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Councillor Kelly's Updates on Dry or Compromised Private Wells In Ward 5

This will be a live document dedicated to providing updates and supports for those residents who are dealing with dry or compromised private wells in parts of West Carleton-March (Ward 5). Keep checking back to see the latest updates, information and guidance. Be alerted to new updates by following us on social media. X (Twitter), Facebook, Instagram or Bluesky, or Subscribe to our newsletter 


Update Oct. 24, 2025


Beginning at noon today (Oct 24), residents who are conserving water or whose wells are dry can use the showers at the Cavanagh Sensplex (5670 Carp Road) during opening hours For questions about operating hours, contact the facility at 613-832-4932.


Given that this facility is on a well, it is open for showering only and is not a location where containers can be filled. I have requested that clear signage be placed in appropriate locations so it is clear where to go when people arrive.



Update Oct. 22, 2025


Statement from Councillor Kelly:

 

I understand how stressful and disruptive this situation can be for daily life. While private wells remain the responsibility of homeowners, the City is actively taking steps to provide temporary support and enhanced resources for those affected.

 

I met again today with the team from Emergency and Protective Services, including the GM for the department.  They are very aware that an increasing number of households are experiencing dry or compromised wells.  The General Manager has been in contact with the Province. During discussions, he and his team asked specifically what more they could or should do to support residents with private wells who are affected, and the Province indicated that the City of Ottawa is doing more than most other municipalities.

 

I asked them to review additional facilities that could be used as potable water sites and shower facilities.  Unfortunately, the only Ward 5 facility that can be used with the current situation is the W. Erskine Johnston Arena in Carp, in order to ensure that we don’t compromise other facilities or the water table any further. Enhanced opportunities will continue to be considered. Please see the list of other City of Ottawa facilities (listed below) in neighbouring wards who continue to welcome residents of Ward 5 who are affected.

 

I do want to make it clear, the City is not going to be delivering water to private residences, nor undertaking well remediation efforts on behalf of residents. My goal is to continue doing what I can to make things less challenging for residents during a difficult situation, within a reasonable scope. 

 

What’s Being Done

🔹 Immediate Support Services


·        Potable water stations and public shower access are available to affected residents at designated locations:


  • 3832 Carp Rd. – W. Erskine Johnston Arena

  • 1500 Shea Rd. – CARDELREC Recreation Complex

  • 4101 Innovation Dr. - Richcraft Recreation Complex

  • 100 Charlie Rogers Pl. – Kanata Recreation Centre

  • 70 Aird Pl. – Kanata Leisure Centre

  • 10 Warner Colpitts Lane - Johnny Leroux Stittsville Community Arena

  • New: 5670 Carp Road - Cavanagh Sensplex (Shower access only, no water station)


·        We are working to improve the customer experience at these sites, including enhanced cleaning protocols and better access to information.


·        For the W. Erskine Jhonston Arena, potable water and showers are available during operating hours of 6am-Midnight, 7 days a week. The showers are in the dressing rooms. During ice rentals (most weekdays 2pm-midnight), there is an alternate changeroom that can be used. Potable water is available from an outside tap on the north end of the building or inside at any of the faucets.  Staff are aware of the public requesting showers and water fill ups and will accommodate anyone who wishes. For those who need assistance, please locate staff on site at the arena and they will gladly help.

 

🔹 Site Expansion

City staff have been asked to explore additional locations that could be used for water access or other forms of support as this situation may extend into winter.  More information will be provided as things evolve. The City is monitoring the situation closely.

 

🔹 Improved Communications

We're working to enhance Ottawa.ca with more robust, up-to-date information and helpful links to guide residents on well safety, water conservation, and available services. Some of these links can be found at the bottom of this message.

 

🔹 Conservation is Key

Even if your well is currently functional, please take steps to conserve water and test your well water regularly. Simple conservation actions include:


·        Avoiding non-essential water use

·        Fixing leaks promptly

·        Installing low-flow fixtures

·        Collecting rainwater for outdoor use

·        Reusing dishwashing water or water from the tub to flush toilets

·        Flushing less frequently


It is very important to understand that many well users who have never had an issue before are experiencing water flow issues, or dry wells.  Conserving water now could help prevent an issue to your well.

