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A guide to the features of a quality water well drill. 13 THE SOURCE
News and Views From OGWA 21 ‘CLEANER THAN ARCTIC ICE’
Alberta researchers seek funding to study pristine water.
Industry must generate excitement to attract new hires.
ON THE WEB:
Canada needs the knowledge and perspectives of Indigenous peoples to resolve water crisis, says Manitoba official Canada’s water crisis cannot resolved unless lands from which water flows are protected, says the executive director of the Manitoba chapter of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society. Winnipeg Free Press report
Over-consumption, unsustainable use draining world’s water at ‘vampiric’ rate: UN
The United Nations has set a 17-point list of necessary actions to achieve sustainable development, which includes access to clean drinking water and sanitation. Global News report
We can’t take water for granted
Clean, clear water doesn’t magically appear
by Mike Jiggens
World Water Day was recently celebrated, giving us cause to reflect upon this resource which we – in Canada – often take for granted. Every day of the week, Canadians will hold an empty glass under the faucet, open the tap and watch as clear, clean water fills the vessel. They’ll swallow it back, satisfied that their thirst has been quenched without any health risks.
It’s an exercise that will be repeated several times a day, achieving the same desired effect on each occasion. It’s likely that most Canadians don’t think twice about where their water comes from or what goes into ensuring it’s always clear and clean and that it’s always available at the turn of the tap.
For some Canadians, though, and for many, many others around the world, access to clean water isn’t quite that easy. Their taps might produce discoloured water which must subsequently be boiled before it’s fit for human consumption. Even after that process, if it’s a cold, refreshing glass of water that’s desired, it will be a while before it’s available.
Unfortunately, that’s the way it is in several First Nations communities in Canada. It’s worse yet in many regions around the world where water sources are scarce.
It’s no wonder, then, that bottled water consumption increased 73 per cent globally from 2010 to 2020. According to United Nations estimates, there are 2.2 billion people around the world without access to safe drinking water. Developing countries without such access are dependent upon bottled water to meet their needs, and Egypt – where water is scarce – was the fastest growing world market for treated bottled water between 2018 and 2021.
The United Nations largely attributes the rise in
bottled water consumption to government failure at improving public water supplies. But it’s not just developing countries that have contributed to the increase in bottled water consumption. The United Nations reports that more than a third of Americans choose bottled water as their preferred water source. Such statistics challenge the UN reaching its 2030 sustainable development goal for safe drinking water. The United Nations figures the advertising campaigns of water bottlers are leading the public to believe that bottled water is a better option.
The increase in bottled water consumption also poses environmental concerns, including the depletion of groundwater and soaring plastic pollution. It’s estimated that upwards of 85 per cent of all plastic bottles make their way to landfills, and the amount of plastic in the oceans could triple in less than 20 years if nothing is done.
We’re already hearing the horror stories of plastics-related “forever chemicals” or PFAS which are finding their way into the human bloodstream.
Let’s not end this on a sour note. Here, in Canada, a freshwater action plan is to be implemented and a Canada Water Agency established with the goal of keeping Canadian water clean for generations to come. The Canadian government has also pledged to end all drinking water advisories in First Nations communities and introduce new safe drinking water legislation.
Perhaps the outlook will be rosier in the next few years.
NEXT ISSUE: The next issue of Ground Water Canada will focus on an Ontario municipality’s concern with high metal concentrations in their water supply.
PFAS IN WATER: WHAT’S
Focus on the Environment.
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances – generally referred to as PFAS or “forever chemicals” –have existed for about 80 years, scientists say, and may or may not have serious implications on the health of humans.
More recently, they have been detected in the human bloodstream and in breast milk, but especially in drinking water.
For now, there is no need to panic, says Dr. Joe Schwarcz, director of the Office for Science & Society at Montreal’s McGill University, who was recently interviewed for a local radio program. He says there are more than 10,000 PFAS in the environment, and many of them are elements being used for such useful purposes as firefighting foam, waterproofing fabric and food packaging.
The question is, he says, are they doing anything to pose a health concern.
Scientists at this stage can make only educated guesses about whether PFAS represent a serious problem. Schwarcz said such guesses are difficult to make because there are thousands of PFAS found in water, and each one has different properties. Some are completely innocuous while other may be more dangerous.
More research is required to make better informed decisions, he says.
Ongoing lab studies are being conducted in cells and in animals with the subjects being exposed to greater amounts of PFAS than that to which humans are generally exposed.
More information is needed, but
Schwarcz says at the nanograms-per-litre level or the parts-per-trillion level, there is no need to panic, knowing that all PFAS aren’t problematic. Putting things in simpler terms, he says the detection of parts per trillion is about the same as the width of a credit card amid the distance between the earth and the moon.
Still, 99 per cent of more than 400 water samples taken from more than 300 municipalities contained PFAS.
People concerned about PFAS in their drinking water can reduce their levels somewhat by using activated carbon filters, such as those in Brita water filters, but not all contaminants will be removed. Reverse osmosis is a more effective method, but it’s also expensive, Schwarcz says. He adds that some types of bottled water don’t contain PFAS, yet some do. Without proper testing, it’s not clear.
Several PFAS don’t break down in landfills and eventually make their way into water systems. A more recent concern, based on research at the University of Florida, is that toilet paper is a new source of PFAS in wastewater. Toilet paper contributes to about four per cent of PFAS found in sewage in Canada and the United States.
Not all brands of toilet paper tested, however, had detectable PFAS, researchers say.
Firefighters in the United States, meanwhile, are pushing for the elimination of PFAS chemicals from their gear. They argue that years of exposure to PFAS in their equipment are causing serious health prob
lems, and the firefighting service has one of the highest rates of cancer-related deaths.
The problem firefighters face is that the “turnout” gear they wear is made of three layers designed to protect them from flames and heat, with the middle layer treated with PFAS to guard them against high temperatures. National standards for fire-resistant apparel have always required the PFAS elements.
