What to Do When Your Well Runs Dry in Nova Scotia

If you're a Nova Scotia homeowner who relies on a well for drinking water, discovering that it has run dry can be alarming. Don't panic—this comprehensive guide will walk you through both immediate actions and long-term solutions to restore your water supply safely.

In Nova Scotia, a significant proportion of households depend on private wells for their domestic water supply:

• Approximately 40% to 46% of Nova Scotia households rely on private wells for their water.
• The remainder of homes are generally served by municipal or other centralized water systems.

Recognizing the Warning Signs

Your well may be running dry if you notice:

• Faucets sputtering or producing air instead of a steady water flow
• Sudden drops in water pressure throughout your home
• Cloudy, muddy, or off-tasting water coming from your taps
• Visible sediment in your water supply

Catching these signs early can prevent costly damage to your well system and help you respond quickly.

Immediate Emergency Steps

1. Stop Using Your Pump Right Away

This is critical—running your pump on a dry well can cause expensive equipment damage. Turn off your pump immediately if you suspect your well has gone dry.

2. Conserve Any Remaining Water

If you still have some water in your system, use it sparingly for essential needs like drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene. Every drop counts until you can restore your supply.

3. Secure Safe Drinking Water

Arrange for alternative drinking water immediately. Options include:

• Municipal water supply (if available in your area)
• Bottled water from stores
• Certified bulk water providers
• Clean, sanitized storage containers for water transport

4. Rule Out Other Problems

Sometimes what appears to be a dry well is actually an electrical fault, pump failure, or leak in your system. A professional inspection can confirm whether your well is truly dry or if there's another issue at play.

Critical Don'ts

Never pour water into your well from another source. This can introduce dangerous bacteria or pollutants, making your water unsafe and potentially damaging your well system permanently.

Professional Solutions and Options

Once you've confirmed your well has dried up, several solutions may be available:

Lowering Your Pump

If Nova Scotia's water table has dropped but there's still water at greater depths, a qualified professional may be able to lower your pump to access deeper water sources.

Well Deepening

Deepening your existing well can increase its water yield, though success isn't guaranteed. The cost may be comparable to drilling a new well, so weigh your options carefully.

Well Rehabilitation Through Hydrofracturing

Hydrofracturing (hydrofracking) can sometimes open new fractures in bedrock, improving water flow without the need for a completely new well. This technique has shown success in many Nova Scotia locations.

Assessing Well Age

Most wells last 20-30 years. If your well is older, it may produce less water due to sediment buildup or mineral deposits. Professional cleaning or rejuvenation services might restore its productivity.

Natural Recharge: The Waiting Game

Let Your Well Rest

If the dry spell is temporary—perhaps due to Nova Scotia's seasonal drought conditions or recent overuse—stop using the well completely for several days. This allows natural groundwater recharge to occur.

Post-Rainfall Assessment

After significant rainfall, check if water has returned before resuming normal use. Nova Scotia's climate patterns can sometimes resolve well issues naturally.

Preparing for Future Water Security

System Upgrades

In areas of Nova Scotia prone to water shortages, consider upgrading your system or drilling a new well for long-term reliability.

Smart Water Conservation

Install low-flow fixtures and reduce outdoor water use, especially lawn watering during dry periods. This helps prevent overtaxing your well system during Nova Scotia's drier seasons.

Regular Maintenance Schedule

Test your water quality at least twice yearly, following Nova Scotia's provincial water safety guidelines. This is especially important after your well has gone dry or undergone repairs.

When Water Returns: Safety First

Once your well is producing water again or after professional repairs:

Disinfect Your Well System

Use approved chlorination methods as detailed in Nova Scotia's water safety guidelines. This eliminates potential contamination from air exposure, backflow, or equipment changes during the dry period. Please click here to read an article about how to disinfect your well with Chlorination

Test Before Drinking

Wait several days after disinfection before collecting water samples for testing. Continue using alternative water sources until lab results confirm your water is safe for consumption.

When to Call the Experts

Certain situations require professional intervention:

• Persistent dryness despite adequate rainfall
• Wells constructed with older methods or materials
• Unclear causes for reduced water yield
• Any concerns about water quality or system integrity

Contact a certified well professional or Nova Scotia's provincial water specialists for expert assessment and solutions.

Key Takeaways for Nova Scotia Well Owners

• Act quickly but safely—protect your equipment and avoid contamination
• Never attempt to refill your well with water from external sources
• Consider both short-term fixes (pump lowering) and long-term investments (new well drilling)
• Always test water quality before resuming normal use
• Follow provincial guidelines for well maintenance and water safety

Remember, while a dry well can be stressful, it's a manageable situation with the right approach. Stay calm, act promptly, and don't hesitate to seek professional guidance. With proper response and planning, you can restore your water supply and prevent future issues. If your home also has a Septic System, please click here to learn the do's and don'ts. 

For specific questions about well regulations or water testing in Nova Scotia, consult your local Department of Environment and Climate Change office or certified water testing laboratory.