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Private well abandonment program

Peel's Private Well Abandonment Program decommissions unused private wells in Caledon, rural Brampton, and Mississauga.

Current well decommissioning requests

Please note that after October 30, 2023, any new requests submitted for decommissioning will not be completed until spring of 2024.

Groundwater is a drinking water source for most residents in Peel.

Old and unused wells threaten groundwater sources by letting pollutants such as chemicals and bacteria contaminate groundwater.

The Private Well Abandonment Program:

Well decommissioning is carried out by qualified and licensed well contractors. Wells are decommissioned in compliance with the Ontario Wells Regulation 903 under the Ontario Water Resources Act, 1990, which directs well construction, maintenance, and decommissioning.

Why well decommissioning is important

Unused and improperly sealed or maintained drinking water wells can provide a direct link between surface pollutants and groundwater. Identifying and decommissioning these types of wells reduces the risk of drinking water source contamination.

Refer to Source Water Protection to further understand why it’s important to decommission an unused well.

Program eligibility

There is no cost to participate in or qualify for the Peel Region Well Abandonment Program.

To qualify:

The program is not intended for:

These types of wells do not qualify for the program:

Before decommissioning work begins:

Decommissioning timeline

Decommissioning approval generally takes between 2 – 4 weeks. Work scheduling depends on how many participants are enrolled in the program.

You will need to sign a conjoint consent and release form before the decommissioning work can take place.

Decommissioning work is typically done within 1 standard working day (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.) depending on the complexity and number of wells being decommissioned on the property.

Once the decommissioning work has been completed, the contractor will mail the property owner a copy of the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MOECP) Well Record.

This record indicates that your well has been decommissioned in accordance with the Ontario Regulation 903 under the Ontario Water Resources Act, 1990.

Contact information

For more details about the Private Well Abandonment Program, email or call 905-791-7800, extension 4685.

If you want to replace well water with regionally-treated water for your home, refer to Connecting your property to Peel's drinking water system.