The National Fire Protection Association’s technical committee, however, has since approved turnout gear that is PFASfree and meets the necessary standards. A remaining obstacle is the cost. PFAS-free turnout gear is priced at about $5,000, leaving many smaller fire departments unable to shoulder the cost.
Toxic firefighting foam that can negatively impact groundwater.
Photo credit: Peter Togel/Adobe Stock
BILLIONS OF CUBIC METRES OF WASTEWATER MUST BE TREATED TO MEET UNITED NATIONS GOALS
Zurich, Switzerland – An additional 8.56 billion cubic metres of wastewater a year must be treated to meet United Nations goals, according to ABB, a technology leader in electrification and automation.
Additionally, 469 treatment facilities per year are required to meet UN goals. These are the findings of independent research commissioned by ABB ahead of World Water Day (WWD) on March 22.
As the UN prepares to report on progress made against its sustainable development goals (SDG), ABB’s research focuses on SDG 6.3 which aims to improve water quality by halving the proportion of untreated wastewater globally, increasing recycling, and minimizing the release of hazardous materials. The UN says 2.2 billion people lack access to safely managed drinking water, while more than 4.2 billion people lack safely managed sanitation.
However, treating wastewater is energy intensive, with the industry consuming up to three per cent of the world’s total energy output and contributing to more than 1.5 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions.
“This research proves more needs to be done to help support the UN goals and accelerate progress in tackling water scarcity,” Brandon Spencer, president of ABB Energy Industries, said. “But we need to ensure we are achieving these wastewater treatment targets in the most energy and resource efficient way possible to make it sustainable. This is where technology is key.”
While increasing wastewater treatment capacity is a priority, the early integration of technology to drive efficiency at plants is also vital. ABB’s automation, electrification and digital solutions are helping monitor,
analyze and manage wastewater plant operations. In association with crucial measurement and control solutions, which collect and transmit a wealth of operational and diagnostic data, ABB systems help optimize resource efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
Development Economics, which has more than 20 years’ research experience, utilized the same data employed by the UN to assess what real-term measures are needed.
Based on modelling using a 50-millionlitre daily capacity wastewater treatment plant as the benchmark, a further 469 treatment facilities –the volume equivalent of 3.4 million Olympic swimming pools – is required each year.
The scale of the challenge linked to UN SDG 6.3 is highlighted in a report from 2021 assessing the volumes of wastewater collected, treated, and reused. The research, which is used by the UN, concludes that 48 per cent or 171.3 billion cubic metres of wastewater is uncollected or untreated annually. To meet SDG 6.3 – which targets halving the proportion of untreated wastewater by 2030 – these figures need to be reduced to 24 per cent and 85.65 billion cubic metres.
In 2022, ABB’s Energy Transition Equation report analyzed how better use of wastewater could relieve pressure on water supplies through
greater integration of automation and digital technologies:
• Wastewater sites can reduce carbon emissions by up to 2,000 tons per annum
• With more than 50,000 plants worldwide, 100 million tons of CO2 could be saved each year
• By applying a package of automation and digital solutions, water companies can reduce carbon emissions as well as deliver annual operational savings of up to $1.2 million per plant
In Canada:
• Canada has one-fifth of the world’s freshwater
• Despite this, indigenous First Nations communities have suffered and some still do not have reliable access to safe drinking water with advisories in place.
• There are still 34 long-term drinking water advisories on reserves including some that have been in place for more than 25 years.
• A single drinking water advisory can mean as many as 5,000 people lack access to safe, clean drinking water
• There is also a deficit in funding for the maintenance and operation of drinking water systems on reserves, which the Parliamentary Budget Officer identified as amounting to $138 million per year.
• 73 per cent of First Nations‘ water systems are at high or medium risk of contamination
INDUSTRY NEWS
TRUDEAU PROMOTES CANADA’S WATER STRATEGIES ON WORLD WATER DAY
World Water Day was observed March 22, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reflected on the day’s significance with an official statement:
“Today, as we join the international community to mark World Water Day, we are reminded of our shared responsibility to protect access to clean, safe water here at home and around the world. There is no resource more essential to Canadians and the Canadian economy than clean water.
“Water ecosystems, when managed properly, help alleviate hunger, poverty, and illness, fight climate change, and support biodiversity. This year’s World Water Day theme, ‘Accelerating Change’, asks us to speed up our action to keep our water safe, clean, and
sustainably managed.
“From our abundance of lakes and rivers to our coastline – the longest in the world – Canadians understand the importance of protecting and preserving our country’s water resources. That’s why the Government of Canada is committed to implementing a strengthened Freshwater Action Plan and establishing a Canada Water Agency, to help keep our water clean now and for generations to come. It’s also why we are taking historic action to protect more of our nature, including our waters and coasts, and leverage the power of nature in the fight against climate change.
“Everyone in Canada should have access to clean water. The Government of Canada continues to work in partnership with First
Nations communities to help end all long-term drinking water advisories on public systems, and to prevent more advisories moving forward by co-developing and implementing new safe drinking water legislation. In recent years, with federal support, 138 long-term drinking water advisories and over 245 short-term drinking water advisories have been lifted in First Nations communities across the country, and there are initiatives underway to lift all those that remain.
“On the world stage, Canada is working with its international partners to promote access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene, and to support sustainable water management practices around the world to make life better for people. Since 2000, the Government of Canada has invested over $1.5 billion in support of water and sanitation initiatives in developing countries.”
DRILLING DOWN TO QUALITY
A guide to the features of a quality water well drill
by JOE HAYNES
With a wide variety of water well drills available online, it can be difficult to discern which features provide the best return on investment. Just like with bargain shopping, most items sold at discounted rates are cheaper for a reason. The headaches and downtime that come with addressing breakdowns, insufficient parts supply, poor support and premature failure often render the low initial investment useless.
