B152 - Ground Water In Ontario, 1951 And 1952 - Geology Ontario

The shallow dug well on the C. Wilson farm near Milton showed the usual,
considerable, seasonal variation, but the highest water level in the spring was
about the same.
Observation well No. 20 on the Kilmer van Nostrand property north of the
city of Toronto continued to indicate only a slight variation in water level. The
trend appeared to be slightly downward. The highest water level measured in
March, 1948, was only 2.63 feet higher than the lowest level measured in De
cember, 1952. The very gradual drop in water level may be due to the residential
and commercial development of the area, which has probably diverted con
siderable precipitation away from the area to storm sewers or ditches. Although
a certain amount of direct infiltration is still possible, the substitution of buildings
and pavements for many of the grassed fields should ultimately affect groundwater
levels in the area.
GROUND-WATER LEGISLATION
Prosecutions
In January, 1951, informations and complaints were laid by the Department
against two York County drillers who were not complying with regulations under
the Well Drillers Act. Charges were dropped against both drillers when all out
standing records were turned over to the Department.
In April, 1951, two Carleton County drillers were brought to trial in the
city magistrate's court, Ottawa, and together paid fines totalling S64.00 for
non-compliance of water-well regulations.
In July, 1951, five additional Carleton County drillers appeared in the
county court and the city magistrate's court and paid fines ranging from S23.00
to S51.00 for non-observance of regulations made under the Well Drillers Act.
Township Permits
On October 5, 1950, the Corporation of the Township of Nepean passed a
by-law that dealt in part with the method of drilling water wells within the
township. This by-law, No. 22-50, was designated "Regulations in respect to
installation of wells and sewerage disposal units." The parts of the by-law
relating to the drilling of water wells are given below: 1
Section A The provisions of this By-law shall only to apply on [sic\ lots three acres or less
in area.
Section B No person, firm or corporation shall construct or drill or dig any well, or con
struct or install any sewerage disposal unit or enter into any contract to perform
such works until such person, firm or corporation shall have secured a permit to
perform such work and shall have paid a permit fee of S3.00 for each well to
be drilled or dug. . . .
Section E Wells
No well shall be dug unless so constructed so as to prevent the entrance of surface
water.
No well shall be drilled unless it is encased in first quality metal piping to a
sufficient depth and it is recommended that such metal casing shall extend into
bedrock not less than 12 inches where rock is encountered.
All well casings shall extend at least four inches above the finished ground level
and shall be properly capped with a durable and sufficient metal cap which shall
provide a proper vent.
No lead off pipe shall be opened into well casing unless such joint is properly
and securely jointed and be water tight.
No drilled well shall be constructed within 30 feet and no dug well constructed
within 50 feet of any sewage disposal unit and its appurtenances.
x Copy of by-law No. 22-50 supplied by the clerk of the township of Nepean.
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