Media Designer | Jaime Ratcliffe jratcliffe@annexbusinessmedia.com
Group Publisher | Martin McAnulty mmcanulty@annexbusinessmedia.com
Publication Mail Agreement #40065710. RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESS TO CIRCULATION DEPARTMENT, P.O. BOX 530, SIMCOE, ON N3Y 4N5 e-mail: subscribe@groundwatercanada.com
Printed in Canada, All rights reserved. Editorial material is copyrighted. Permission to reprint may be granted on request. ISSN 0383-7920
Occasionally, Ground Water Canada will mail information on behalf of industry-related groups whose products and services we believe may be of interest to you. If you prefer not to receive this information, please contact our circulation department in any of the four ways listed above.
Serving the Canadian Ground Water industry for 45 years.
10
HUB OF THE COMMUNITY
Hub Well Drilling in Truro, N.S., is a forward-thinking company with a rich histor y
12 EAST COAST JAMBOREE
Atlantic well drillers, suppliers meet up in Truro, N.S.
16
READY FOR THE WEATHER
A loan program in some Nova Scotia municipalities provides qualified homeowners with help if their wells run dry
19
FIRST DRIVE ON THE ROCK
GMC’s new Sierra features a convertible tailgate and carbonfibre cargo box
22
DRILLING WELLS FOR CHARITY
Life giving for recipients, life changing for drillers
ON THE WEB:
‘Cave of national significance’ found in B.C. park
A massive, unexplored cave has been discovered in a remote valley in B.C.’s Wells Gray Provincial Park. Geologists who surveyed the cave said it is a variety of “striped karst.” Global News reports.
B.C. government updates GeoExchange BC on WSA and regs GeoExchange BC has shared with its members information provided by the B.C. government related to the Water Sustainability Act and regulations that are relevant to the geoexchange industry. GeoExchange BC reports.
Facing our No.1 problem
The challenge of finding and keeping good employees may be linked to a visibility – or an invisibility – problem.
by Colleen Cross
Our fall edition showcased 10 fine young ground water professionals. Unfortunately finding great employees like those we featured seems harder and harder to do. It’s still the No. 1 challenge and threat to the water well industry.
At Groundwater Week in Las Vegas, we attended a seminar called “What Is Your Business Outlook for the Next Five Years: Thrive or Dive?” led by Kathryn Butcher, who oversees professional development for the National Ground Water Association.
Butcher asked: “Where will you be in five years?” Although many operators expected their businesses to improve, today all still face the problem of finding and keeping good workers.
Of course, the meat-and-potatoes issue of fair pay rates came up. The consensus was that it is important to communicate to employees both the financial and non-financial benefits of the job such as learning new skills, working outdoors and working independently. Putting aside pay, a young hydrogeology student said, young people want to join a company that shares their values and has a good long-term plan.
Many talented candidates overlook the skilled trades, and many don’t recognize water well drilling as a potential career.
As moderator, Butcher asked how ground water could sell itself as a promising industry to young people who come from a family culture, such as children of farmers. One answer came from a seminar participant: promote the fact that a person can learn every aspect of a trade or business working for a smaller company.
Several people shared strategies that have worked for them. Posting help wanted ads on social media was drawing good candidates. The key to this, some said, was changing the ads to highlight different character traits they are looking for. For example, while one ad might appeal to those seeking independence, another might appeal to those who enjoy working outdoors. This means posting multiple ads for the same position. It can be time consuming, and if not done carefully, one attendee pointed out, can leave an
impression of high turnover.
Asking current employees to refer friends, advertising on billboards near major intersections, placing job ads in magazines, and on websites such as InDeed (which you can access from groundwatercanada.com), all were touted as successful strategies. Alas, there is no magic bullet.
Could the answer be as simple as prioritizing your talent search? One wise business owner asked others in the room if they were putting in the time required to solve their number 1 business problem.
The skills shortage and generation gap are felt by many industries. But for this industry it may go deeper to a visibility – or an invisibility – problem. Many talented candidates overlook the skilled trades, and many don’t recognize water well drilling as a potential career. They don’t know how ground water differs from surface water and they don’t know what drillers do from day to day.
Focus on telling your story. Maybe that means improving your communication and marketing skills through a workshop. Maybe it means asking for testimonials from your customers. Maybe it means sharing videos of your team at work.
The folks at NGWA have developed fact sheets, learning management systems, instructional videos and many more tools. Make use of these tools! Ground Water Awareness Week, established by the NGWA and also highlighted at groundwatercanada. com in early March, is a great time to promote the importance of ground water to well owners and to the general public, including potential new hires.
Until we get better at describing and defining who we are to others outside the industry, they won’t grasp why they should understand, care about or be a steward of ground water. If we don’t tell them, who will?
Rubber-Tired, Tried and True
The CME-750X is the culmination of over 30 years of experience in ATV drill technology. It’s been designed and refined from the ground up to provide the best combination of mobility and drilling performance you can get with a rubber-tired all-terrain drill rig. There are no compromises.
All-terrain means you can get to jobs inaccessible to truck mounted rigs without building costly access roads. And with its built-in auger racks, tool boxes and water tanks, the CME-750X carries everything you need to get the job done when you get there. Of course the rubber tires won’t damage most pavement so you can use this rig on city streets as well.
The dependable mechanical rotary drive is available in standard, high torque or high speed models. The high torque version provides up to 12,950 foot pounds of torque while the high speed model gives you spindle speeds up to 930 rpm. And 30,000 pounds of retract force let’s you take on those big drilling jobs.
The CME-750X is available with the same options as our truck-mounted drills, like automatic SPT hammer, hydraulic rod holder and breakout wrench, quick mast disconnect, various hydraulic hoists and many more.
If your jobs call for a rig that can get through mud, snow, sand and rough terrain, check out the CME-750X. It’ll get you there and then, it’ll get the job done.
COMMENTS INVITED ON CANADIAN DRINKING WATER GUIDELINES
Health Canada is asking for comments from the public on three guidance documents related to drinking water in Canada. Deadlines are in January and February.
According to Health Canada’s website, Enterococci bacteria as indicators in Canadian drinking water supplies has been developed to provide regulatory authorities and decision-makers with guidance on the use of enterococci as a bacteriological indicator in Canadian drinking water supplies. The document is available for a 60-day public consultation period. All comments must be received before Jan. 25, 2019.
The available information on chloramines has been assessed with the intent of updating the current drinking water guideline and guideline technical document. The draft guideline technical document, Chloramines in Drinking Water – Guideline Technical Document for Public Consultation , proposes that it be no longer considered necessary to establish a guideline for chloramines in drinking water. However, based on the use of chloramines in the disinfection of drinking water, a guideline technical document is still considered necessary. Chloramines in Drinking Water is available for a 60-day public consultation period. All comments must be received before Jan. 25, 2019.
The available information on barium has been assessed with the intent of establishing a drinking water guideline and guideline technical document. This draft guideline technical document proposes a new maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) of 2.0 mg/L (2,000 µg/L) for barium in drinking water, based on kidney effects in male mice.
Barium in Drinking Water – Guideline Technical Document for Public Consultation is available for a 75-day public consultation period. All comments must be received before Feb. 15, 2019.
Send comments to Health Canada via email at HC.water-eau.SC@canada.ca or by mail to the Water and Air Quality Bureau, Health Canada, 269 Laurier Avenue West, A.L. 4903D, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0K9.
The guidance documents will be revised following evaluation of comments received, and final guidance documents will be posted, the website says. These documents should be considered as a draft for comment only, according to the Health Canada website.
COSMAN RETIRES FROM GROUND WATER CANADA
After more than 30 years of selling print and digital marketing solutions, Ed Cosman, associate publisher for Ground Water Canada, is retiring at the end of December.
After completing college and obtaining a marketing diploma, Cosman started his media career in November of 1988 selling advertising space for Glass Canada magazine, one of the trade publications owned by AIS Communications. Starting in 1997, he took over the advertising responsibilities for Ground Water Canada. Along the way, AIS Communications, which was located in Exeter, Ont., was purchased by Annex Business Media in 2006 and Cosman relocated in 2008 to its head office in Simcoe, Ont.
“I’ve had a great run over the last 30 years and am honoured to have worked with fantastic people – both clients and fellow employees – over that time,” Cosman said. “There have, and continue to be, changes in way companies market and promote their products and it’s time for me to step aside and let someone else take over.”