Cheaper is rarely better when it comes to the cost of a quality product. One way to protect your drill investment is to look for specific features that indicate the drill will be reliable and efficient for years to come.
THE POWERHOUSES OF THE DRILL
Mud rotary drilling is one of the fastest, most efficient methods of drilling today with superior penetration rates for a wide range of soil
conditions. When using a mud rotary drill, one of the most essential components in the drilling process is the mud pump. The mud pump provides the power needed to clear the hole of cuttings – broken bits of solid material – that might otherwise hinder drilling.
When purchasing a mud rotary drill, it will come with two engines. One engine is used for the rotary or hydraulic system while the second engine controls the mud pump to ensure the
RIGHT: Finding a manufacturer that provides excellent customer service and training is an important factor to consider when looking for a quality water well drill.
The construction of a water well drill can easily make or break a job when it comes to efficiency with ROI.
unit will operate at optimum speed and efficiency for the application. Some manufacturers skimp on production costs by using small, underpowered engines on the mud pump, the rotary or hydraulic system, or both. This means the engine is always working harder to get the job done, which causes faster wear and increases the amount of servicing and repairs.
It’s important to note that a high-quality engine on the drill can only do so much if there isn’t a high-quality mud pump to support it. Although it might be tempting to buy a drill package with a cheap mud pump or to overlook this critical component, cutting corners can result in poor performance if the mud pump isn’t able to adequately support the drilling function.
For shallower drilling projects, 5.5-horsepower engines should get the job done. These drill packages provide a maximum flow of 165 GPM and produce a maximum head of 100 feet. Some manufacturers offer packages for larger drills with mud pumps that provide up to 13 horsepower for achieving deeper depths of up to 300 feet. These types of drill packages are designed to dig deeper with engines that power the mud pump for a maximum flow of 200 GPM and a two-inch suction and discharge that produces a maximum head of 190 feet. For added convenience, check to see if your manufacturer offers both gas and diesel engine options so you can choose which works best for you.
Choosing a quality drill package from a reputable manufacturer means the mud pump will provide optimal performance in demanding environments and the highest productivity when paired with the drill.
CONSTRUCTION IS KEY
Like the engines and mud pump, the construction of a water well drill can easily make or break a job when it comes to efficiency and ROI. Although drills might not look much different on the outside, taking a deeper look into specs – such as the materials used during construction – can help make a quality water well drill stand out from the competition.
Drills with heavy-duty welded steel frames ensure optimal longevity and performance, but some manufacturers cut corners by using thinner steel. Although this can work for less intense projects, the low-quality design can cause the frame to bend and twist easily or show signs of premature wear due to corrosion from hot, humid climates. Thinner steel drills fail to stand the test of time with repetitive use, especially for heavy-duty jobs. In addition, look for manufacturers that use two-inchdiameter drill pipes and connections made of heat-treated alloy steel. This is ideal in demanding environments and ensures fewer replacements down the road. Some manufacturers cut costs by using irrigation-type pipes measuring only threequarters- or one-inch in diameter. These smaller pipes are intended for less intense applications like sprinkler installation and can break off when used in demanding environments which can cause delays and other frustrations like redrilling.
On top of quality construction, look for a user-friendly design that will support ease of operation and simplify routine maintenance. This includes conveniently located greasing points and access to check and adjust the drill’s tension. Maintaining the drill chain tension will increase the life of the drill because excessive tension can cause faster wear or chain overload, and too much slack poses the risk of skipping a sprocket tooth. A design that provides easy access to maintenance will save time and frustration when it comes to keeping the drill in mint condition. Some drill packages are even constructed with a
RIGHT:
DRILLING
trailer-mounted design for convenient portability in remote areas or rugged terrain.
THE FINISHING TOUCHES
In addition to finding a quality water well drill, no purchase is complete without selecting a rotary drill bit, which is critical to both longevity and performance. Using a bit that aligns with the soil conditions prevents wear and tear by helping the drill power through the soil. This can save money on drill and bit replacements in the future. Make sure the manufacturer has a variety of bits available to provide optimal performance based on the soil type.
If you will be using a hydraulic drill on hard rock formations like quartzite, granite or basalt, adding a down-the-hole hammer will allow for maximum efficiency. This product uses percussive operation and an air-powered hammer to transfer energy through carbide teeth to shatter the rock surface, while the compressed air blows away small rock fragments. A quality drill will have accessories available like down-the-hole hammers and drill bits to help maximize power and extend its life by helping the drill operate efficiently.
DON’T FORGET TRAINING
Although it’s not a tangible part of the drill, finding a
manufacturer that provides training and support beyond the purchase is another sign of quality. When researching different companies, look for manufacturers that offer training manuals, videos and technical support. Some manufacturers even offer replacement parts and refurbishment options after extended use to increase the lifespan of the drill.
Proper training helps operators become familiar with equipment and provides a hands-on opportunity to view the drill and learn safe operation and maintenance procedures. It can also build an understanding of the distinct roles of the drill team members to minimize confusion regarding individual responsibilities and reduce injuries on the job. Some manufacturers host training sessions at their facility and offer water well drill kits with necessary accessories to ensure operators get the most out of the drill.
By narrowing down the criteria for selecting a quality water well drill and focusing on features like a reliable mud pump, strong construction, excellent training and a variety of available accessories, operators and businesses will be set for long-term success. Using a quality water well drill will not only increase efficiency, but it will also minimize downtime from repairs and maximize ROI.
Joe Haynes is president of Lone Star Drills which offers innovative solutions to the Little Beaver product family based in Livingston, Texas.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
We are already one-quarter of the way through the year. Where does the time go? I don’t know about you, but these past three months have literally flown by. It seems not long ago we were all enjoying a break at Christmas and now we are all looking forward to spring and summer which are, hopefully, right around the corner.
