Years ago, there were no regulations about well construction. People needed water and did what they had to do to get it. Strategically placed dug wells provided water for households and farms alike. Drilled wells were holes in the ground wherever it was convenient. Wells were covered with wooden boards, cement pads that cracked over the years, well caps, etc. These kept out small puppies, but not the bugs they chased. We humans figured out that it wasn't such a great idea to let all those vermin and other contaminants into the holes that provided drinking water. We also figured out that if something was in one well, the water traveled underground to another well, and carried the same contamination along with it. That means, if my well isn't properly sealed, the potential for contamination is much greater than just the water in my well.

Ontario has became a world leader in ground water resource protection and well construction.  The current legislation is Regulation 903, under the Water Resources Act. This dictates how to construct a well, and who can construct, repair or otherwise work on a water well in Ontario. It also states that the well-owner is ultimately responsible for the proper care and maintenance of the well. The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Water Division licenses well technicians and contractors, You can find more information about private water wells on the Ministry website at https://www.ontario.ca/page/wells-your-property.