As drought conditions persist across rural Nova Scotia, some residents are facing a tough choice — endure months without running water or spend tens of thousands on a drilled well.
When their 200-year-old dug well ran dry for the first time, Nancy Grove and Peter Gale decided they could no longer wait for rain. The couple, who live near the Bay of Fundy, relied for weeks on water pickups from a community centre and help from a neighbour who shared their well through a hose.
“There’s a certain sadness to retire the old well,” said Grove, a retired nurse. “It’s been great for so many years, but we had no choice.”
Earlier this month, the couple invested nearly $20,000 in a new 91-metre-deep drilled well — a financial strain, but one they hope will protect them from future droughts.
According to Ian Spooner, hydrologist at Acadia University, the shift toward drilled wells is becoming more common, but he urges homeowners to weigh their options carefully.
“Drilled wells are more reliable, but not always the right first step,” he said. “People should consider cost, property geology, and alternatives before drilling.”
Spooner warned that the drought could persist through the winter, delaying recovery of the water table until spring. Instead of drilling immediately, he advises exploring temporary solutions like drawing water from nearby ponds or springs, purchasing hauled water, or using community wells.
Some municipalities, he added, may offer loan programs to help cover the steep costs of new wells.
Before drilling, Spooner recommends talking to neighbours about their wells’ depth, yield, and water quality, and consulting professionals who can assess local geology.
“The best way to understand your risk is to learn from those around you,” he said. “Geology varies widely — drill in the wrong spot, and you might find nothing.”
The Department of Natural Resources and Renewables says areas with sand and gravel deposits typically provide better groundwater, while harder mineral formations may hinder drilling or contaminate water.
Despite the challenges, Spooner acknowledges that for some, a drilled well may be the only path to water security.
“Many dug wells will recover in time,” he said. “But if one decides to drill, they’re investing in peace of mind.”
With no guarantee of rainfall soon, more Nova Scotians are likely to make that same difficult decision.