DWAYNE GRAFF President
I know we are all busy and I’ve noticed that a lot of time has been spent between equipment maintenance, training, staff vacations and pushing paper. It seems much less real work is being done. While I know everything needs attention, I’m looking forward to knocking some projects off, and it is certain to be a very busy year ahead for us.
It’s also been a very busy time at the OGWA, and I can’t thank Debbie and Anne at the office enough for all their hard work and attention to detail. While there are many volunteers, the office staff really are the ones keeping the organization going. With renewals, CEC events, new staff hires (welcome Dennis) and the recent AGM, it has been a very busy time at the office.
I’d like to touch on the recent CEC event and AGM held at Minette, Ont. This was the first real formal combined event we’ve had (completely unrestricted) in a very long time. It was great to get together with friends and colleagues in such a great environment. For those that didn’t go, the Marriot at Rosseau is truly a fantastic getaway. The resort, location and resort staff were all second to none. Everyone was helpful and attentive to our needs. We
were fortunate to get accommodation of that quality for such good value. Most everyone I spoke with was impressed and pleased with the venue. According to plan, we will be back here in three years. I was very honoured to present Wilf Hall with an honourary membership to the OGWA as he and his family celebrated their 50th year in the drilling industry. I cannot imagine being at this for that length of time. Imagine the things he has seen and the problems and triumphs their company has worked through over half a century in this crazy business. It was heartwarming to see Wilf with so many family members in attendance for the Saturday evening dinner. Many don’t know it, but I can be a fairly sentimental type and I really admire all those who have walked before me, building a business and developing a reputation for quality work while being fair with clients and continuing to support the organization. From all of us in the industry – Congratulations, Wilf, on your first 50 years! Certainly you and your family should be proud.
I especially enjoyed the many open and fruitful discussions on Saturday afternoon. There was much engagement discussing attracting youth to our industry and many good points were raised. I think the clear takeaway from the discussions is we all need to make some changes – and do better. It’s clear the way we operated as an industry in the past with respect to staffing is not the way to a successful future for our industry. We need to be conscious and
thinking about work/life balance, extended travel impacts on staff, increasing pricing and wages along with keeping decent quality equipment in the field – all while maintaining a profitable business – to ensure that we are here tomorrow. Many of the things I’ve mentioned do have an impact on the bottom line and we can counter that impact by being better salespeople and being more professional.
While the struggles with finding new staff are real, I do honestly believe we are in a very good industry with a very bright future. We are few. Yearly, we become fewer. There is and always will be a strong demand for our skills. That alone should send a message that good times are coming.
Continued to page 2
INSIDE THE ISSUE
OGWA’s New Board
Introducing OGWA’s new board of directors and Managing Director
Golf Tournament
Looking ahead to September fundraiser
OGWA Celebrates
The Association gathered for its 71st anniversary
Thank You Messages
OGWA thanks its AGM, convention sponsors
PUBLISHED FOR THE ONTARIO GROUND
WATER ASSOCIATION
Ph: 519-245-7194
Fax: 519-245-7196
DENNIS O’GRADY, Managing Director Ext. 101 / dennis@ogwa.ca
ANNE GAMMAGE, Administration Ext.103 / anne@ogwa.ca
BOYD PENDLETON Lotowater Technical Services Inc. 519-442-2086
RICK PETTIT Rideau Supply
800-463-7648
KYLE SMITH
Aardvark Drilling Inc. 613-296-8779
MIKE STEFFEN Steffen Well Drilling 519-357-1960 / 519-531-0355
BRYAN WATSON
G. Hart & Sons Well Drilling Ltd.
705-887-3331
TECIA WHITE
My Water Quality
705-888-7064
MATTHEW D. WILSON
J.B. Wilson & Son Well Drilling ltd. 519-269-3364
Continued from page 1
Because we are few, we can make changes quickly, right our ship and get the boat moving in the right direction. We need to work collectively as an industry for the sake of not only our industry but for our futures. A diminishing essential workforce creates vast opportunities for all to be very successful.
Lastly while I speak of change, it is time, too, for the association to be aware of change and be able to adjust to changing times. At the AGM, I spoke of our revenue history and a notable portion of that revenue comes from the CEC events delivered at the Regional Meetings. In the past year or so, we have seen a number of others with Ministry-approved courses being offered both online and at in-person events by other parties. We at the OGWA have seen an uptake in these courses by both members and non-members alike. This has affected our revenue and not in a positive way. It may be due time for the OGWA to evaluate and explore other more
WELCOME TO DENNIS O’GRADY –OGWA’S NEW MANAGING DIRECTOR
On behalf of the OGWA Board of Directors and Members, I am pleased to welcome Dennis O’Grady in a leadership role as Managing Director. Over the coming months, the Board has an intensive list of items to work on from its strategic planning session in late 2022. Dennis will be instrumental in helping the Board focus and prioritize these Association goals. – Dwayne Graff, President.
Biography:
Mr. Dennis O’Grady worked for several Conservation Authorities across Ontario for 37 years, 32 as Executive Director. Over his career, Mr. O’Grady also served as staff support for the City of Ottawa’s Amalgamation Transition Team, was Vice-Chair of the Ice Storm Disaster Relief Committee that funded recovery efforts and has sat on the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s grant review team as well as other municipal, non-profit, rural, and community organizations.
secure revenue options to balance this shortfall. I would encourage anyone with ideas to reach out to any of the board members for a discussion.
Finally, I wanted to briefly touch on safety. In my last message, I reported on a number of fatalities and other serious incidents. I was disheartened to learn at the CEC event from Ellaline Davies that our industry has about the worst record per capita for serious safety incidents. Collectively and individually, let’s take the time to make serious steps on safety improvements. We are all set to have a very busy season again - let’s make every effort to do better and be safe.