While still relatively young at 55 years old, Cosman will not sit idly at home. He will continue to volunteer his time with a number of local charitable organizations and have more time to devote to hobbies that have been on the back burner. He and his wife Christie also will be able to spend more time with their grandchildren.
“Ed is dedicated to the industry and he certainly knows all the key people,” said Richard Barg, of Goulds Water Technology – Xylem Inc. “I wish him all the best in his retirement.”
“Ed’s success is a true example of what happens when you take care of the customer,” said Martin McAnulty, Annex Business Media group publisher. “We wish Ed all the best in retirement; well deserved, enjoy!”
The new sales manager for Ground Water Canada, Sharon Kauk, brings considerable experience in other industries to her role. Kauk has worked for the magazine’s parent company, Annex Business Media, for 14 years. She is sales manager for Fruit and Vegetable Magazine and Manure Manager. Kauk, who lives in Nanticoke, Ont., is excited to be part of the ground water industry and to learn about its challenges and successes.
Rotary
Threaded
Weld On
Sizes 2” to 36”
Drilling Muds
Drilling Sands Plain End Casing
Pump Hoist
Ruff Drive Shoes (RDS) Pumps & Tanks
INDUSTRY NEWS
USASK AND NRCAN SIGN MOU TO ADVANCE WATER SECURITY
The University of Saskatchewan and Natural Resources Canada have signed a five-year memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening Canada’s commitment to managing its freshwater resources in a time of rapid climate change.
The partnership involves USask-led Global Water Futures (GWF) – the world’s largest university-led freshwater research program – and National Resources Canada. Through initiatives such as collaborative research projects, personnel exchanges, and exchanges of scientific information and technical data, the goal is to advance water research in critically important areas including climate change impacts on ecosystems, river basins, water bodies and natural resources development, said a news release from NRCan and USask.
“The water issues that Canada is facing are complex and require a multi-sectoral and interdisciplinary approach,” said USask vice-president of research Karen Chad in the release. “This partnership involving our panCanadian Global Water Futures program will bring together universities, government departments and other partners to help solve these daunting challenges and advance our shared goal of water security and sustainability.”
“This MOU represents an opportunity for NRCan to bring its expertise in geology, forestry, mapping and Earth observation to the table in our collaboration with the academic community on water,” said Prashant Shukle, director general of the Canada Centre for Mapping and Earth Observation. “We look forward to taking this pan-Canadian approach to working together to advance our understanding of Canada’s water resources and linking it to our policy and science.”
It’s anticipated that the collaboration will help inform policies on climate change adaptation and the assessment and monitoring of natural hazard risks including floods, droughts and wildfires. The research will examine water in its many forms – in Canada’s mountains, glaciers, permafrost areas, forests, peatlands, wetlands, and ground water – that make up the country’s water environment.
GROUND WATER CANADA NATIONAL INDUSTRY SURVEY
Ground Water Canada will launch its first national survey of Canadian waterwell and geothermal drillers, pump installers, suppliers, scientists and other members of the industry.
We are taking the pulse of the ground water industry on issues that matter to you and we want your input! Your participation will help us understand the state of Canada’s unique ground water industry, paint a uniquely Canadian picture of the industry and deliver valuable articles to you.
In appreciation of your participation, you will be entered into a draw to win a $100 Visa Gift Card. Your response will be completely anonymous. Watch for news of, and a link to, the online survey at groundwatercanada. com in February and in an eblast and enewsletters.
The results of this survey will be published in a state-of-the-industry report in the fall issue.
CORRECTION
The print version of Jason McLeod’s profile in our Fall 2018 issue incorrectly states that Jason purchased his drill rig and support truck from his uncle, Ralph McLeod. In fact, he purchased the rig from a seller in Michigan. Ground Water Canada regrets the error.
CANADIAN NATIONAL GROUND WATER ASSOCIATION NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT
About 30 Canadians representing several provinces met to talk about next steps for the formation of the Canadian National Ground Water Association.
Craig Stainton, executive director of the Ontario Ground Water Association, updated the group on the current state of the new association. August 2019 is the earliest the new association may incorporate as the Canadian National Ground Water Association, Stainton said. Another option is to operate as a numbered company.
It was decided among the group that if the bylaws are ready before August they will proceed with plans to operate as a numbered company; if the bylaws are not ready until August they will proceed with incorporation.
Johnny Wilson of J.B. Wilson and Son Well Drilling in Springfield, Ont., provided an update on the connection with the University of Windsor. The university’s Earth and Environmental Sciences department, led by Joel Gagnon, has provided the new association with an office with desks, storage, phones and other amenities.
A committee was struck, led by Wilson, to help review their former bylaws, review notfor-profit legislation and develop new bylaws.
Stainton noted that Ontario and B.C. associations have registered as affiliate association members of the NGWA and encouraged Canadians to join either of these affiliate associations or register with NGWA as a Canadian if they are from one of the other provinces or territories.
Questions about the association may be directed to Craig Stainton, executive director of the OGWA, at 519-245-7194, ext. 103, or executivedirector@ogwa.ca.
The group is requesting donations from contractors, manufacturers, suppliers and others allied to the industry to help with association startup costs, including the cost of legal work and incorporation. Donations to the “CNGWA Fund” are being gratefully accepted through the OGWA: 232 Central Avenue London, ON N6A 1M8
Phone: 519-245-7194, ext. 101
Email: accounts@ogwa.ca
HUB OF THE COMMUNITY
Hub Well Drilling in Truro, N.S., is a forward-thinking company with a rich history
My visit to Hub Well Drilling Ltd. on a rainy September morning near near Truro, N.S., begins with a tour around the business office, shop and storeroom, and a lively chat with owner and operator Brian Johnson.
by COLLEEN CROSS
Johnson, 35, is enthusiastic and keen to talk about the family business. As he talks his earlymorning energy ramps up and it’s obvious he loves the work.
The rest of the team files in, including his wife, Allison, and father, Greg, who represents the third generation of the business, I sense a definite family vibe.
This business has been helping people in Colchester County – and neighbouring Cumberland, Halifax, Hants and Pictou counties – find water for 100 years.
The business name refers to Truro’s reputation as a central place, or hub, for transportation and commerce. The town is located at the junction between the Canadian National Railway, running between Halifax and Montreal, and the Cape Breton and Central Nova Scotia Railway, running between Truro and Sydney.
Hub didn’t always go by that name. In 1918, founder Oran Johnson, Brian’s great-grandfather, established it under the name O.S. Johnson Well Drilling. His son Ivan became involved in the business starting in 1945. When Ivan died in 1986, his own son Greg took over the business. Brian, Greg’s son, has led the business since early 2014.
Greg is still very much involved in the day-today business on the frontlines fielding calls and questions from customers.
A licensed driller and pump installer since 2006, Brian also has under his belt a bachelor’s degree in business administration earned at St.
Francis Xavier University in Antigonish in 2005.
He thinks his business degree emboldens him to try technology and he applies other aspects of his business education to his work in the ground water industry.
One example of this: Allison, their administrator has been entering years worth of old well records into a database so they will be able to locate them more easily if an issue arises.
GPS coordinates are submitted to Nova Scotia Environment on well logs, but since wells are no longer buried, they are mainly used for reference.
“He has a phenomenal memory” Brian says, referring in part to his father’s ability to recall well locations and details of many jobs over the years.
“People think they remember their well details, but they often miscalculate,” he adds with a laugh.
They are busy from May to December doing mostly residential work, and also some commercial and municipal work. Agricultural wells for livestock are also fairly regular. They work frequently at dairy and chicken farms servicing pump systems and drilling new wells, Brian says.
Hub’s current shop, a cheery red building on Salmon Road, was built in 1994, just down the road from the business’ first location. A framed photo of their flagship and other firsts, such as the horsedrawn rig Oran built, brightens the walls of the customer reception area.
Equipment over the years has included a horse-drawn machine, two cable-tool drills, and
their first rotary in 1973. They now have two rotary Reich drills, along with two 1500 gallon water trucks, and a service vehicle. The service truck has a boom on it for pulling large pumps; they also have a tracked pump puller for pulling smaller pumps.
Peeking into the storeroom on our tour, I see Brian’s pump installer side take over. “We like to keep a lot of parts in stock,” he says, which they need for new hookups, system improvements, constant pressure upgrades or emergency repairs.
They do geothermal installations as well, installing the “loop” portion of an open loop.
