further requirements are found in Ontario Regulation 632/05 (Confined Spaces) made under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Well Pit Walls (Or Casing)

The following Wells Regulation requirements apply when a new permitted well pit is constructed for a new well.

The person constructing the well must:

• consider the walls of the well pit as “casing” and
• meet the casing requirements found in Chapter 5: Constructing the Hole, Casing & Covering the Well and Chapter 7: Completing the Well’s Structure in this manual.

For example, if a permitted well pit is installed for a well, the person constructing the well must ensure that the well pit casing is:

• made of new material, unless it is scheduled to be abandoned within 180 days of completion of the structural stage,
• clean and free of contamination, and
• watertight, including any seams.

As another example, if concrete material is used as well pit casing, the person constructing the well must ensure that the:

• casing sections are properly aligned so that the joints are flush and the casing is centred,
• casing is commercially manufactured and fully cured, and
• joints between casing sections are sealed with a mastic sealing material (e.g., butyl rubber material) approved by the NSF International that remains pliable and waterproof.

Surface Drainage For A Well Pit

The following Wells Regulation requirement applies when a new permitted well pit for a new well.

The person constructing the well must ensure that surface water drainage is such that water will not collect or pond in the vicinity of, or within, a permitted well pit’s casing.

Creating And Filling The Well Pit’s Annular Space

The following Wells Regulation requirements apply when a new permitted well pit is constructed for a new well.

The person constructing the well must:

• ensure that the entire new well pit, from the bottom of the well pit to the ground surface, is constructed with a diameter that is at least 7.6 cm (3 inches) greater than the outside diameter of the well pit’s walls (or casing).
• fill any annular space outside the permitted well pit’s casing, from the bottom of the well pit to the ground surface, with suitable sealant.
• use a suitable sealant with the appropriate structural strength to support the weight of persons and vehicles that may move over the area after it is filled.

If the suitable sealant contains cement, the person constructing the well must:

• allow the cement to set according to the manufacturer’s specifications or for 12 hours, whichever is longer; and
• if, after setting, the sealant has settled or subsided, top up the cement to the ground surface.

Well Pit Floor

The following Wells Regulation requirement applies when a new permitted well pit is constructed for a new well.

The person constructing the well must cover the floor of the new well pit with at least a 10 cm (4 inches) thick layer of suitable sealant that when set to a solid state will be capable of supporting the weight of a person.

Well Pit Cover

The following Wells Regulation requirements apply when a new permitted well pit is constructed for a new well.

The person constructing the well must cover of the well pit with a solid, watertight cover, sufficient to prevent the entry of surface water and other foreign materials into the well pit.

The following Wells Regulation requirement applies when a new permitted well pit is constructed for a new well that has been constructed with diamond drilling equipment in connection with mineral exploration.

The person constructing the well must fasten and secure the cover of the well pit in a manner that will make it difficult for children to remove it.

Keeping The Well Pit Dry

The following Wells Regulation requirements apply when a new permitted well pit is constructed for a new well that has been constructed with diamond drilling equipment in connection with mineral exploration.

Sump Pump

The person constructing the well must ensure that the new well pit is kept dry by means of a sump pump. This could also mean a sump hole would need to be installed into the floor of the well pit.

Drainage Pipe

If the water table is substantially lower than the floor of a permitted well pit, the person constructing the well may ensure that the new well pit is kept dry by means of a drainage pipe that:

• has a one-way valve to allow water to discharge from the pit but prevents surface water and other foreign materials, including insects and animals, from entering the well pit,
• passes through the layer of sealant, and
• allows water to discharge near the perimeter of the well pit.

As indicated in the best management practice titled “Well Pit Floor” in this section, the suitable sealant used to construct the well pit sump hole should be able to withstand the pumping of any water from the well pit.

Well Casing Height Above Well Pit Floor

The following Wells Regulation requirement applies when a permitted well pit is constructed with or added to a new well that has been constructed with diamond drilling equipment in connection with mineral exploration.

The person constructing the well must extend the top of the well casing at least 40 cm (16 inches) above the floor of the new well pit.

Well Cover/Seal & Vent In A Well Pit

The following Wells Regulation requirements apply when a new permitted well pit is constructed for a new well that has been constructed with diamond drilling equipment in connection with mineral exploration.

The person constructing the well must:

• seal the top of the drilled well casing inside the new well pit with a commercially manufactured sanitary well seal and
• provide an air vent line from the commercially manufactured sanitary well seal to above the cover of the new well pit.

Reminder: The top of a well inside a new well pit, including a new flush-mounted well pit (vault), must be sealed with a commercially manufactured vermin-proof cap or solid watertight well cover. A commercially manufactured sanitary well seal is considered to be a commercially manufactured vermin-proof cap. For further information on covering a well, see the “Covering the Well” section in this chapter.