Looking forward to my next message and to having no incidents to report. Have a fantastic few months ahead; be safe and profitable.
All the best to everyone.
Mr. O’Grady has shared his experience in watershed management at a number of conferences across Canada.
Mr. O’Grady has a Masters of Public Administration degree from Queen’s University, Kingston. He is passionate about protecting Ontario’s water resources and is pleased to be part of OGWA and its mission to provide clean drinking water to farms, rural towns, and cities across Ontario.
DWAYNE GRAFF, President
Dennis O’Grady
WILF HALL – CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF DRILLING IN EASTERN ONTARIO
In 1973, Wilf Hall drilled his first well at the “OK Economy Store,” just outside of Smiths Falls, Ont., at about 80 feet deep. Wilf is now 82 and remains a man of few words, from humble beginnings, but retains a clear and sharp memory of his experience in the water well drilling industry.
He is closely involved in the current operation and remains the “pulse” of the company – a company that is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2023. Dedicated to his family, and committed to his well drilling business, it is a fine example of how to build a successful family operated business.
At 26 years of age, with a new and growing family, Wilf was ready to change his life. He grew up on a farm, one of six children, with a strong work ethic and stronger back. At his young age, tragedy struck the Hall family. His father suffered a heart attack that resulted in Wilf being pulled from his one-room schoolhouse to help maintain the family farm, resulting in only completing a Grade 8 education. For some, that would have been insurmountable, but Wilf had a secret weapon. Wilf was good at math; in fact, he was very good at math. He could add, subtract, multiply and divide faster in his head than most could with a calculator. Numbers were his friend, and that would be the ticket to his success.
In 1967, he started installing septic systems and made a name for himself and his operation. After the purchase of a used John Deere tractor/backhoe model 2010, for $5,700, he began working for other contractors, teaching him how to do it himself. In 1969, he bought a used single-axle dump truck and, for $425, he would install a complete septic system. In those days, that was enough to make money, and in the fall that year he bought his first brand-new backhoe. He hired his first employee in 1969, bought a new backhoe in 1971, and installed two complete septic systems a day. The following year a tandem axle dump truck was added to the fleet.
In the field, while customers’ septic systems were being installed, he could see that people often needed a well drilled. He seized the opportunity. He had a connection to the drilling industry as his brother-in-law, Pat Kehoe, managed Tillsonburg Pipe. He was ready to take another risk and invested in a $140,000 Schramm drilling rig with payments at $2,700 a month, and then needed a water truck.
Wilf did things right. He filed for a well contractor license, started to work on his driller’s license, and subsequently joined the Ontario Ground Water Association. For a year or so, he drilled under the ticket of another operator while he collected his hours. Wilf’s well technician license, T-0049, Class 1, 2, 4 came through in 1973, and remains valid to this day.
Wilf’s first wells were invoiced at $8 a foot for drilling, and $2 a foot for casing. Competition was stiff. There were a lot of small drilling businesses in the area. Some of the drillers would throw in the casing for free, just to get the job. There was no such a thing as a “40-hour
work week.”
Wilf worked evenings and weekends making sales calls, and they drilled Monday to Friday. This successful business approach is how it is done to this day. Wilf Hall Ltd. stopped installing septic systems and focused on drilling and pump installation. The work was seasonal and when drilling was lean, the company was very successful at developing property, closing on roughly 140 severances. During the 1980 and ‘90s, they also developed four subdivisions in the County of Lanark. They had a series of drill rigs from various suppliers, but in 1989 they purchased a brand-new Ingersoll Rand T3W, the driller of choice, and it was replaced in 1994, 2001 and 2006. The latest machine is still in service with much care and maintenance.
Through it all, his wife Joann was his partner in business, making sure the “administrative ship” sailed smoothly and the growing family at home was well taken care of. Two young sons, Mark and Scott, bounced in the cab of the truck as toddlers, and developed a healthy interest in heavy equipment operation and the well drilling industry.
Mark received his drillers license in 1990 and Scott followed in 1996, both graduating from Sir Sandford Fleming College. The boys started at the bottom of the chain, working in the shop, running heavy equipment, being a driller’s helper, and eventually becoming lead drillers on the machine. They were mentored by Wilf on sales, and Joann handed off her administrative skills. Their daughter, Colleen, found her niche as a real estate appraiser, owning and operating her own business. All three were influenced by their parents’ dedication to
Continued to page 8
Wilfred Hall was made an honorary member of OGWA at the association’s recent convention. Joining him, from left, Joann Hall, Scott Hall and Mark Hall. Photo credit: OGWA
The Hall family, from left, Scott Hall, Colleen Hall, Wilfred Hall, Joann Hall and Mark Hall. Photo credit: Hall family
Wilfred and Joann Hall of Wilf Hall & Sons Ltd. Photo credit: Hall family
OGWA AGM & CONVENTION CELEBRATES 71 YEARS!
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OGWA’s new board of directors. Front row, from left, Rick Pettit, Bryan Watson, Matthew Wilson, Dwayne Graff, Boyd Pendleton. Back row row, from left, Mike Steffen, Shawn Hopper, Stephen Bleizeffer, Mike Hare, Kyle Smith. Absent from photo: Bruce Hietkamp, Tecia White; Debbie and Anne welcome everyone; Well tech continuing education; Warren Lusk receives the Archie Watt Industry Award. From left, Steve Bleizeffer, Dwayne Graff, Warren Lusk, Bryan Watson. All photo credits: OGWA
THIS PAGE CLOCKWISE:
Mark Duckworth accepts the Earth, Wind, Fire and Water Award; History repeats…Clarke and John at it again.; Clarke Watson is awarded honorary member in recognition of service; Matt Wilson was honored for three-plus years as president. All photo credits: OGWA
Continued from page 3
small business. They inherited the “work hard but work smart” ethic.
