Paul Slade, from Duncan’s Drillwell Enterprises Ltd., said most of the wells in the Cowichan Valley are registered in the provincial database already.
To clarify misconceptions on the province’s new Water Sustainability Act, Slade said he’s certain there is no actual requirement or deadline to register wells, although it is encouraged as it will show up when there is a groundwater licence application in your area.
“Registering your well into the database is in the well owner’s best interest and there will be no cost to register your well,” Slade said.
“There is no requirement to apply for a licence for a domestic water well that supplies a single household. The licensing of a well is a requirement only if you are using or intend to use a well and groundwater for any purpose other than a single family dwelling domestic supply”
Sade said irrigation of more than 0.25 acres, farming, manufacturing, or any commercial or industrial activity using groundwater requires the licensing of the well.
The licensing application fees for wells that are and have been used for a licensing purpose prior to Feb. 29, 2016, are being waived by the province until Dec. 31 of this year, which was an extension from February of this year.
The current status of people’s wells can be ascertained by going to the Ministry of the Environment Water Well Application and search by well location by clicking here.