Drilling Agricultural Wells in Nova Scotia: What Farmers Need to Know
Water is at the heart of every successful agricultural operation. Whether you’re running a dairy farm in the Annapolis Valley, managing a greenhouse near Shelburne, or raising livestock outside of Yarmouth, having a reliable water source is critical to your farm’s daily operations and long-term sustainability.
At Shoreline Well Drilling, we specialize in drilling agricultural wells across Western Nova Scotia, with experience supporting farmers from Halifax to the South Shore. From new irrigation systems to replacing aging wells, we help you secure the clean, consistent water your operation needs to thrive.
Here’s what every Nova Scotia farmer should know about planning, drilling, and maintaining a high-performing agricultural well.
Why a Dedicated Agricultural Well Matters
Many farms rely on surface water, shallow wells, or aging systems that weren’t designed to meet today’s demands. A properly planned and drilled agricultural well can:
Provide high-volume water flow for irrigation, livestock, and equipment
Offer better reliability than seasonal streams or dug ponds
Ensure water quality that meets safety standards for animals and crops
Help meet regulatory standards for agricultural use
Reduce your dependence on external water sources
Whether you’re expanding your operation or looking for more self-reliance, a dedicated well is a smart long-term investment.
Common Agricultural Uses for Well Water
The type of well you need depends on how water is used on your farm. At Shoreline Well Drilling, we’ve worked with a wide variety of agricultural operations, including:
Livestock operations (watering, cleaning, cooling)
Irrigation systems (sprinklers, drip lines, pivot systems)
Greenhouses and nurseries
Crop spraying
Washing equipment or processing facilities
On-farm processing or cold storage
We’ll assess your total water demand and recommend a system that delivers consistent supply—even during dry seasons.
Understanding Water Needs and Flow Requirements
One of the first steps in planning an agricultural well is determining how much water your farm needs.
General flow rate guidelines:
Livestock watering: ~10–15 gallons per day per cow
Irrigation systems: Varies significantly, often 5–25 gallons per minute (GPM)
Greenhouse operations: Depends on plant type, season, and hydroponic system
Nova Scotia’s groundwater resources are generally reliable, but actual well yield depends on location, geology, and aquifer depth. At Shoreline Well Drilling, we use decades of local experience and well data to estimate yield potential before drilling.
Well Placement and Site Planning
A productive well starts with the right location. Our team will evaluate:
Distance from contamination sources (manure pits, fuel storage, septic systems)
Topography and surface water flow
Ease of access for maintenance and pump systems
Proximity to barns, fields, or greenhouses
We follow all provincial Well Construction Regulations, which include minimum setback distances:
15.2 meters from septic systems
61 meters from landfills or contaminated sites
30.5 meters from manure storage, in some agricultural cases
We also ensure the wellhead is elevated and protected from runoff to reduce contamination risk.
Drilling the Well: What to Expect
Here’s how the agricultural well drilling process typically unfolds:
1. Site Visit & Consultation
We meet on-site to assess location, water demand, and feasibility. We’ll review local regulations and hydrogeological maps to determine ideal placement.
2. Drilling Begins
Our rig drills a borehole deep into bedrock (usually 100–400+ feet), while we install a steel casing and grout seal to protect groundwater.
3. Well Development
We remove any sediment or debris, measure yield, and test static water levels.
4. Pump System Installation
We install a pump system sized for your farm’s flow rate, often including large-capacity pressure tanks or holding tanks for irrigation.
5. Water Testing
We can coordinate water testing for minerals, bacteria, and nitrates—especially important for livestock and produce wash water.
Cost Considerations and Value Over Time
The cost of drilling an agricultural well depends on depth, yield, pump system size, and site conditions. While upfront investment varies, a properly designed well can pay for itself through reduced water costs, increased productivity, and operational reliability.
We offer clear, upfront pricing and will work with you to identify the most efficient system for your needs. Shoreline Well Drilling also helps clients explore potential funding or rebates tied to agricultural water infrastructure, where applicable.
Long-Term Maintenance and Support
We don’t just drill wells—we help you keep them working. Agricultural systems require routine maintenance to ensure long-term performance:
Annual pump inspection and flow tests
Water quality testing for livestock safety
Inspection of pressure tanks and controls
System winterization, if needed
We’re here for seasonal checkups, repairs, and long-term planning, with quick response and experienced support throughout the region.
Supporting Nova Scotia’s Agricultural Community
Over the past several years, Shoreline Well Drilling has worked with many farms and fishing operations from Shelburne to Yarmouth, helping rural producers access safe and sustainable groundwater systems.
We understand the unique demands of working the land in Nova Scotia’s varied climate and terrain, and we’re proud to support the province’s vital agricultural economy.
Fully Insured for Your Protection
When you work with Shoreline Well Drilling, you’re protected. We are fully insured with:
✅ Commercial General Liability
✅ Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) coverage
This ensures peace of mind for our clients and professional standards on every job site.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to expand your agricultural operation, reduce water risk, or modernize your irrigation systems, a new well may be the best investment you make this year. With the right planning and an experienced drilling partner, you’ll secure the water your farm needs to grow—season after season.
Contact Shoreline Well Drilling today to schedule a consultation for your agricultural well. From Halifax to the Annapolis Valley and the South Shore, we’re trusted by Nova Scotia farmers who value quality, experience, and reliable results.