Background
Green Communities Canada is a national network of community-based non-governmental organizations that deliver innovative environmental programs and services. Well Aware is a program of Green Communities Canada that encourages Ontario well owners to protect their wells and common groundwater supplies.
Taking action
Through the Well Aware program, outreach to well owners and the general public over the last 10 years included:
- Home visits guiding well owners through an assessment of their well and property are led by trained advisors
- Production and distribution of Well Aware booklets and leaflets
- Workshops with participants from Conservation Authorities, health units, home inspectors, realtors and municipal staff
- Community forums
Achieving results
Education is a key component of Well Aware. Based on surveys taken from 2002 to 2009, participating well owners:
- Know to properly plug and seal an unused well through hiring a licensed contractor: 35 per cent increase
- Are confident in their ability to inspect their own well: 17 per cent increase
- Have tested their water at least once: 8 per cent increase
- Understand that the well owner is responsible for his/her own well: 28 per cent increase
- Hire a licensed contractor for advice or construction: 62 per cent increase
A yearly survey of 10 per cent of the program participants shows that 70 per cent of those surveyed take positive actions to protect their well after a guided home visit.
In their home visits, Well Aware advisors provide referrals to: resources in the community, such as septic haulers, health units, and well drillers; and other environmental programs provided by the Green Communities Canada members. These programs include home energy audits, sustainable landscaping, and waste reduction. In this way, the program promotes a holistic approach, leading to sustainable living and overall benefits to the homeowners, community and environment.
