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Stewardship resources

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Two men erecting a fence near a watercourse

These fact sheets, videos and links will help you plan your project and care for your trees.

 General tree planting and care
Wells - Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I decommission my unused well?
Under Ontario Regulation 903: Wells, landowners are required to properly decommission (abandon) wells if they are not being used or not being maintained for future use. Old wells can act as pathways for contamination to reach a water source. Your well could be taking from the same source of water as your neighbours’ wells. Properly sealing and preventing contamination from entering one well can help protect the water source for a whole community.
Where can I learn about my well?
The Ontario government has a map of well records in the province. Enter your location in the map to find out what well records are on file for your property. Older wells may not have a well record, and recent well records may have incorrect locations if they were submitted prior to use of GPS technology. The well record details the age, diameter, and depth of the well, and includes the type of work done on the well and by which contractor.
Can I decommission my well myself?
It is strongly recommended that you hire a licensed well contractor. Most landowners will not have the equipment needed to properly decommission a well. There are many potential hazards to decommissioning a well including explosive or poisonous gases and possible well collapse. A landowner is permitted to decommission a well themselves, but must follow the steps outlined in R.R.O Reg. 903 21.1 (1) and submit a well record to the province via the Wells Help Desk.
What licensed well contractors do you recommend?
The Grand River Conservation Authority does not recommend one contractor over another. The Ontario government keeps a database of licensed well contractors. The database includes a service code that will tell you what type of well work contractors are licensed to complete. It is your responsibility as the landowner to confirm that the contractor you hire has the proper license.
What is a well record?
A well record is a document that details the location, age, depth and diameter of the well casing. It lists the most recent structural work on the well along with the name of the contractor that completed the work. Well records are posted online through a provincial mapping system, with the owner’s name(s) redacted.
 Why should I test my well water?
There is no way to tell that your water is clean by looking at it. When you have a private well, it is your responsibility to test and confirm that your water is safe to drink. Testing your well water helps to confirm that your source of water remains free of bacteria.
Where can I get my well water tested?
Well water is tested for total coliform bacteria and E.coli bacteria for free through local Health Units.  Connect with your local Health Unit to find out where to pick up and return sampling bottles.  Instructions on how to take a sample and complete the submission form are typically included with the bottle.

Private labs will test well water samples for a wider range of parameters for a fee. 
How do I apply for grant funding for my well project?
Call or email staff at the conservation authority to find out if you are eligible for well project funding.  There are many programs across the watershed. If eligible, an application form, photo and map of the well location is needed to begin the process. Applications are typically reviewed by local committees on a quarterly basis. If you have already completed the work, retroactive projects may be considered up to 12 months. Only well projects undertaken by a licensed well contractor are eligible for funding.
Where can I find out more about wells?

Find out more at Ontario.ca or connect with the Wells Help Desk at 1-888-396-WELL (9355) or wellshelpdesk@ontario.ca. 
 Agroforestry
 Attracting pollinators to your property
 Agricultural best management practices (BMPs)

Agricultural BMPs are practical, affordable ways to manage your land that help to improve soil health and water quality without sacrificing your farm’s productivity.

Did you know that thousands of farmers in the Grand River watershed are working to improve and protect water quality on their land? Meet local producers, whose contributions are highlighted through their inspiring stories from the field (opens an interactive story map webpage).

Additional resources from other organizations:
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