Reminder: To meet the above venting requirement in a permitted well pit, the air vent may extend through the side of the well pit casing (see Figure 9-29 in this chapter).

The venting requirements for a drilled well completed with a well pit, and where a pump is installed in the well, are detailed in the “Venting During Pump Installation in Drilled Wells” section in this chapter.

Figure 9-29: An Example Of A Well Pit With Sump Pump And Gravity Drain Drainage

The figure is a cross-sectional view of a well inside of a concrete well pit. There are two major components to the figure; the well and its components, and the well pit and related components.

The drilled well is located at the bottom right of the well pit and below the frost line. As a minimum, the top forty centimetre portion of the well casing is exposed within the well pit, while the rest of the casing is below the bottom of the well pit. The annular space of the drilled well below the well pit is sealed with a suitable sealant.

The top of the drilled well has a sanitary seal from which two pipes extend vertically; a water pipe and an air vent. Both water pipe and air vent bend ninety degrees to the right, slightly above the well casing, and exit the well pit below the frost line. The water pipe and air vent exit the pit through a watertight connection to the well pit casing with durable bonding material. The water pipe is illustrated as remaining horizontal and extending to a distribution system. The air vent has another ninety degree bend and extends vertically through the well pit casing sealant to above ground surface. The top of the air is screened and shielded.

The well pit consists of two concrete tiles with a concrete base with a minimum thickness of ten centimetres (four inches) and a solid, watertight and child proof well pit cover. The lower concrete tile is shown completely below ground surface. The upper concrete tile is on top of the lower tile, and it is noted that the joint between the tiles is sealed with mastic sealant strip (e.g., butyl joint non-toxic sealant). About one-third of the upper concrete tile is above ground surface. The ground surface is highest around the well, with ground surface sloping away from the well. It is noted that mounding around the well is to prevent pooling of water around the well. It is further noted that the casing height above ground surface must be at least forty centimetres (sixteen inches). The well pit is constructed in an excavation which is filled with a suitable sealant and is able to withstand the weight of persons, animals, and vehicles.

On the bottom left side of the well pit, there is a water draining device (sump pump) shown. There are two options for drainage, which are detailed in Exploded Views A and B.

Exploded View A illustrates a sump pump at the bottom of the well pit. The sump pump has a discharge line that extends vertically to above ground surface, where the line bends to the left and exits the concrete tile through a watertight connection to the well pit casing. The discharge line is slightly raised above ground surface to provide a sufficient air gap, and has a one-way valve at the end to prevent insects from entering the pit.

Exploded View B illustrates a gravity drain at the bottom of the well pit. The drain has a one way valve inside the well pit. The drain exits the well pit through a watertight connection, with the drain pointing to a point at a lower elevation than the floor of the well pit. There is a note that states “B is an alternative to A when the water table is substantially lower than the floor of the well pit.”

Sometimes the pump and air tank are located within the well pit.

Reminder: Larger diameter well pits must not be entered as they are a safety hazard. Well pits must only be entered when adequate safety precautions are followed based on the Confined Spaces Regulation, Ontario Regulation 632/05 as amended under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Reminder: This figure is not to scale, is for illustrative purposes for this chapter only and does not necessarily represent full compliance with other requirements found in the Wells Regulation

Tools

Tables 9-4 and 9-5 provide information on drop pipes (waterlines) and other equipment installed in a well.

The Wells Regulation - Any equipment installed in the well must be clean.

Table 9-4: Drop Pipe Comparison

Pipe Type & Description	Diameter Range	Length Availability	Pressure Rating	Application
Galvanized Steel Pipe & Black Steel Pipe Black Pipe [steel pipe in which the outer diameter has been lacquered (as opposed to bare or galvanized pipe)].	2.5 cm (1 inch) to 20 cm (8 inches)	6.4 m (21ft), and 3 m (10ft) lengths threaded together	438 – 13,110 kPa (700 – 1,900 psi)	Superior strength Associated with deep wells Is heavy and requires pump truck Can react adversely with certain water chemistry. (e.g. low pH)
PVC Pipe – Medium and High Density	3.2 mm (1⁄8 inch) to 61 cm (24 inches)	30 m (100ft), 60 m (200ft), and 457 m (1,500ft) lengths	28 - 8,487 kPa (120 – 1,230 psi)	Can be handled without pump truck or similar equipment Is not reactive to most water chemistry Medium density PVC pipe is more easily handled in cold weather than high density PVC pipe
Polyethylene Pipe	1.9 cm (¾ inch) – 20 cm (8 inches)	Straight pipe: 12 m (40ft), 15 m (50ft), 18 m (60ft), 30 m (100ft), 90 m (300ft), 300 m (1,000ft), and 450 m (1,500ft) lengths, On Reel: up to 3,000 m (9850ft) lengths	Up to 20,010 kPa (2,900 psi)	Is not reactive to most water chemistry Can be glued, threaded or heat fused Tough but flexible Softer than metal and may be damaged by abrasion

Reminder: These drop pipes are all approved by NSF International for potable water.