‘YOU’RE ALLOWED TO ENJOY THE SHOW’
They are equipped to drill six-inch to 20-inch diameter holes. They offer well owners a written contract with a one-year guarantee.
Taking seriously their roles as educators, he says they have a rule for customers: “You’re allowed to enjoy the show,” he says with a laugh, adding that he will stop the rig and chat with well owners about where
they are in the process. I know he means what he says when he invites me to visit their drilling site that afternoon and takes time to explain what’s happening with the well – I was lucky to see they’d begun to get good water.
FUTURE OF THE INDUSTRY: EDUCATION
Like his father before him, Brian is involved with the Nova Scotia Ground Water Association. Greg has served as president, while Brian currently serves as vice-president and director of the pump installers division.
The younger Johnson enjoys being involved in the political side of the industry. “It’s important to have a voice,” he says, adding that he used to work on a Nova Scotia Environment advisory board with other stakeholders, such as waste waster professionals, involved in residential matters giving feedback to the government on the structure of regulations.
This kind of co-operation is key to getting things done, he says. The same kind of sharing of information happens at association conventions such as the one
happening down the road from Hub at the Atlantic convention. “Networking is good, it helps us solve problems.”
A big advocate of learning, Brian wants to see industry move to a higher standard.
“Maybe the industry used to be a bit combative – the new generation may be less so,” he says thoughtfully.
That often comes up during pump installer meetings, Brian says, as it does with unlicensed drillers though to a lesser degree. “Why are we going through all this certification if others who don’t can win the jobs?”Many licensed installers often voice their concerns.
In order to operate at the highly professional level he would like to see, drillers and pump installers have to be able to charge customers an appropriate amount to cover the costs of drilling a well properly, including costs to maintain equipment, the fluctuating costs of material such as casing – which at the time of my visit had jumped up in price by $4 a foot immediately after the U.S. imposed tariffs – and fees needed
Continued on page 24
Hub Well Drilling Ltd., led by Brian Johnson, has been helping people in Colchester County – and neighbouring Cumberland, Halifax, Hants and Pictou counties – find water for 100 years.
EAST COAST JAMBOREE
Atlantic well drillers, suppliers meet up in Truro, N.S.
Drillers, manufacturers and suppliers from five provinces met at the Atlantic Water Well Association in Truro, N.S., to hear expert speakers, see what manufacturers and suppliers had to offer, compare notes with old friends, and enjoy some delicious seafood chowder and grog.
by COLLEEN CROSS
The first association convention in several years took place from Sept. 27 to 29 in the friendly town of about 12,000. Truro is known as “the hub” due to its location at an intersection of railroads. It’s well known for its Stanfield’s Underwear plant, which has operated since 1870 and currently has some 400 employees.
The get-together was organized by a hardworking committee headed by Tom Burke and Wayne MacRae, and consisting of Danny Constantine, Bill Kyte, Roger Roy, Jon O’Brien, Ron White and Jordan Rogers.
Many attendees connected with old friends at the meet-and-greet on Thursday evening, to tuneful fiddle music from Gord Tucker that included favourites from Men of the Deeps to Elvis Presley.
Drillers attending from Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and
Ontario had a chance to swap stories that evening – some of them true!
Faye Beaton organized a Friday morning session for the ladies featuring motivational speaker and yoga therapist Knickolle Pitcher, who offered inspiration and tips on how to “live your best life.” In the afternoon, the group enjoyed an afternoon out that included lunch in the vintage Dining Car and Train Station Inn in Tatamagouche, and a tour of Jost Winery in Malagash.
LEARNING FROM MANUFACTURERS
As wine was being sampled, some 50 drillers and employees went back to school for the day to learn about diverse topics relating to drilling. Here are a few highlights of the presentations from manufacturers and distributors:
Gaston Brazeau of Franklin Electric described troubleshooting techniques for different types of
RIGHT: Justin and Marcie Hammond of Martin B. Hammond Well Drilling in South River, Newfoundland, talk with Gaston Brazeau (second from left) and Peter Gay (right) of Franklin Electric at the company’s booth.
pump motors, starting with a primer on the basics of electrical systems and getting into more complex issues encountered on the job. Brazeau explored the causes of low and high amperage, and noted that tools such as meggers and amp meters can be very useful.
Neal Kuszewski of Numa showed everyone how to take care of their downthe-hole hammers and bits to stretch their working life. One takeaway was that carbides of different configurations, numbers and hardnesses are available to suit different drilling conditions.
Tony Oosterveld of Viqua explored the risk involved in water disinfection applications. All disinfection applications – filtration, air injection, ion exchange, ultraviolet and activated carbon among them – have an element of risk of contamination, Oosterveld said, and it’s important to assess that risk before deciding which techniques to use and using them to full advantage. Oosterveld, who specializes in ultraviolet treatment systems and has done research and regulatory work in water quality, said he has come to view water treatment holistically, balancing continuous disinfection with ground source protection.
Yannick Belanger of North East Equipment went over compressor basics and care and looked at different types of compressor oil. Belanger stressed the importance of finding your optimal interstage pressure. He said it’s possible your oil may not need changing as often as you think and suggested having it tested (which can be done for approximately $30-40 through a manufacturer) before assuming it needs replacement. However, after 500 hours, drillers should consider changing the oil.
TRADE SHOW TIME
Truro’s mayor, Bill Mills, attended the opening of the trade show and chowder supper. Mayor Mills remarked on having worked with some of the exhibiting suppliers on projects over the years and noted that, with the need for disaster preparedness, there was potential to work together in future. A silent auction raised about $2,000.
Nova Scotia Ground Water Association president Jordan Rogers said that although provincial associations meet individually, the AWWA convention provides a muchneeded chance for drillers and pump installers to talk to their suppliers face to
TOP: Tony Oosterveld of Viqua catches up with Mike Strutynski of Pompco at the Thursday night social. MIDDLE: Ken Constable of Fred Constable and Son in Bradford, Ont., strikes up a conversation with Darrell Jefferson of DJ’s Well Drilling of Kingston, N.S. BOTTOM: Val Le Blanc of Eastern Well Drillers in Shediac, N.B., reminisces with Ron White of Ron White Well Drilling in Amherst, N.S., on trade show night.
face and hear about new products and equipment.
Among the drilling companies represented were Martin Hammond from Newfoundland, Fred Constable and Son from Ontario, Hawkes Well Drilling of New Brunswick, Moore Well Drilling and Thompson Drilling from P.E.I., and DJ’s Well Drilling from Nova Scotia. Many reminisced over a photo display of conventions and past Canwell events.
The relaxed evening also gave longtime drillers such as Ken Constable and Darrell Jefferson of DJ’s Well Drilling a chance to get acquainted, and friends such as Bill Kyte and Ron White a chance to catch up.
On Saturday morning, as the trade show wrapped up, drillers took in two informative talks.
INSURANCE PROGRAM
PROUDLY SERVING THE GROUNDWATER INDUSTRY SINCE 1992: Lackner McLennan Insurance has made it their business to protect other businesses, and their specialty program for the groundwater industry has been making waves.
PROGRAM DESIGNED FOR:
• Water Well Drilling Contractors
• Pump Installation Contractors
• Geo Thermal Heating Contractors
• Hydro Geologists / Geo Scientists
• Manufacturers / Suppliers
COVERAGES INCLUDE:
• Automobile & Fleet
• Property & Commercial Liability
• Environmental Impairment Liability
• Errors & Omissions (Professional) Liability
• Bonding
Directors & Officers / Employment Practices COVERAGE: A liability program designed to provide you with defense costs arising from an employee dispute or issue with one of the Ministries. (Labour, Environment, Revenue)
Don Baron of Aqseptence (formerly Johnson Screens) offered up some “chemical tricks for young pups.” Baron said it’s important to distinguish between cleaning and disinfecting as different products and techniques do different jobs. He showed attendees how to figure PPM from percentages and looked at common disinfectants such as hydrogen peroxide, liquid bleach and powdered bleaches including those containing products such as Nu-well 100 or 110, which some drillers are finding useful.
Mario Brunet of CETCO looked at advancements in geothermal technology and the role grout can play in improving efficiency of ground source heat pumps and reducing the number of boreholes needed on a job. The increase in fracking has made silica less plentiful, Brunet said, and graphite is becoming an increasingly popular option for larger contractors. Among other benefits, it is lighter and less abrasive than silica and will stay in place in the column as it does not drop out of suspension.
