Humber/Ontario Real Estate Course 4 Exam Practice

What is a recommended preventative measure for ensuring well water safety?

1. Ensure the well cap is properly sealed

2. Take one water sample every three years

3. Only prepare well records for wells exceeding 100 feet

4. Install a secondary filtration system

5. Regularly replace the well pump

6. Check well depth periodically

The correct answer is: Ensure the well cap is properly sealed

Ensuring that the well cap is properly sealed is a crucial preventative measure for maintaining well water safety. A well cap serves as the first line of defense against contaminants entering the water supply. If the cap is damaged or improperly sealed, it can allow surface water, debris, and other pollutants to infiltrate the well, potentially leading to contamination of the drinking water. A well-sealed cap prevents animals, insects, and environmental pollutants from accessing the well. This is particularly important in areas at risk of surface runoff or flooding, where contaminants may be washed into the wellhead. Regular inspections of the well cap should be conducted to ensure its integrity and to replace or repair it as necessary. While testing water samples regularly, keeping well records, and other maintenance procedures are important for overall well management, the immediate prevention of contamination starts with a properly maintained and sealed well cap, making it a fundamental step in safeguarding the quality of well water.