The Region of Peel's Private Well Abandonment Program (PDF 135KB) decommissions old, unused private wells in Caledon, rural Brampton and Mississauga.
The program’s purpose is to protect Peel’s groundwater sources. Old and unused wells threaten groundwater sources by allowing pollutants such as chemicals and bacteria to contaminate groundwater, a drinking water source for most Region of Peel residents.
- Program eligibility
- Program exclusions
- The importance of decommissioning an old well
- Frequently asked questions
- Contact information
About the program
- It is fully funded by the Region of Peel
- It is limited in time and funding and is on a first come, first served basis
- The program is administered by the Water Quality and Compliance group
- Well decommissioning is carried out by a qualified and licensed well contractor
- Wells are decommissioned in accordance with Ontario Regulation 903 - standard well abandonment requirements
- Each request is evaluated prior to the start of any work
Program eligibility
- You have an used well located on your property and you want to decommission it
- The well is located in Caledon, rural Brampton or Mississauga
Program exclusions
- Land Developers
- Sites where there are access issues and sites with:
- Wells overdrilling/multiple Nested Wells
- Flowing wells
- Wells that are collapsed or require the removal of large quantity of debris
- Wells near structures that may be affected by the decommissioning work
- Wells with strong or visible evidence of contamination
- Wells near landscaping that would require extensive restoration work
- Any other work beyond the standard requirements of a typical well abandonment process
The importance of decommissioning an old well
Unsealed abandoned water wells and improperly sealed or maintained drinking water wells can potentially provide a direct link between surface pollutants and groundwater. Identifying and decommissioning these types of wells will reduce the risk of contamination to drinking water sources.
Frequently asked questions
- Is there a cost to participate in the Well Abandonment Program?
No, the reviewed and approved decommissioning work will be funded by the Region.
- Do I have to sign anything to begin the decommissioning work?
Yes, you are required to sign a Consent Form before the work is done as well as sign a Site Access Release Form once the work has been completed.
- How long will it take to get my well decommissioned?
Generally decommissioning work takes between two to four weeks. Work scheduling depends on the number of participants enrolled in the program.
Contact information
For questions and more information regarding the Private Well Abandonment Program, please call 905-791-7800, ext. 4685.