Visit our Facebook photo gallery for more photo highlights, and like us while you’re there!
For more on the East Coast scene, read this issue’s “Hub of the community” (page 10), “Ready for the weather” (page 16) and “First drive on the Rock” (page 19).
2016-12-08 11:22 AM
Darrell Carson of Hawkes Well Drilling in Lower Coverdale, N.B., takes an opportunity during a break in the action to talk with Jon O’Brien of Rideau Pipe and Supply during the education sessions at the Atlantic convention in Truro, N.S. Drillers focused on the technical during a full day of presentations by suppliers.
READY FOR THE WEATHER
A loan program in some municipalities of Nova Scotia provides qualified homeowners with help if their wells run dry
Drought conditions and dry wells have been plaguing residential well owners in southwest Nova Scotia for the past three years. The worst of the three, 2016, is a year that won’t be quickly forgotten. In Yarmouth County, it was the driest summer since 1880. 1
“People were in dire straits. They had no water. There were fire halls that opened up their doors for people to bring their water coolers to get filled,” says Arthur Jefferson of DJ’s Well Drilling Ltd. “Laundromats were just jam-packed. I know some people that drove an hour and a half to another county to do laundry because the wait time would be less.”
“It really got us on the map in 2016,” he adds.
The drought has been focused on one geographic area that includes Shelburne, Barrington, Argyle and Yarmouth municipalities.
“They’re calling the weather in this one part of the province a ‘banana belt effect,’ ” Jefferson says. “They’re not getting the precipitation the rest of the province is getting: it’s just basically going around them, or pushing north, or blowing out to sea.”
Some days, it would be pouring everywhere else throughout the day, until he got closer to Yarmouth and the skies would be clear and the pavement dry.
“I’m talking probably a half-hour’s drive difference – a half-hour away, it’d be getting
heavy rains, and where I was heading to –just nothing. The sun would be shining.”
This past summer has been almost as bad.
“It’s been alarmingly dry up until about two months ago, and it hasn’t stopped raining since,” Jefferson says [in late November], noting that while the surface is wet with the recent rain, that has also been part of the pattern the past couple of years.
Homeowners in the area needed help –and help came in the form of a municipal loan program, spearheaded by MLA Chris d’Entremont, whose home riding is Argyle-Barrington. He talks about how the program got underway.
“We didn’t get any rain in southwest Nova Scotia at all,” d’Entremont says. “A lot of the water used for consumption in southwest is from mostly dug wells. Some of them are old and not very deep. What we were starting to see is that people just didn’t have the means to make it deeper or drill a well. There was no mechanism in the province that could actually help them out with it.”
D’Entremont says the route the province decided to go with the loan program
by CAROLYN CAMILLERI
isn’t necessarily the route he would have chosen, but at least there is now a route.
“It’s not the best kind of program, but at least it was something,” he says.
Chris Frotten is currently the chief administrative officer in the Municipality of the District of Barrington. In 2016, he worked at the Municipality of Argyle, where the loan program was first launched.
The municipalities of Yarmouth and Barrington followed very closely behind.
He explains that the province legislated the capability of municipal units to loan money to residents for this purpose, but that it’s up to each municipal unit to determine whether or not they would like to provide a program.
“It’s very similar to the PACE [Property Assessed Clean Energy] program, which allows municipal units to loan money to residents for energy upgrades to their homes,” Frotten says. “They tried to mimic the same type of process as they had with the PACE program.”
In the municipality of Argyle, it is called the Well Upgrade Lending Program and is described online as “a municipally funded program which allows residents
to borrow money from the Municipality to construct a new dug or drilled well or upgrade an existing well that is required to source water.” The loans of up to $15,000 per residential property are repayable over a maximum period of 10 years at a fixed interest rate of 3.5 per cent. To be eligible, property owners must not be in default of any municipal taxes, rates, or charges, and the property must be owner occupied within the Municipality of Argyle. Other types of properties‚ including seasonal homes and businesses, do not qualify for the program.
How it works is simple: the property owner fills out an application and provides a quote for the work. Once approved, the owner agrees to the lending terms and work proceeds with the final invoice submitted for payment by the municipality.
The program in Barrington is similar, except for a couple of notable differences. Here it is called a Water Supply Upgrade Lending Program, and in addition to new or upgraded dug or drilled wells, the program could include the installation of cisterns, water from fog systems, greywater collection, or other containers installed to supply, use, and conserve water. Homeowners in Barrington provide three quotes for the work, with the homeowner making the final choice, for a maximum loan of $10,000. The low interest rates and 10-year repayment plan are the same as in Argyle.
The programs have been getting a good response from homeowners, with this past summer seeing the most applications. Marsha d’Eon, the director of finance for
A recent drought has been focused on one geographic area that includes Shelburne, Barrington, Argyle and Yarmouth municipalities.
the Municipality of Argyle, took over the program from Chris Frotten in summer 2018. She says approximately 15 to 17 homeowners applied last summer.
“We had a public meeting inviting everybody to come for information, and they could fill out the application form at that time,” says d’Eon, who added that it gave the municipality an idea of how many property owners were interested. Of that number, d’Eon says, seven people are now on the program.
“From the feedback I received from the people who actually went through and had their well dug or drilled, they were saying
how it was a good process, it was easy for them, and it was relieving for them,” d’Eon says. “They seemed to be pleased. I haven’t heard any negative feedback.”
Well drillers also noticed an increase in calls last summer from customers on the loan program. Jefferson says the first year the program was in place, he did a few under the loan program, but “this year, it was full out: A lot of people were running dry again.”
Jefferson notes that more of the municipalities seem to be getting on board, and that most of the jobs were for new drilled wells – with new pump systems
and pressure tanks – to replace dug wells that had gone dry. While the dug wells in the area are reliant on the seasonal weather for recharge, the area’s aquifers are much deeper – 300 to 400 feet – and well protected.
“They’re older aquifers, and they’re going to be around even during the next drought,” Jefferson says. “Any of the wells that we drilled, I don’t think we went overly deeper than usual. I didn’t see any difference in the depth of the drilled wells, but the dug wells – we had some people who had an inch or two inches of water left in their well.”
Ralph Jacobs of Bluenose Well Drilling also noted the increased interest in the program.
“We are getting more and more calls from homeowners looking for a quote to have a new well drilled or to have theirs deepened and putting the cost through the loan program,” Jacobs says, “Shallow aquifers are starting to dry up because of lack of rainfall; therefore, customers are having to drill deeper to find more water.”
But money is an issue in some cases, and Jacobs believes the program is helping homeowners. “Especially the elderly who are on a fixed income and have been dealing with a shortage of water,” Jacobs says.
However, the program isn’t available everywhere it is needed.
“I was in touch with Halifax Regional Municipality, and their response was ‘Currently, such programs are administered by individual municipalities,’ ” Jacobs says. “It would be nice to have the programs in more municipalities for sure.”
Jordan Rogers of Valley Well Drillers, and current president of the Nova Scotia Ground Water Association, says the customers he has had go through the program were happy with it, but says, “It would be a great thing to have provincewide.”
This is an issue d’Entremont also comments on: “Even within our southwest zone, there are some municipalities that did not participate in the program, which is unfortunate, because if we do hit another drought, then some people will not have access to it and some people will. They’re relatively neighbours in most cases. That’s going to create a bit of a challenge.”
Rogers comments on that other key difference: “The only downside is some municipalities had a cap of $10,000, which
does not usually cover the cost of the well and pump hookup.”
Jefferson echoes this concern. “In some of the areas, we’re going two, three, 400 feet even, before we get into a good aquifer, and you’re pushing over that limit of $10,000 easily, because by the time you drill it and put a pump in it, and especially the taxes – because that includes the HST – and boy, it’s hard,” he says. “Some of the municipalities won’t even accept the quote if it’s not under that 10.”
Another concern with the lower cap is hiring qualified people to do the work. Jefferson says that while almost all the drillers in the province are certified, it is a different situation with pump installers. He encourages everyone to ask for credentials.
“Make sure they’re certified because the last thing you want to do is go through all this and have something done wrong,” Jefferson says. “It’s going to come back to haunt you. If something goes wrong, who’s going to be held accountable? I’m not sure how it’s going to fall with the municipalities.”
Especially when the municipalities are paying the bill.
Jefferson says the topic was brought up at their provincial ground water association meeting with the hope it would lead to a discussion with the union of municipalities.
