Purpose of Water Well Inspection
The primary objective of the water well inspection is to evaluate the visible components of a property's water system and assess its capacity to supply water reliably. This ancillary inspection provides the property buyer with a comprehensive report on the condition of the system at the time of inspection, highlighting potential maintenance issues and capabilities of the water supply. It is important to underscore that the inspection does not verify the potability of the water or guarantee that the water supply will meet all the buyer’s needs.
Components of the Inspection Include:
- Historical Records Review:
- Compilation and review of all accessible records, including the original well report, maintenance logs, and previous water tests, to provide the buyer with a thorough understanding of the well's history.
- Inspection of Interior Water Components:
- Examination of household water outlets such as sinks, showers, and toilets to check for leaks and signs of mineral or bacterial deposits, which could indicate underlying issues with the water system.
- Pumps and Pressure System Evaluation
- Detailed assessment of the pump, pressure tank and tank tee and components, focusing on type, functionality, and condition. This includes testing for amperage fluctuations, evaluating corrosion levels, verifying pressure settings, and ensuring the operational efficiency of the tank system.
- Well Components Examination
- Thorough inspection of the well’s physical location, casing, and cap to determine there is no risk of contamination and that all components meet health and safety regulations.
- Comprehensive Water Flow Test
- Conducting an intensive flow test to determine the well’s ability to maintain a consistent flow rate, thus evaluating both the pump’s performance and the well’s capacity to achieve equilibrium under usage demands.
Additional Services:
- Optional Water Sampling and Testing:
- While not included as a standard part of the well inspection, conducting water testing is strongly recommended to detect any potential contaminants that may necessitate treatment solutions.
- Water sampling is provided by SureWorx Inspection Services Inc. on request. Lab results are conducted by a 3rd party certified laboratory and SureWorx Inspection Inc. takes no responsibility for their results. The homebuyer should compare all sample results with the Government of Alberta's local guidelines or a health specialist. Canadian Drinking Water Guidelines.
Exclusions:
- Water Treatment Devices:
- The inspection does not cover water treatment systems directly; however, any observed issues with these systems may be noted as a courtesy.
- If filtration is required, I recommend contacting a water filtration specialist or contractor for proper filtration and costs involved.
Conclusion and Recommendations:
This inspection is designed to arm the buyer with crucial information regarding the functionality and condition of the water well system, aiding in informed decision-making for property acquisition. Should any concerns arise during the inspection, further testing or consultations with specialized professionals, such as well contractors or water treatment experts, may be recommended.
For more information about working wells please visit Alberta Working Wells - Resources