In 2001, the drilling segment of the business broke out to be known as “Wilf Hall & Sons Well Drilling.” Over the past 20-plus years, Mark and Scott have focused on managing the drilling business and have three employees. With one machine, the average number of wells per year has gone from 80, to 150, to more than 200. Since 1973, more than 8,000 wells have been drilled, the majority being within 100 kilometres of our home base, creating an extensive knowledge base of the area, as well as a solid local reputation.
Over the past 50 years, Wilf has seen a lot of change in the industry. He stuck to his “old school” principles of good customer service, well-maintained equipment, knowledge, and experience. Pat Kehoe and Ron Fournier opened Rideau Pipe in 1976, and they have
been our supplier of casing and drilling supplies since then. Contractors are their bread and butter and, with referrals by word of mouth, customer service is essential. With technological developments, rigs improved, but the basic principles of their operation remain the same. One concern is that very few people are getting into drilling these days. It is hard to get good employees and on finding them, you have to hold on to them. Walkerton had a huge impact on the well drilling industry, bringing new regulations and standards. Regulation 903, for example, is clear and it is for everyone’s safety and protection. So, we step up to the plate and do the job right, going over and above the minimum standards. Our grandchildren are depending on us to protect this precious resource.
COVID was one of the biggest challenges the company has faced. Uncertainty heading into a global pandemic has challenged us in ways that we did not expect. Business increased,
scheduling became difficult, and for the first time we had to wait-list customers. There were supply chain/delivery issues and the cost of steel and fuel skyrocketed. It has been difficult, but quoting Wilf, “You don’t give up. You adapt.”
As Wilf looks to the next 50 years, he feels there will always be a well drilling industry. People will always need water to live, and we’ll be there to give it to them. Environmental issues will be a dominating force. People will need to be flexible. Change is inevitable, but doing a good job consistently will keep Wilf Hall & Sons Well Drilling in business. He expects his company will not only survive, but thrive, with potential for a third and fourth generation of Hall drillers. “We do what we do best – drill wells.”
Fifty years ago, Wilf wanted to be in business. Now, Wilf and Joann remain on the family farm and enjoy the lake, but they will always be committed to providing safe drinking water for their community.
Ontario Ground Water Association Membership Benefits
LEFT TO RIGHT: Bryan Watson, Paul Conrad, Mike Hare, and Jeff McCracken receive Director Appreciation plaques for service on the Board.
by MATT JONES
‘CLEANER THAN ARCTIC ICE’
Alberta researchers seek funding to study pristine water
Tiny Township in Ontario has some of the cleanest water on earth, and researchers are eager to find out why and how. The University of Alberta’s Dr. William Shotyk and Dr. Michael Powell presented preliminary findings to the Tiny Township council last year, with Shotyk saying that the groundwater contained “one part per trillion of lead,” and that it was “cleaner than the ancient Arctic ice.”
Shotyk and Powell have applied for a National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada grant to study the water, and the system that filters it, in depth.
Shotyk has been studying the groundwater in
While some lysimeters have already been installed to analyze the groundwater in Tiny Township, researchers are seeking funding for more in-depth study.
the area for 30 years. In addition to his past work with the University of Heidelberg’s Institute of Earth Sciences in Germany and the University of Berne’s Geological Institute in Switzerland, he also owns a small farm in the nearby Elmvale area.
PHOTOS: MIKE POWELL
GROUNDWATER
Powell says that Shotyk sent samples of the groundwater in the area to his European colleagues for analysis.
“They couldn’t find any organic pollutants in the water,” says Powell. “They sent him a letter saying, ‘This is the only water we’ve ever analyzed in the world that we can find no organic pollutant.’ No human fingerprint.”
Since then, Shotyk has amassed a team of scientists to attempt to determine how the water reaches its state of quality. Powell has served as director of the project since its launch in 2018. And while some might assume that the cleanliness of the water is a result of effective oversight or a lack of development, Powell is quick to dismiss those factors. However, the province permitting water use for washing aggregate and townships permitting aggregate-taking in the recharge areas of the water is a looming potential threat, which is why Shotyk and Powell are eager to study it now.
Powell says there are likely four sources for the water – a recharge zone far to the east, water bubbling up through the bedrock below the valley filled with 120-125 metres of glacial sediment, water trapped within the glacial sediments, and water in the form of precipitation, with rain or snow absorbing into the soil.
“So, you’ve got all of these sources
of water, then you’ve got them flowing in and through the ground and finally into an artesian system,” says Powell.
“If you could imagine this water mixing in the subsurface and going through layers and layers of glacial material, some very fine clays and silts that are
very good at cleaning water, some sands and gravels that are not, and changes in microbiological communities, and they have a tremendous impact on the evolution of groundwater. The minerology also has a huge impact –oxidation, reduction, acid-base reactions, mineral dissolution, precipitation – all of these things are working. As well as the age of the water and the path along which the water travels.”
THE PROJECT’S COST
Powell says that the entire project will cost roughly a half-million dollars, of which they are aiming to raise one-third themselves. In the meantime, Shotyk has received a grant to begin using lysimeters to collect and measure changes in groundwater quality, chemistry, or depth. Two lysimeter nests were installed at the beginning of the summer, with another set planned to be installed in March.
With four different sources feeding the water, it is somewhat surprising that the quality is so pristine – which is the entire impetus for the study.
“Even though there are atmospheric particulates, even though there is rain and snow, which has in it every element in the periodic table, the water that bubbles up through the ground a few kilometres away is pristine,” says Powell.
CONTINUED TO PAGE 28
Dr. William Shotyk is leading a project to examine the shockingly clean groundwater in Tiny Township, Ont.
by MIKE JIGGENS
PROMOTING DRILLING JOBS
Industry must generate excitement to attract new hires
The
average age of well drillers in North America is 55. Most drilling businesses are about 10 employees in size with 1½ drilling rigs. This gives the industry much to think about moving forward, an experienced Michigan driller said in December during Groundwater Week in Las Vegas.
