Humber/Ontario Real Estate Course 4 Exam Practice

If contamination is discovered in a property's well, what is the most probable cause?

1. Drilled with small diameter piping

2. Surface water contamination due to drainage issues

3. Well opening sealed from outside

4. Well depth exceeds requirements

5. Natural susceptibility

6. Inappropriate siting of well

The correct answer is: Surface water contamination due to drainage issues

The most probable cause of contamination in a property's well, particularly in the context of surface water contamination, relates to drainage issues. When surface water accumulates, it can carry pollutants, including bacteria and chemicals, from the surrounding environment directly into the well. This can occur if the well is improperly located in relation to potential sources of contamination, such as septic systems, agricultural runoff, or other polluted areas. Surface water can easily breach barriers that should protect groundwater quality, especially if there are issues with drainage or landscaping that direct water flow toward the well. Thus, surface water contamination due to drainage issues is a key concern for wells, particularly in rural or suburban areas where proximity to potential contaminants is common. The other options focus on structural and geographical factors that, while they can influence well integrity or water quality, do not primarily account for the immediate risk posed by surface contaminants entering the well. For instance, the size of the piping or well depth may not directly relate to water quality in the same direct way that surface water infiltration does. Similarly, while inappropriate siting can contribute to contamination risks, it is the drainage condition that is often the most immediate concern when contamination is detected.