Meanwhile, well owners and drillers are waiting to see what the weather will do in 2019.
“I do have some people who have applied that have said they’re going wait until the spring, because people are seeing that this may become a pattern, so they don’t want to go through it again,” d’Eon says. “If we have another dry summer, I’m definitely anticipating people to come forward.”
Frotten comments that discussions are continuing ahead of next year’s unknown weather. “We’re still in conversation with the province, along with our neighbouring municipal units to determine some future, more longer-term solutions.”
And if it does happen again in 2019, there is hope of help – provided the well owners are in the right municipality.
1Kalin Mitchell, “Why was Nova Scotia’s summer so hot and dry?” CBC News. Sept. 6, 2016. (https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ nova-scotia/summer-weather-recordsheat-halifax-yarmouth-dry-wells-kalinmitchell-1.3138111).
REAL-TIME WELL MONITORING IN N.S.
When the drought occurred in Nova Scotia in 2016, the existing provincial ground water observation network was unable to monitor changing conditions because it is not a real-time system. The cost to convert the existing network to real time is high at about $2,500 per site, according to an article written by John Drage, a hydrogeologist in the Geological Survey Division of the N.S. Department of Energy and Mines. The article appeared in both The Geological Record1 and the fall 2018 issue of “Water Talk,” the newsletter for the NSGWA.
The article describes a new realtime drought-monitoring program for shallow aquifers; pilot testing in Nova Scotia began in 2017. The new devices have been designed to be affordable, with each one costing about $200 to build with an annual operating cost of about $5 for batteries. The program expanded in 2018 and invited well owners across the province to volunteer their wells to be part of the network. Ten sites around the province are being monitored (three sites are offline pending hardware upgrades).
“Plans for 2019 are to add a few more monitoring locations to the current network, improve the design of the monitoring devices, and continue to develop a cellphone version of the device,” Drage says.
To see the network, go to https:// nsdnr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/ webappviewer/index.html?id=6bf832e b26ac4b1a8d9f757bea61541e
For more information on this Nova Scotia program, email John.Drage@ novascotia.ca.
1John Drage, A New Real Time Drought-Monitoring Network for Shallow Aquifers in Nova Scotia. The Geological Record, Volume 5, No. 2, Page 4, Spring 2018. Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources.
Carolyn Camilleri is a Torontobased writer, editor, and content strategist. She has been writing for consumer and trade magazines, as well as businesses and organizations, for more than 15 years.
TRUCK REVIEW
FIRST DRIVE ON THE ROCK
GMC’s new Sierra features a convertible tailgate and carbon-fibre cargo box
Every region of Canada has unique geographic features that set them apart from the rest. However, while that description also applies to our newest province – Newfoundland – when you are there, there is also a vaguely perceptible “other world” sense about the place. I was thinking this as I drove the new 2019 GMC Sierra from St. John’s through the Avalon Peninsula on my way to Conception Bay.
Perhaps this is why GM chose “the Rock” for this debut. They very much want to present the Sierra as having a different feel from other brands, but mostly from its other in-house version, Silverado.
The Sierra’s big sister – the Chevy Silverado – which is also new this year, has in some ways stolen the Sierra’s thunder by debuting first; it was rolled out as part of the 100th anniversary celebrations for Chevrolet trucks.
Although this later Sierra release could be considered a second act, there are features in the Sierra that do make it different. These are vaguely perceptible at first, but then like Newfoundland itself, they make themselves known in a way that’s indelible.
Style-wise Sierra continues its separation from the Silverado – a direction that started well over a decade ago. For 2019 the new grille is upright and dominant with a proportional chrome three-bar pattern (Denali, though, continues to get the exclusive “cheese grater” look).
The new lights are large and C-shaped, anchoring the taller hood to the powerful shoulders on the truck’s front end. The
wheels have moved closer to the body corners making the body “look” that much longer. These body features are in sharp contrast to the slick, flatter, pulled back look of the new Silverado.
The truck body is actually larger than the old model with the small space increases mostly being devoted to the interior comfort of passengers. For instance, the 2019 crew cab has nearly three inches of additional rear-seat legroom compared to the current model.
Other new exterior design elements include bright chrome side window surrounds, integrated dual exhaust tips and a wider range of available tires (18-, 20- and 22-inch options).
Still, while the look matters, if you want to set a product apart from its competition you have to give it exclusive features. GMC has now done that.
Starting at the business end of this new truck you’ll see that GM has invested in two very unique new features, neither of which will be shared with Silverado.
First, a convertible tailgate with multiple functions, and, second, an industry-first carbon-fibre cargo box.
by HOWARD J ELMER
The new convertible tailgate is called the MultiPro. It features six unique functions and positions. The key is the split function that folds half the gate down to create a second tier for loading and/or to be used as a backstop for long cargo. If the tailgate itself is down the split function now creates an extra-wide step up into the cargo bed as well as a cutout for closer bed access. The weight capacity is 375 pounds and the tailgate will also function as a workstation. This fits nicely with the addition of a 110V outlet added to the box nearby. This tailgate will be standard equipment on Denali and SLT trucks.
Working with the tailgate at our lunch stop it struck me that these innovations are the inevitable next-level evolution of the one-piece tailgate. I mean, ever since the early days of trucks tailgates have doubled as workbenches, picnic tables and bleachers. We have always used them for more than just keeping cargo in the bed –now the GM engineers have made it easier and more convenient to do what we’ve always been doing.
The second big deal is this new formed, one-piece bed that uses purpose-specific
carbon-fibre composite. Once complete it is 62 lb. lighter than the base steel version on the Sierra. GMC is claiming best-in-class dent, scratch and corrosion resistance for this innovation – and with good reason.
Carbon fibre is one of those materials normally associated with high-performance race cars and fighter jets. It’s very strong, yet very light – both traits that will benefit any truck cargo bed. This box, called the CarbonPro, is not a standard feature and it will cost more as an option. The standard bed continues to be made of rollformed steel. This is where it remains to be seen how much value customers are willing to pay for a truck bed. However, having the option is revolutionary.
This material is tougher than steel or aluminum. Putting a hole through it is virtually impossible – but should it happen, it can be repaired with a propane torch. When I first saw this bed in Detroit, I had a chance to speak to a director of the company (Continental Structural Plastics) that developed this bed for GMC. We talked about how tough it was and he told me that one of the tests they had subjected it to was loading a snowmobile with a steel-pick studded track into the truck bed, starting it and then pinning the throttle – spinning that track in place with those hardened 2 in. steel picks tearing at the floor. This uniquely Canadian-ish torture test did not damage the material. Personally, I can tell you I have shredded steel, aluminum and bed-liners doing the same thing . . . well, actually trying not to.
For power – this is where GMC and Chevy do share – new versions of the 5.3L and 6.2L V8 engines will be joined by an allnew 3.0L inline-six turbo diesel engine (very late availability). The 6.2L and 3.0L engine will be paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission. But past the usual updates GM has unveiled a new fuel-saving system called Dynamic Fuel Management. This industry-first technology enables the engine to operate in 17 different power patterns (using from two to eight cylinders) all governed by demand. DFM will be available on both the 6.2L and the 5.3L V8.
Driver-assist technologies are new and found throughout the new Sierra. Key among these is an electronic trailering system called ProGrade. Included in its features are a hitch-view camera witha zoom feature for hooking up; a side-view cameras to see down the side of the truck and trailer; also an auxiliary camera mounted on the back of the trailer for an in-cab view of what’s
behind you. A nice touch is a new auto electric parking brake assist, which automatically applies the parking brake as you shift into park, preventing that one-inch lurch that takes you off the ball. Also part of the package are wireless tire pressure sensors that when installed on the trailer wheels relay tire pressure and temperature information to the in-cab trailering screen. A new trailer light test and diagnostics system is included too.
Inside the Sierra offers another industry first. A 3x7-in. headsup display projecting vehicle info onto the windshield within the driver’s sight-line. The standard 8 in. infotainment screen offers a new smartphone-like experience, faster responses and improved voice recognition. This screen also stitches various camera angles together for a bird’s-eye view of the truck.
Another new option is adaptive ride control (offered on the Denali). Using real-time monitoring of road and driver inputs it reacts (in milliseconds) adjusting shock damping on the fly for the smoothest ride.