“How do we get to where we need to be?” Brock Yordy, Central & Great Lakes region director of environmental health & safety and sustainability for Veolia North America Municipal Water, asked an audience of drillers at the annual conference.
The challenge before the industry lies in the hiring, training and retaining the next generation of drillers, he said.
A large portion of the industry’s millennial generation has been lost due to a poor transfer of knowledge and an unsatisfactory job of
onboarding. Yordy said more thought must go into understanding where prospective employees are coming from and how they can best be recruited and retained.
The slowdown of the housing market contributed to the hiring crisis, he said, noting it wasn’t a problem attracting millennials into the industry prior to the economic downturn. Over the past 20 years, however, many either opted for college or joined the military.
“The ones who want to work in our industry are
The average age of well drillers in North America is 55, requiring the industry to devise new strategies to attract younger workers.
here,” Yordy said. “We need to know why they stayed and what inspired them to stay and what they want out of their career to build on that next generation.”
He said there are about 166 million Americans currently working – 7.6 million of whom are employed in construction trades. In 2022, 1.2 million construction workers left the profession, and, even though about 900,000 new people entered the industry, an overall downturn was realized. Among the 7.6 million workers employed in various construction trades, only half of one per cent work in the drilling industry. The glamour jobs which pay the most among construction workers include electricians, plumbers, carpenters and roofers.
Yordy said high school shop classes are disappearing and careers in the trades are rarely discussed anymore with students unless they’re among the glamour jobs. Only half of high school students today believe they can be successful without a four-year degree, he added.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics, about 573,000 people work in the mining field, 280,000 are in oil and gas, and 258,000 are equipment operators. The difference between those professions and the half of one per cent employed in well drilling, he said, are purpose, training and path
“It’s very important to get these (well drillers) individuals excited.”
Drilling industry employers must figure out the value that college graduates wishing to enter the profession might provide.
“What does it cost when you train that person for a month or two months to eight months? What do you think it costs you at eight months when they walk away? Is that a $500 a month investment? Is it a $1,000 a month investment?”
Employers have much to consider, including the possibility of a newly trained employee who suffers an injury or one who starts his own business at the end of his training.
LEARNING WHY EMPLOYEES STAY
The reality, Yordy said, is that the millennial generation is being pushed out. Employers must learn why those who opted to remain made that choice so that they can hold onto the “roots” of their company. Discussions about expectations and retention must be made.
Employers might receive one good resume out of 10 which doesn’t help to build the industry. Job fairs, technical schools and college internships are good sources of finding potential recruits. Yordy said there are many geoscience majors studying at agricultural colleges who would “murder” to work from midApril until after Labour Day.
“That’s one of the busiest times of our year. We’d get somebody with an outside perspective who is thinking that they’d want to be a scientist or may end up becoming a driller.”
East Equipment, 5640 C rue Barré St-Hyacinthe (Québec) J2R 1E4
Generation Z people are connected and visual, Yordy said, but how can they be inspired, he asked. A workable approach is to reach out to them while they’re still in high school and show them how exciting a career in drilling can be.
“Drilling is part of progressing civilization. Water is key for sur vival. Water well drilling sustains life. Oil and gas drilling provides energy. Geothermal provides energy – green energy. Is there anything more spiritual than making water come out of the ground?”
The key is to be able to transfer the knowledge from those retiring to those entering the industr y, he said.
Other considerations include getting new recruits the tools they need, the means of developing new hires and discussing with them such matters as hours of operations, working conditions and travel expectations
“We have to talk about those and how we’re going to make that a good experience.”
Yordy said about one -third of drilling company employees feel unsafe on the job, bringing into question a company’s standard operating procedures and how they are documented. He asked what a company’s goal is if others can’t execute and step up when someone is injured or unavailable.
Opportunities must be created in collaboration and better processes must be considered. Yordy said companies must “be that fire” for employees who are passionate about the profession.
“Don’t assume that our new hires or our employees aren’t researching. Our companies’ base that we built to where we are with our multi-million dollars’ worth of equipment should be core to that development and understanding those innovations.”
Employers must find skill sets among their employees that can be developed and assign the right mentors to guide them and help them overcome their weaknesses, he added.
“If I want to be a better driller, I need to know my assistant for my future driller knows what’s coming out of the hole and understands that when the mud bit starts to go down that we’re not just going to add water.”
Yordy encouraged companies to develop their own training program and find the trainer/coach/mentor who is the best fit with a new hire. That individual may not necessarily be the company’s top driller, but perhaps someone with more patience. New hires should also be taught ever ything their superiors know and be included in key discussions, he said.
The industr y is currently hurting with the average employee age at 55, so confidence must be built within companies and in the field, Yordy said.
“I don’t know if we need to start thinking that ever y employee we hire and start training is going to be a 25-year employee. Get through the first year and develop them through the third year, and then we can start retaining.”
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BATTERY-POWERED, CLAMP-ON FLOWMETER CAN BE USED ANYWHERE
KROHNE, a manufacturer and supplier of solutions in industrial process instrumentation, highlights its OPTISONIC 6300 P, an ultrasonic clamp-on flowmeter for temporary flow measurement of liquids. This portable, battery-powered meter can be used in virtually all industries and virtually any location, crucially, without interrupting the process or cutting pipes.
This highly flexible flowmeter is an equally effective solution for comparative measurements on stationary measuring equipment, such as pumps and flowmeters, and for temporary use as a replacement for faulty devices. Its portable signal converter comes with an integrated data logger for real-time measurement and datalogging on the go. It also undertakes bi-directional measurement, on-site and in a cost-effective capacity, where inline measurement is either not desirable or possible.
