New regulations for wells and geothermal heating

March 13, 2015

On the 2nd of March 2015, new regulations and changes concerning the installation of artesian wells and the drilling of geothermal systems will come into force. Here are some of the changes that you should know about.

Overseen by an accredited professional

Your artesian well must still be at least 15 meters from your septic tank. This regulation has not changed. However, in the event that your artesian well is drilled more than 15 meters but less than 30 meters from your septic tank, you will now be required to have your well sealed by a certified professional, such as an engineer or a technician.

Permit required

Do you want to make substantial changes to your well? Please note that some of these changes, such as deepening your well, fracturing it, or sealing it, will henceforth require a permit.

Water analysis is not required

In the past, after drilling a new artesian well you were required to conduct a water analysis and send it to the appropriate department. The law no longer requires you to carry out this analysis. However we strongly recommend that you conduct this analysis, for your own peace of mind and to ensure that you will not suffer any health problems resulting from poor water quality.

Ditto for geothermal energy

Your open-loop geothermal system must conform to the same standards as your water withdrawal facility, with any necessary adaptations.

Methanol is not allowed

Previously, methanol was permitted in the pipes of closed-loop geothermal systems. Use of this toxic chemical is now prohibited, as it is harmful to the environment and potentially dangerous for your health in the event of breakage. At Bernier Wells, we have long preferred propylene glycol, which is known to be non-health threatening.

Accessible facilities

In conclusion, do not forget that your facilities must remain accessible at all times. For example, building stone walls around your well to conceal it is not permitted. Inspections, maintenance, disinfection, or repairs may be necessary and it must be possible to carry these out without compromising accessibility. Therefore, accessibility of wells is now required under the new regulations.

For more information about all the regulations applicable to your facilities, consult this document.