No conversation about a Sierra would be complete without talking about the Denali trim package. Since its debut in a 2001 Sierra, it’s taken on a life of its own. This organic marketing coup happens only occasionally in the automotive world; GM knows it and is working to exploit it. They are pumping even more upscale styling and materials into the truck and expanding its stand-alone character by including a prominent Denali nameplate on the tailgate.
For the off-road crowd GMC has decided to add a new Sierra spinoff: the AT4. It is billed as a premium vehicle that holds its own off the beaten path. To that end it gets a 2 in. factory lift, upgraded Goodyear DuraTrac tires (up to 20 in.) and an overall look that can best be described as “blacked-out.” These cues come on top of the standard off-road features of Sierra, namely, Rancho shocks, locking rear differential, two-speed transfer case, skid plates, traction select system and hill descent control.
Howard J Elmer is a truck and ATV writer living in rural Ontario He penned this review for Ground Water Canada.
LEFT: Lights on the 2019 Sierra are large and C-shaped, anchoring the taller hood to the powerful shoulders on the truck’s front end. RIGHT: A new formed, one-piece bed uses purpose-specific carbon-fibre composite. Once complete it is 62 lb. lighter than the base steel version on the Sierra.
DRILLING WELLS FOR CHARITY
Life-giving for recipients, life-changing for drillers
Giving back to the community through charitable donations is a key focus for many businesses who want to show customers they care about more than the almighty dollar. This corporate social responsibility is driven in part by socially conscious millennials who are forcing the issue with their immense purchasing power.
by JULIE FITZ-GERALD
However, as business owners jump into charitable giving, they’re quickly realizing that the benefits are far reaching, and in some cases, life changing.
Ted van der Zalm, a water well driller in Ontario’s Niagara region, has first-hand experience with the impact that charity involvement can have on one’s life. After travelling to Tanzania right after university and working on a drilling project that brought clean drinking water to locals – many of whom were either ill themselves or had lost somebody due to contaminated water – he knew he needed to do more.
Van der Zalm met his future wife, Miriam, a volunteer from Italy, on the project in Tanzania and eventually they married and moved back to Canada.
“We were then approached by people in Guatemala to see if we could help them like we did in Tanzania. We packed up our four kids [they now have five], the youngest was two months old, and we drove to Guatemala. We lived in tents for six months. Every two weeks we moved to a new village so we could hear from the people themselves. Everyone said, ‘We need water, water, water!’ ”
The couple founded Wells of Hope in 2004 and have since brought clean drinking water to over 73,000 people in Guatemala, drilling 21 wells in Jalapa and Jutiapa. Providing this lifegiving resource has had as much of an impact on van der Zalm as it has on the villagers. “These women walk up to five kilometres
each day multiple times to bring home dirty, bacteria-infested water. While I’m drilling, the whole village is out there watching the progress and when the water starts blasting out of that ground the women are crying knowing they never have to walk for water again. There’s nothing I’ve done that’s comparable,” he says. Making positive change in the world, like van der Zalm is doing in Central America, is what millennials seek out and value most. According to a September, 2016 article by Inc.com’s creative executive Molly St. Louis, studies have shown that 70 per cent of millennials will spend more with businesses that support causes. St. Louis goes on to explain, “Given that millennials represent $2.45 trillion in spending power, the notion of ‘giving back’ may be very powerful for your company’s sales, not to mention, its overall purpose.”
To break it down, when the young couple who have just bought their dream home need a new well drilled, there’s a good chance they’ll give their business to the company that’s donating time or money to projects like Wells of Hope. In January, an article in the Globe and Mail by Paul Attfield noted that “Beyond the traditional corporate charitable activities, though, companies should look at ways of using their employees’ skills to help non-profit organizations innovate and bring the fastest and biggest level of change at the lowest cost, says one expert in this area.”
That expert is Paul Klein, founder and chief executive officer of a Toronto-based consultancy
called Impakt Corp. In the article, Klein explains, “It’s not just doing all the teambuilding activities and events and so on, the walks, the runs and everything. It’s harnessing the professional skills and abilities of employees to help these nonprofits and [their] partners improve their capacity and ability to make change.”
For water well drillers, these skills could include consulting on challenging drilling projects in remote places, donating actual time to go and drill the wells or donating equipment. There are many ways to get involved; however, for van der Zalm, volunteers from the drilling world have been far and few between.
“We did have one driller that we met at a convention, and he came down and helped me for a season. It was the only time I had a driller help me, so it was fabulous to have a volunteer donating his time and expertise so it wasn’t all on my shoulders. Even if they could take a well or two off my hands, then I could focus on another well.”
The drilling season for Wells of Hope is from January to May, aligning perfectly with the notoriously slow winter months for Canadian well drillers.
“We are inviting people to bring their gifts and talents into the field,” van der
Zalm says. “We have many volunteers come over during the four to five months that we’re there, so we recommend a minimum 10-day stay – and those 10 days are life changing for many people. If anything, they go home grateful for the opportunity.”
Other Canadian charities doing similar work include Ryan’s Well Foundation, which is focused on bringing clean drinking water to West Africa, East Africa and Haiti, and Lifewater Canada, which has volunteers training and equipping people in Africa and Haiti to drill wells and build washrooms.
The massive impact these projects have around the world does not go unnoticed. In December 2016, van der Zalm was honoured by the Governor General of Canada for his commitment to the Guatemalan people through Wells of Hope.
“I’ve drilled wells here in Niagara and there’s little satisfaction other than to say I’m able to support my family,” van der Zalm explains, “but in Guatemala, where there’s no hope and children are dying at an alarming rate due to infested water, we can make a big difference. We put in these wells and now they no longer have to travel five kilometres multiple
times a day for water, and they can grow vegetables. We are impacting the health and welfare of these communities for generations to come.”
Back on the business side of things, St. Louis writes that four big benefits to corporate donations include: 1) employee morale through a boost in positive general attitudes; 2) increased marketing by getting your name out there; 3) tax deductions; and 4) it’s good for your community. “One way to engage employees to participate is to align the company’s donation choices with causes that have the greatest meaning to your workforce,” she notes.
Giving to charity is good for business. But it’s clear that the biggest benefits do not come in dollars and cents. Giving the gift of hope and health to those who need it most is bound to transform the heart of the giver.
Julie Fitz-Gerald is a freelance writer based in Uxbridge, Ont., and a regular contributor to Ground Water Canada.
Ted and Miriam van der Zalm founded Wells of Hope in 2004 and have since drilled 21 wells and brought clean drinking water to over 73,000 people in Guatemala.
PROFILE
Continued from page 11
to earn continuing education points.
“Nova Scotia has continuing education points,” he points out. “Contractors have to acquire 25 points per year, and everyone is always working to keep up their points.”
It’s clear he believes in the power of educating the public as well, and there is evidence of this on the company website. A “Water Talk” section provides information from Environment Canada on water well drilling, choosing a website and other topics. Videos showing drilling jobs and techniques are updated regularly: he has connected the company website and social media pages, so that when videos are posted on Instagram, they automatically appear on the company website and Facebook feeds. “That’s one area where my business training has helped me,” he says. On the future of the industry, he says,
“Walkerton raised awareness. There’s nothing more important than water and its importance is going to become more and more of an issue. There is going to be a bigger need for ground water as time goes on.”
“As the population grows, water is going to be in shortage. We’re fairly fortunate here but you see in the southwestern United States they’re into a water crisis. The cost associated with drilling wells is only going to go up but the need for it eventually will go up too. Especially in Nova Scotia there is such a broad rural area that it’s not really feasible to put in any kind of infrastructure to serve the public supply – the logistics of it are too hard to do it.”
“And there are fewer and fewer people doing the work,” he says.
TOP: “You’re allowed to enjoy the show,” owner/operator Brian Johnson says, adding that he will stop the rig and chat with well owners about where they are in the process. This photo was taken from a high vantage point above a drilling site during a visit from Ground Water Canada in September. BOTTOM: Founder Oran Johnson started the business in 1918; son Ivan Johnson followed in his footsteps. Ivan’s son, Greg Johnson, left, represents the third generation of Hub Well Drilling. His son Brian, right, has led the business since 2014.
HUGE CHALLENGE: HIRING AND RETAINING
Hub is blessed with great employees, Johnson says. John Chapman has been part of the team for more than 10 years, and Wayne MacLeod has been with Hub for about two years. Well technician John is working on getting licensed as a pump installer; driller’s helper Wayne primarily works on the rigs.