This device offers user-friendly operation with a mobile smart device via the OPTISONIC 6300 P mobile app. With a quick start-up and free download for Android, users can quickly access the app’s data transfer capabilities via a secure wireless or USB connection. From temporary flow data collection to on-site verification and leak detection, the OPTISONIC 6300 P delivers useful applications across industry verticals. For example, it aids with flow control in water supply networks and checking water wells in the water and wastewater industry. It also provides several benefits across HVAC, chemical, and other process industries.
Email info@krohne.com.
GROUNDWATER
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22
“There’s also a major clay deposit as a cap that acts as a layer that retards water flow, so the water underneath is under pressure and becomes artesian. That water flows up from maybe 30 to 60 to 90 metres below the ground and comes up through layer after layer of sand, silt, and clay. The water may have had some pollutants in it, but by the time it reaches a certain surface they’ve all been filtered out. And this is not a mechanical filtering, this is a chemical filtering for the most part.
“Therefore, one of the biggest benefits that could come out of this research is a better understanding of how this process of natural filtering works. If we better understand that we could possibly recreate those conditions and develop more effective means of building filtration systems from naturally occurring geological materials, it could also possibly tell us where else we should look for pristine waters in other parts of
Canada that have been glaciated.”
Powell asserts that another benefit would be proving conclusively how clean and valuable a resource this water is.
“By showing that this water is pristine and why, we can convince government organizations at all levels that there should be more than a single-tiered criteria for water quality evaluation prior to permitting water taking or land use change that might impact water,” says Powell. “We know that all water is important, we know that we need all water. But not all water is the same. This is a resource that exists nowhere else in the world. It’s Canada’s crown jewel in its resource crown. And if it’s protected and publicized properly, it will show how Canada thinks about natural resources. And if it’s allowed to be destroyed, then it will also show the fallacies of what Canada does to its resources.”
When talking about local water supplies, one of the most pressing
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conversation topics in Canada is the interest by large corporations in purchasing those water supplies. Powell acknowledges that is a real concern but is unsure of whether a company such as Nestlé would deem the water supply to be worth the trouble that would come with it.
“I shudder at the idea that this would happen,” says Powell. “I can’t imagine that Nestlé hasn’t considered this – they must be aware of this water. We’ve written articles for the Globe and Mail , and we’ve been on the CBC , and there’s been news article after news article written about different aspects. It’s not as if this isn’t known. But I don’t know if there would be the type of flow [they need]. Nestlé isn’t going to get anything like they get from Guelph. And I don’t think they would be successful.”
Matt Jones is a New Brunswick-based freelance writer.
NEW PRODUCTS
AIRTIGHT SOIL SAMPLE COLLECTING AND SEALING
Q.E.D. Environmental Systems has introduced the En Core Sampler, which collects, stores, and delivers soil samples within a single, easy-to-use device. This disposable volumetric sampling device was developed to empower field personnel to take soil samples with minimal handling and maximum accuracy.
The one-use, self-contained, inert composite polymer sampling cassette is ideal for airtight sample collection and sealing. The airtight sealing cap prevents the loss of volatiles as the sampler becomes its own self-contained package. This allows the sampler to meet the EPA’s SW-846 Method 5025, which ensures accuracy when identifying the types and concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in soils and solid materials via a closed-system purge-andtrap process.
The En Core Sampler is designed to be environmentally friendly, as no chemicals are involved in the field. In fact, the sampler eliminates the need for methanol and sodium bisulfate preservation. It also enhances accuracy by eliminating sources of lab discrepancies.
Available in five-gram and 25-gram options, this disposable sampler can serve in a variety of applications. It also comes with a reusable, 4.5-inch-long stainless steel En Core T-handle that allows the handler to push the sampler into the soil for a measured soil sample. The En Core Extrusion Tool is also available that can be used to engage the plunger.
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Hybrid work
Has this become the future?
by Dave Mercer
About a year ago, I was having lunch with two CEOs of Canadian companies and asked them how business was going, considering all their employees were working from home. They both answered without hesitation: “We can’t get our people back in the office fast enough!”
I questioned them on that because the stock of both companies was rising, as were their earnings. Their companies were healthy and seemed to be benefitting from having a remote workforce. Again, almost in unison, they replied: “We’re efficient and making money right now, but we’re not innovating. We’ve got nothing new in the pipeline.”
Fast forward to today and companies are still struggling to lure employees back to the office. There are clear advantages to working from home: no commuting, no need for childcare, flexibility. Combine that with the common perception of employees that the need for them to come back to the office is based on purely speculative observations, and employers face an uphill battle.
A recent New York Times article described some of the efforts that companies are making to bring people back to the office. These include everything from daily “happy hours” and free food to daycare subsidies and even building in-house pickleball courts! So, what’s the solution? Well, the jury’s still out.
One thing seems clear – the future of work is likely a hybrid, with a balance of office work and remote work. The optimal hybrid setups aim to merge the desired attributes of all parties involved, such as the innovation that comes from collaborating in
person, along with the convenience and flexibility of remote work.
But finding the right balance isn’t easy. What works for one company isn’t necessarily going to work for another.
Even when a company has determined what balance works for them, they still need to find a way to get buy-in from employees. Is it better to use carrots like free beer, or sticks such as requiring all employees to be in the office three days each week? For most companies it’s likely a combination of the two.
So, what’s best for your company? There’s no manual or set of rules to follow because most companies are still experimenting. And that’s what I recommend you do, as well – experiment. It should start with communication. Employees need to know that in-person collaboration leads to innovation, which is required for the long-term sustainability of a company.
There are communication tools like Slack that help facilitate digital collaboration, but nothing beats impromptu water cooler discussions for germinating ideas. So, make sure your employees understand the value of coming together in the office, then figure out how to make it work for them.
There are plenty of carrots and sticks to try, and who knows, maybe you’ll end up with an office pickleball court?
Dave Mercer, P.Geo is a geologist and general manager of the BCGWA. Dave@undergroundcommunications.ca
