Before you drill: prepare your well project

Start with the property and water demand

Send a town, legal land description or map reference, along with access details for the proposed work. Describe whether the well will serve a home, acreage, livestock operation or business. Include future requirements you already know about, rather than relying only on the property's current use.

For a farm, provide the livestock numbers and other uses that need water. For a household, explain the intended use and whether an existing well is also available. These details help frame the discussion; they do not establish what a new well will produce.

Gather records before choosing a drilling location

If you have drilling records, previous test results or information about an existing well, have them ready. Identify the well location and explain any known changes in supply. Information from another property can provide context, but it does not confirm the depth, yield or quality of water on your land.

A WaterFind groundwater survey is a separate planning step that can help compare potential drilling locations. We generally drill for customers who have used WaterFind first. Discuss the survey findings and remaining uncertainty before agreeing on a target.

Compare the written scope, not just a quoted number

Ask what the estimate includes for drilling, casing, travel, pump equipment and testing. Confirm which items are priced separately and how changes to the agreed work will be handled. Keep survey costs separate from the drilling and well-completion estimate.

Our Alberta well cost guide provides questions to use when reviewing an estimate. Any guarantee eligibility, exclusions and charges that remain payable should be confirmed in the written agreement.

Confirm scheduling and the next step

Share your preferred timing and property-access constraints. Contact the team to confirm current availability; sending the enquiry form does not book work. If the problem concerns an existing water system rather than a new well, describe the symptoms and review well repair or pump repair information first.

Actual well depth, yield and water quality are established through drilling and testing. This guide helps you prepare useful questions rather than predicting the result of your property investigation.

Review our new well drilling service or send your property details to discuss the next step.