But finding and keeping staff long term remains a challenge. Most needed are people with a clean Class 3 driver’s licence, he says. “And all tradespeople struggle to find self-motivated people – someone with the right attitude,” he says.
Attracting good people requires paying them well, and therein lies the rub. “Our challenge lies in finding good people and paying them accordingly,” Johnson says. “I think our prices are going to have to reflect that over time. The large overhead we have now, it’s not just a couple of trucks, as it was in the early days, but proportionately now, it’s a huge amount of dollars people have tied up in their equipment.”
It’s clear the future of Hub Well Drilling is promising, built as it is on a solid foundation of integrity, community involvement and many repeat customers, some of whom remember Brian’s grandfather, Ivan.
“I credit my dad with giving me my start and pointing me in the right direction,” he says. “It’s great to be able to come into a well-established business and kind of put my stamp on it.”
REPORT FROM GROUNDWATER WEEK
The industry, and many Canadians, gathered in Vegas for learning and networking
by COLLEEN CROSS
Groundwater Week welcomed more than 5,000 attendees and 286 exhibitors to Las Vegas for a unique opportunity to learn about their own and other facets of the industry, scope out new products and compare notes with their peers.
Learning sessions included an update from National Ground Water Association’s Lauren Schapker on where policy stands with regard to PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) found in firefighting foam and other products, and how interested parties can get involved in spreading awareness of the threat they pose to the environment. Takeaways from the productive meeting included a plan by the NGWA to provide white papers to various sectors of the industry – drillers,
manufacturers, scientists, etc. – detailing how they may be affected by the presence of these substances in the soil and ground water.
Bill Brown of SkyTEM Canada, headquartered in Ayr, Ont., shared details of the company’s airborne electromagnetic surveys, which can deliver high-quality subsurface data and may be applied to map ground water around the world. The geophysical information collected
LEFT: Wednesday saw a lot of traffic on the trade show floor as contractors comparison-shopped the latest products, equipment and services.
RIGHT: Bit Brokers International turned heads with its display of products, painted proudly pink to honour survivors of breast cancer. Shon and Chester Thomas told us about the initiative.
complements existing borehole information, Brown explained in his presentation.
A business-focused session entitled “What is Your Business Outlook for the Next Five Years: Thrive or Dive” turned into a deep dive into hiring challenges and practices, including what works and what doesn’t for water well drilling business owners and managers. Moderator Kathryn Butcher, CMP, of the NGWA, started out by asking attendees where they see their business in five years. While most said they see their businesses growing, many expressed challenges with finding and keeping competent and motivated employees. Strategies such as posting on social media (including changing the language of the job ads frequently), getting referrals from current workers, and posting large physical signs. The consensus was that there is no magic bullet: a combination of methods yielded the best results.
There was a definite Canadian presence at the convention, among attendees, exhibitors, the NGWA board and award recipients. We counted nearly 300 Canadian attendees in the NGWA’s Groundwater Week 2018 app (a very useful networking tool).
Beth Parker of the University of Guelph’s School of Engineering received the M. King Hubbert Award, which is presented to a person who has made a major science or engineering contribution to the industry through research, technical papers, teaching and practical applications.
Bernard Kueper of Queens University in Kingston, Ont., was designated an NGWA Fellow in recognition by his peers and the NGWA of outstanding credentials, professional accomplishments, and a commitment to promoting the increased understanding of ground water science and water well system technology.
Newly elected NGWA president Scott King, a Canadian hydrogeologist and the association’s first president to come from the Scientists and Engineers Section, was sworn in during the delegates meeting. King stopped by a meeting of Canadians set to discuss next steps for the new Canadian National Ground Water Association (for more information on that meeting,
see the industry news section of this magazine).
The trade show floor saw much tire-kicking and in-depth discussions between manufacturers and distributors and contractors looking to add to their fleets, upgrade their equipment or try new products on the market.
held the finals of its WaterPRO Championships as scores of interested attendees crammed the booth. Jason Johnson of Lindsborg, Kansas, earned the title of Grundfos 2018 WaterPRO Champion.
TOP: Alistair Wilson of Value Contracting in the Okanagan Valley, B.C., checks out the controls of a TDH Manufacturing pump hoist. BOTTOM: Jason Hougak of Steve’s Pump Service in Damascus, Ore., works under extreme time pressure before a crowd in Grundfos’ WaterPRO Championship finals. For more on
Grundfos’ booth provided some excitement in the form of a friendly but serious competition to see which water well contractors could assemble the company’s pumps the fastest without error. The pump manufacturer
Check out our Facebook gallery, “Groundwater Week 2018,” for photo highlights. Don’t forget to like us while you’re there!
PHOTOS BY DAVID JUDD
NEW PRODUCTS
TDH RANGE OF POWERFUL PUMP HOISTS
TDH Manufacturing’s pump hoists got some attention at Groundwater Week. The company, of Fort Worth, Texas, had several of its pump hoists on display at the annual trade show in Las Vegas.
The 4X3, mounted on a Ford F-550, works well on a variety of jobs and will pull a 12,000 lb. pump with a triple line, a company representative said. A 40 lb. tall extendable mast has 38 ft. of true hook height, dual 21 ft. hydraulic pipe racks, dual 3 in. bore and 2 in. road mast cylinders. The mast extension cylinder is a 3 in. bore and 2 in. rod that extends 10 ft.
Other models on display included the 7X3 on an F-550, which is designed to pull 7,000 lb. (single line), 14,000 lb. (double line) or 21,000 lb. (triple line).
The 9X3 will pull 9,000 lb. (single line), 18,000 lb. (double line) or 27,000 lb. (triple line).
The 24X3, mounted on a Kenworth T370, can pull 24,000 (single line), 48,000 lb. (double line) or 72,000 lb. (triple line).
The 35X4 on a T880 will pull 35,000 lb. (single line), 70,000 lb. (double line), 105,000 lb. (triple line) or 140,000 lb. (quadruple line). tdhmfg.com
WATER LEVEL DRAWDOWN METER SWITCHES BETWEEN MODES
The Model 101D Water Level DrawDown Meter from Solinst Canada indicates static
water level and monitors falling hydraulic head.
In water level mode, the Model 101D Water Level DrawDown Meter allows accurate depth to water measurements in wells, boreholes, standpipes and tanks. The drawdown function is used to monitor falling hydraulic head during low flow sampling, pumping and other aquifer and well tests, the company said in a news release.
It also ensures a pump’s intake remains submerged during purging or well development.
The meter includes all the same qualities as the Model 101 P7 Water Level Meter, with a simple control added to switch between modes.
The 101D has a sturdy reel and frame and convenient features such as a brake, probe holder, tape guide, on/ off sensitivity dial, battery test button, and an easy-to-access battery tray for a standard 9V battery.
Solinst described how the water level drawdown meter works: In water level mode, when the zero point on the probe enters water, an electronic circuit is completed, activating a buzzer and light. In drawdown mode, the circuit is reversed – the buzzer and light are triggered when the probe is in air.
The levels are read from durable, chemical-resistant flat tape, which is accurately laser marked every 1/100 ft. Tape lengths are available up to 5,000 ft. (1,500 m). The robust P7 Probe is submersible to 1,000 ft. (300 m), and can be easily replaced in the field, if required. solinst.com
SUBDRIVE HAS PSC AND SURFACE PUMP FUNCTIONALITY
Franklin Electric’s SubDrive Utility Variable Frequency Drive has been enhanced to include submersible permanent split capacitor (PSC) and surface pump functionality. The drive now turns a variety of conventional water pumping systems into constant pressure systems, including two-wire submersible pumping systems ranging from 1/3 horsepower up to 1-1/2 horsepower, along with 115V and 230V single-phase two-wire submersible PSC, above-ground booster, and jet pumps with overload current ratings from 4.6 A to 13.1 A.
Current drives in the field can access this same feature through a simple firmware update located in the “Downloads” section of the SubDrive Utility product page of the company’s website.
Designed with a compact footprint, the SubDrive Utility features a sleek NEMA 3R enclosure rated for both indoor and outdoor use that provides a degree of protection against falling rain or sleet. It retrofits to most submersible pumping systems using a Franklin Electric two-wire motor, making the transition seamless for current systems. Because the drive is separate
from the pump and motor, troubleshooting and maintenance of the pumping system is a simpler process.
