Top 10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Well Drilling Company in Halifax or the Annapolis Valley
Hiring a well drilling company is a major decision. Whether you’re building a new home in the Annapolis Valley, expanding a farm near Yarmouth, or setting up a business on the outskirts of Halifax, your water supply will affect your health, safety, and long-term costs.
That’s why it’s so important to work with a professional, experienced, and locally trusted contractor. At Shoreline Well Drilling, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners, farmers, and business owners across Western Nova Scotia—especially in areas like Halifax, Dartmouth, Shelburne, and the Valley—secure clean, reliable water with confidence.
Before signing a contract, here are the top 10 questions you should ask any well drilling company, and how Shoreline Well Drilling answers each one.
1. Are You Certified to Drill Wells in Nova Scotia?
In Nova Scotia, all well drillers must hold a valid Well Driller Certificate of Qualification issued by Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change. This ensures they’re trained, tested, and legally permitted to drill safely and to code.
✅ Shoreline Well Drilling is fully certified and compliant, with decades of combined experience operating across residential, commercial, and agricultural sectors.
2. Do You Have Experience with Properties Like Mine?
A well for a cottage in Digby is different than a high-demand well for a fishing operation in Yarmouth—or a greenhouse irrigation system in the Valley. Local experience matters.
✅ We’ve drilled across nearly every terrain and aquifer type in Western Nova Scotia, including specialized wells for fishing operations, farms, commercial buildings, and rural homes. From Shelburne to Dartmouth, we know the ground beneath your feet.
3. What Is the Expected Depth and Yield for a Well on My Property?
While no one can predict exact results before drilling, experienced drillers can give a good estimate based on your location, hydrogeology, and water needs.
✅ At Shoreline Well Drilling, we use local well log data, geological maps, and years of drilling experience to set realistic expectations on depth and yield. We’re always transparent about possible variations and what they mean for your project.
4. Can You Handle Permits and Provincial Reporting?
Nova Scotia requires detailed well logs to be filed after drilling, and larger projects may need water withdrawal approvals or public water system registration.
✅ We handle all required reporting and documentation for every project and stay current with Nova Scotia’s Well Construction Regulations. You’ll receive a copy of your well completion record and peace of mind knowing we’ve submitted everything correctly.
5. What Type of Well Will You Drill, and Why?
Most wells in Western Nova Scotia are drilled bedrock wells with steel casing, offering better long-term reliability and water yield. Dug wells, while still used in certain cases, are becoming less common due to contamination risks.
✅ We typically recommend deep drilled wells, sealed and cased according to provincial law. Our team will explain which type is best suited to your property and how it meets your water demands safely.
6. What Are Your Safety and Setback Practices?
Wells must be set back from septic systems, fuel tanks, livestock pens, and other hazards to avoid contamination. This is not only best practice—it’s the law.
✅ We follow all provincial setback regulations and go further to ensure long-term protection of your groundwater. For example, drilled wells must be at least 15.2 meters from a septic system and 61 meters from landfills or cesspools, and we ensure every site complies.
7. Do You Provide Water Quality Testing?
While Nova Scotia does not mandate testing for private residential wells, it’s highly recommended to check for bacteria, iron, manganese, nitrates, and other potential contaminants.
✅ We offer water quality testing coordination for every new well we drill, with fast turnaround and clear guidance on whether treatment is needed. In areas like the Annapolis Valley, where mineral content can vary, we’ll help ensure your water is safe to drink.
8. What’s Included in Your Quote?
Some companies provide incomplete quotes that don’t include things like the pump system, casing, or water testing. That can lead to unexpected costs later.
✅ Our quotes are always clear, detailed, and comprehensive. We’ll outline everything from drilling depth estimates to pump installation and water testing options, so there are no surprises.
9. Do You Offer Support After the Job Is Done?
Your well system may need routine checks, maintenance, or repairs over the years. A good well drilling company won’t disappear after the rig rolls out.
✅ At Shoreline Well Drilling, our relationship with you doesn’t end after the well is drilled. We’re available for ongoing support, pump repairs, seasonal checkups, and any questions you have about keeping your system running efficiently.
10. Can I Speak to Past Clients or See Recent Work?
Reputation matters. A well drilling company should be happy to provide references and examples of recent successful projects in your area.
✅ We’re proud of our long history working with homeowners, businesses, farmers, and fishing operations. Many of our clients are referrals or repeat customers, and we’re happy to share reviews and project examples that show the quality of our work.
Final Thoughts
Hiring a well drilling company in Nova Scotia is a big decision. Your well isn’t just a piece of infrastructure—it’s your access to clean, dependable water for decades to come.
By asking the right questions and choosing a team with local experience, clear communication, and strong certification, you can feel confident in your investment.
At Shoreline Well Drilling, we’re proud to be the trusted choice for well drilling across Halifax, Dartmouth, the Annapolis Valley, and all of Western Nova Scotia. From family homes to farming operations to coastal businesses, we’ve got the tools, knowledge, and commitment to get the job done right.
Have more questions? We’re happy to answer them. Contact Shoreline Well Drilling today for a free consultation and learn how we can bring safe, clean water to your property.