Drilling a well is one of the most consequential decisions for a rural property owner. Unlike many home services, well drilling is legally restricted to licensed contractors under Ontario Regulation 903, and mistakes in contractor selection can result in a poorly constructed well, no water found, or regulatory violations that complicate future property transactions. This guide walks through the process systematically.
Step-by-Step Hiring Process
Verify MECP Water Well Contractor Licence — Mandatory by Law
Under O. Reg. 903, only a contractor holding a current water well contractor licence issued by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) may legally construct, alter, or decommission a well. The licence is issued annually and tied to the specific contractor or company.
Do not rely on a contractor's verbal claim of licensing. Use the Ontario government's online licensed contractor registry to verify using the contractor's name or licence number before proceeding. See our guide on verifying contractor licensing in Ontario for step-by-step instructions.
Get 2–3 Written Quotes — Compare All-In
Collect at least two to three quotes from different MECP-licensed contractors before deciding. When comparing, look beyond the headline per-foot rate. Confirm: What casing type is being quoted (steel or PVC)? Is the pump included, or is it a separate line item? Does the quote include the well cap and grouting? Is pressure tank installation in scope?
Quotes that appear lower may exclude components another quote includes. Always ask for a fully itemized written quote so you are comparing equivalent scopes of work.
Ask About Local Experience in Your Specific Zone
Well drilling in the Canadian Shield granite north of Pembroke is fundamentally different from drilling in the Ottawa Valley sedimentary terrain around Renfrew or Arnprior. A contractor who routinely works your specific geology will give you far more accurate depth estimates, realistic cost projections, and knows what yield to expect from local formations.
Ask directly: How many wells have you drilled in this municipality in the last two years? What depths are typical in this area? What yield is common? Contractors with relevant local experience can answer these questions specifically.
Confirm MECP Well Record Submission Is Included
Under O. Reg. 903, the licensed contractor must submit a Well Record to the MECP within 30 days of completing the well. This record documents the construction details, depth, geological log, and water-level data collected during drilling. Without a submitted well record, your well is not registered with the province.
An unregistered well can create complications during property sales, mortgage applications, or future well work. Confirm in writing that MECP well record submission is part of the contracted service — a professional contractor will include this without prompting.
Understand the Dry-Hole Policy Before You Sign
Water well drilling involves geological uncertainty — no contractor can guarantee water will be found at a given depth. Before signing a contract, ask explicitly: What happens if no water of sufficient yield is found at the agreed depth? Who bears the cost of drilling deeper? Is there a minimum guaranteed yield, and if so, how is it defined?
Dry-hole policies vary significantly between contractors. Some include a set number of additional feet at no charge; others require renegotiation before continuing. Get this policy in writing. Understanding it upfront prevents significant disputes after drilling has started.
Clarify Pump and Pressure Tank Warranty
The pump and pressure tank are typically separate from the drilling contract and may be supplied and installed by the same contractor or a separate plumber or pump specialist. Clarify the manufacturer warranty on the pump (commonly 1–5 years on parts) and what the installer's labour warranty covers. Ask who handles a warranty service call — some contractors include it in a service agreement, others treat it as a billable service.
Schedule Water Quality Testing 30 Days After Installation
After drilling is complete, water disturbed during construction needs time to settle before testing results are reliable. Schedule a water quality test approximately 30 days post-installation. At minimum, test for total coliform and E. coli bacteria. Additional testing for nitrates, iron, manganese, hardness, and pH is advisable for a complete baseline — particularly for properties near agricultural land.
Red Flags to Watch For
- No MECP licence or won't produce one: Drilling without a licence is illegal. Walk away.
- No written contract: All terms including drilling depth, footage rate, what is included, and dry-hole policy must be in writing.
- No mention of MECP well record registration: A legitimate contractor knows this is required. If they don't bring it up, ask — and if they seem unfamiliar with it, reconsider.
- Demands full payment before drilling begins: A reasonable deposit is standard; full payment before any work starts is not.
- Unusually low per-foot rate with no explanation: Low rates sometimes reflect exclusions (pump, electrical, cap) that appear as add-ons later.
See also: Hiring a contractor in Ontario — general guide and Ontario contractor licensing guide.