In cases where the pump and/or motor requires replacement, it is fully functional with the new products, saving the hassle of added inventory and higher costs that come with other allin-one submersible units. The utility ships standard with a traditional SubDrive pressure sensor, but is also compatible with an analog pressure transducer to provide added contractor flexibility. franklinwater.com
BALL CHECK VALVE SIMPLE, RELIABLE
Flomatic Corporation introduces their new Model 508S6 Ball Check Valve; a simple, yet reliable 316 stainless steel
check valve.
The valve features a full-ported valve seat uniquely designed to allow a strong phenolic ball to seat on a Nitrile (Buna-N) seat.
For vacuum or anti-flooding valve applications, an optional “floating” rather than “sinking” ball is used, the company said in a press release. Due to its simple, flow-efficient design, the valve is virtually maintenance-free.
This valve is commonly used in submersible wastewater lift station applications. The optional vacuum breaker mounted on the access port reduces hydraulic shocks (water hammer).
“It was our goal to deliver a longer service life ball check valve; the Model 508S6 does just that,” Bo Andersson, Flomatic’s president, of the new valve, which can be installed both vertically and horizontally. The manufacturer offers an optional Auto-Vac Model 77 vacuum breaker.
Rated at 150 PSI and a maximum 180 F, Model 508S6 may be ordered in 1-1/4 in., 1-1/2 in., and 2 in. sizes. flomatic.com
AD INDEX
COMPOSITE BUFFER TANK LIGHTWEIGHT, RUST-FREE
Flexcon Industries had its CIPHEx award-winning Argosy pressurized composite buffer tank suitable for both geothermal and hydronic systems. More lightweight than steel tanks, it won’t rust and works well for hot or chilled potable and non-potable water It improves system efficiency by reducing heat pump short cycling during low load periods, making it very cost-effective. Features include a threaded stainless steel water connection to make fast and efficient leakfree installations. Reinforced durable, continuous strand fibreglass inner tank is strong, lightweight and doesn’t rust out.
High R value, injected closed cell foam creates a wellinsulated thermal blanket that surrounds the tank, minimizing temperature loss and maximizing efficiency. It has a durable matte black plastic outer jacket that effectively hides unsightly dirt. flexconind.com
DRILLTRACKER SOFTWARE HELPS BUSINESSES MANAGE
Drilltracker was demonstrating what its business management software could do for drilling companies at Groundwater Week. The Australia-based developer has designed a program to help drilling businesses give their clients high-quality reports quickly, easily and directly from the drilling site. Live Geo enables users to send daily drilling logs to clients with photos and a tailored core graph.
Drilltracker helps contractors with job management, staff management, time sheets and reporting, quoting, invoicing, a secure client database, health and safety management, and other aspects of their business in real time. drilltracker.com
WATER EDUCATION
The changing well
Health-unit water testing
by Jeff Wahl
by Jeff Wahl
TBacterial water contamination is a serious issue that has ramifications for human health. The importance of a health-unit water test cannot be overstated as it can identify potential for illness due to bacteria present in water. When submitting a water sample to a public health unit in the province of Ontario, do you know what is being tested for? Do you assume that the safety of the water is being tested for and the results are a good determination of overall drinking water quality? Does a good test result put your mind at ease that the water is safe for consumption for your customers?
EDUCATION
he drilling of a well is a welcomed act for many people as it provides the necessity of water for their home or cottage. In Canada we are fortunate to have an abundance of ground water that can provide a reliable, year-round source of water for many municipalities and rural owners. Provincial well regulations indicate what is required including the depth, well casing and well yield, recommendations for the pumping rate and pump size. Wellhead protection is completed to ensure that surface contaminants do not enter, and proper disinfection procedures are performed. There is no debate over this process and regulations clearly spell it out. Once the well tag is installed, records are given and water is flowing, the owner is left to their own responsibility for the well water quality.
such as total dissolved solids (TDS), water hardness, sulphates, chlorides, manganese, phosphorus, herbicides, pesticides, petroleum products and many others can be present in levels that can exceed the CDWG guidelines. One example of this; safe TDS levels are less than 500 ppm with greater than 1,000 ppm and above not recommended for consumption.
Once the well tag is installed, records are given and water is flowing, the owner is left to their own responsibility for the well water quality.
E. coli and total coliforms are the only two parameters tested for in a health-unit water sample and they can cause illness, with severe cases resulting in fatalities. The Canadian Drinking Water Guidelines (CDWG) contain 104 parameters with minimum safety levels of which E. coli and total coliform are only two of those parameters. The remaining 102 parameters are not part of a health-unit water test. Municipalities are required to test and maintain drinking water standards. This process identifies the presence of contaminants as it involves daily routine monitoring and reporting. What happens when you step out of the city limits and venture into the country? There is no standard regulation for private facilities and owners are left on their own for monitoring water quality. The health-unit test is free for all private residence owners and is often mistaken by the public to be like or the same as municipal testing.
How can an owner be sure that the water in their well is safe? The options include routine bacterial testing at the local public health unit for bacteria, water sampling with an accredited laboratory or sampling by a qualified water treatment professional. More recently there has been the advancement of do-it-yourself test kits available for purchase. All these options provide a snapshot of a specific time and are not indicative of ongoing water quality.
Experience has shown that the costs for laboratory testing and the inconvenience of collecting and delivering a water sample to the health unit or water treatment company often deter many people from doing it at all. This is amplified in rural areas where access is limited, and time constraints and distances are increased to submit a sample. Often sampling is conducted only when there is a noticeable change in water quality or when a real estate transaction occurs.
COMMENTARY
THREE SCENARIOS
Consider the following analogy: Five drops of arsenic are deliberately placed in a water sample bottle prior to submission. (This would be intentional and for the purpose of illustration only.)
• The sample is taken to a health unit for bacterial testing. It passes, as no arsenic test was conducted.
Experience has shown that when many people receive good test results, they believe the water is safe to drink and then forget about it until next year when they may or may not sample again. A calendar year has changing weather patterns, temperature and movement of water. It is important to remember that a health-unit sample is a picture of one day in the year. What changes in the other 364 might affect the quality of the water in a well?
Rural Ontario, for example, is a vast area with varying topography and water quality. Contaminants
• The sample is taken to an accredited laboratory. Arsenic is detected, as it was tested for.
• The sample is taken to a water treatment company. Tests for hardness, iron, sulphur, total dissolved solids, pH and manganese do not detect arsenic, as no arsenic test was conducted.
Clear and virtually invisible in water, TDS is not a requirement for testing at the health unit. Water testing by an accredited laboratory in the Manitoulin Island area has identified levels exceeding 10,000 ppm with ranges from 1,000 ppm to 3,000 ppm being common. All these tests have passed the health-unit test as they contained no E. coli or coliform but failed the Canadian Drinking Water Guidelines.
WELL WATER CONSIDERATIONS
It is easy to substitute arsenic with any contaminant that may enter a ground water source and ultimately flow from a consumer’s tap. Even with “common testing” the contaminant may never be identified, as it was never tested for. No water source remains in a constant state of quality without fluctuations due to seasonal changes, changes in the surrounding environment, human influences and changes in ground water flow patterns.
As part of the well drilling process a water sample is often submitted. Consider what else might be in the water and be sure to inform the customer of the bacterial-only nature of the test. It is good practice to provide this information to your customer as what you see flowing from the well may be clean, clear, without any smell, but not safe water for drinking.
BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATION
Given the vast uncertainty of any ground water source over a calendar year, it is critical that a homeowner be given the information necessary to make an educated choice by a qualified source. The idea of “one test a year and my water is safe” is an antiquated one that does provide a snapshot of water quality but not of ongoing changes. The need for properly installed water treatment devices is no longer one of perceived need but one of necessity to ensure the safety of water for the consumer.
A Health Unit Water Test is not a statement of the overall drinking water quality. The next time you recommend a sample be taken to a Health Unit remember that it is a bacterial test and not a complete analysis of overall water safety or drinkability. Have the customer consult a qualified water treatment Professional for advice on additional water testing options.
This article originally appeared as Volume 2, Issue 3, of Wahl H2O – Educating Through Awareness
Jeff Wahl has 20 years of experience in the water treatment industry. He is the chief executive officer of Wahl Water and a water educator. For more information, contact Jeff at jeff@wahlwater.com.
Jeff Wahl has 20 years of experience in the water treatment industry. He is the chief executive officer of Wahl Water and a water educator. For more information, contact Jeff at jeff@wahlwater. com.
