Water lending program aims to keep water in wells

When wells went dry in the Municipality of Barrington in the summer of 2016, there were 350 homes without water.

While the drought issues were alleviated once the water table was renewed, the municipality became aware that there were many residents who deal with dry wells every summer.

The MoB will be sitting down for their second reading at the end of August for the water supply upgrade lending program.

This bylaw makes provision for an owner of a qualifying property located within the MoB for financing of a water supply upgrade for their property.

Chief administrative officer Rob Frost explained the program that council is considering adopting.

Water supply upgrade can include the construction of a dug or drilled well or an upgrade to an existing well.

It can also include upgrades of cisterns, water from fog systems, greywater collection or other containers that are installed for the purpose of the supply, use and conservation of water.

“Often upgrading a well can cost a lot,” Frost said. “A lot of homeowners can’t throw out $10,000 upfront.”

The bylaw would operate as a 10-year loan with a three per cent interest rate with a monthly payback and would be connected with the property, meaning anyone who purchases the home also takes over the loan if it hasn’t been paid back.

“There have already been a few people who have come and said they were excited to get involved as soon as they can,” said Frost.