Table 9-5: Typical Equipment Installed In Wells

Component	Description	Graphic
Single Pitless Adapter	2.5 cm (1 inch) Single pitless adapters are the most widely used connection for domestic submersible pumps in drilled wells 3.2 cm (1 ¼ inch) used for shallow well jet pumps Available in brass and stainless steel
Weld On Pitless Adapter	Strong and durable Typically used for larger diameter wells and municipal wells Available in steel only
Clearway Pitless Adapter	Enables work on the well such as deepening or rehabilitating (i.e. bio-foul on a municipal well – enables a well contractor to put full gauged tools down the casing) Also allows for a 10 cm (3 5⁄8 inch) pump in a 10 cm (4 inches) casing. Customer does not need to purchase a special pump (money savings) Available in brass and stainless steel
Clamp On Pitless Adapter	The durable cast steel pitless adapter housing is clamped on the outside of the casing The water contacts only stainless steel and brass, which eliminates corrosion When the brass tee insert is pulled, there is no obstruction left in the well and the inside diameter of the casing is completely open - can be used with steel and PVC casing as small as 10 cm (4 inches) in size
Double Pipe Pitless Adapter	Similar to a single pipe, but provides a two-pipe connection for the waterlines of a jet pump Available in brass and stainless steel
Cement/Concrete Tile Pitless Adapter	Used on cement/concrete tile Has an extended shank to allow the pitless slide to be installed through a cement casing Available in brass
Corrugated Pitless Adapter	Used for galvanized or fiberglass casings Available in brass only
Wire	Used for running submersible pumps in wells Stranded wire – woven Lay flat – side by side
Link Seal	Used to seal an electrical conduit or horizontal pipe that extends through a well casing. Typically used where an electrical conduit passes through the well casing of a large diameter dug or bored well Forms a hydrostatic seal up to 275.8 kPa (40 psi )and up to 12.2 m (40ft) of head pressure Electrically isolates the inner carrier pipe from the penetrated structure
Flow Control	Available in various US gallon per minute ratings Can be installed on pump discharges to prevent over pumping of the well Make sure pressure on a pump side of the Dole Flow Valve should not exceed 827.4 kPa (120 psi)
Foot Valves	Function is to keep jet pumps or piston pumps primed Can be stainless steel, brass or plastic
Check Valves	A check valve is used to prevent water from the system from running back into the well when the pump isn’t running Used with submersible pump to minimize pressure surges on the drop pipe (e.g. For a well that is 91 m (300ft) deep, one check valve is placed at the pump, another at the pressure tank and a final valve is placed at 45.5 m (150ft) below the ground surface in the drop pipe)
Air Tight Cap	A smaller cap is required for driven point wells and jetted wells due to their small diameter Typically threaded onto the top of the casing
Solid, Watertight Well Cover	Prevents the entry of foreign material into the well Typically used for dug or bored wells There are other types of solid, watertight well covers not shown in this table (see “Well Caps and Covers” section in this chapter)
Suspension Bracket (rope hanger)	Used to attach a safety cable to the pump Fits on top of a drilled well casing and is easily covered by a vermin- proof well cap
Lightening Arrestor	Usually built into the pump Separate component for pumps used in high capacity wells (e.g. municipal wells)
Deep Well Ejector	Part of deep well jet pump assembly Used in conjunction with deep well jet pump	Two Pipe Deep Well Ejector Single Pipe Deep Well Ejector
Cable Guards/Cable Ties	To protect the wire, use cable guards and cable ties
Torque Arrestors	Usually located directly above the pump Function is to prevent pump damage by stopping the pump from turning in the well, moving in the well, or banging into the side of well
Flow Inducer Sleeve	A physical sleeve attached to a submersible pump assembly designed to channel water over the pump motor before it enters the pump intake This provides the pump motor with a consistent supply of fresh water for cooling
Clamps	Used to join poly pipe to insert fittings Make sure they are all stainless steel with stainless steel screws
Splice Kit	For attaching electrical wire to a submersible pump and connecting wires at wellhead Must be waterproof and CSA approved
Insert Adapter	Threaded at one end Barb fitting opposite end Joins pipe to pipe thread
Gas Trap	A physical sleeve attached to the submersible pump to channel water into the waterline and attempts to prevent gas from entering the waterline However, the trap will not remove compounds such as methane that have not come out of solutions

The Wells Regulation - Any equipment installed in the well must be clean.

Reminder: Always follow Manufacturer’s recommendations and guidelines with any piece of equipment.