 

🔹Looking Ahead

This issue is ongoing. The City is reviewing how best to respond within the scope of our Standard Operating Procedures and current policies. We are committed to adapting where possible.

 

I do want affected residents to be aware that the long-term solution may very well be that you will need a deeper well, or remediation.  Reaching out to professionals sooner than later would probably be prudent. (See link below).

 

🔹Advocacy & Provincial Support

We are engaging with provincial counterparts to discuss the possibility of including low water conditions in disaster relief assistance programs, to potentially unlock further support for affected residents.

 

I am taking leadership on advocacy with the Province, and will write to the Minister to ask for inclusion of well enhancements through DRAO funding or other means.  I do hope that Ontario follows the lead that the province of Nova Scotia has for its residents who are facing similar conditions.

 

🔹Looking Ahead

If you are in a desperate situation and unsure where to turn, please contact Community and Social Services through 3-1-1, who may be able to assist based on your individual needs.

 

 I will continue to update residents as new resources become available and plans evolve.

Thank you for your patience, resilience, and cooperation during this challenging time. I am committed to working with residents and all levels of government to find reasonable, sustainable solutions.

 

Please check in on your neighbours, especially seniors or those who may be experiencing this situation with additional difficulty due to mobility challenges or otherwise.  If you know of anyone facing an emergency situation, please let my office know at Clarke.Kelly@Ottawa.ca and we will do our best to connect them with appropriate resources.

 

I know that there are residents who are looking for more, and I will continue to explore options, and keep you informed of any additional resources.

 

🔹Links



Update Oct. 20, 2025


Statement from Councillor Kelly:


Thank you to everyone who has reached out to my office to share information about dry or impacted wells. Just another reminder that if your private well has gone dry or is operating at a significantly reduced capacity, please let us know by sending an email to my office at Clarke.Kelly@Ottawa.ca


Please use the subject line “Dry Well” and include the following details:


  • Your name

  • Home address

  • Email and phone number

  • Number of people in your household

  • How long you’ve experienced well issues

  • A brief description of the problem (e.g., dry well, reduced capacity, etc.)


The issue has proven to be more widespread than expected, reaching areas near the river as well.


For those with private wells that are still functioning, we strongly encourage you to begin conserving water now. We’re hearing from residents whose wells have suddenly run dry after decades of trouble-free use. And households that have been conserving are seeing fewer impacts than those that have not.


I continue to work closely with the Director of Public Safety Service and Emergency and Protective Services. Her team has been consulting with partners throughout the weekend and into today. Once all the necessary information is gathered to determine next steps, we expect to share a comprehensive update here within the next 24 to 48 hours.


In the meantime, City supports remain available, including access to potable water and showers. More information can be found on the City’s Dry Conditions page: https://tinyurl.com/dey45f8a



Update Oct. 17, 2025


Statement from Councillor Kelly:


I am hearing from a number of residents experiencing impacts to their well from a long and serious dry period. An increasing number of wells in Ward 5 and rural Ottawa are going dry. While private well maintenance is not a City responsibility, I am of the opinion that we are now in an emergency situation, which requires consideration from the City of Ottawa, which is tasked with emergency response.


With Winter fast approaching, and my belief that most wells may not recover ahead of winter conditions, I am actively working with the City’s Emergency Operations groups and our counterparts at the MVCA/RVCA, who are in regular contact with the Province to support residents during this difficult time.


This afternoon, I met with the Director, Public Safety Service of the Emergency and Protective Services Department of the City of Ottawa and asked her to review whatever additional resources we can reasonably provide to those without access to potable water in their homes. Residents can expect additional communications Monday after my follow up meeting with the director.


To help with this process, I would like to collect information and have a better sense of the spread of the issue in Ward 5.


If you are currently experiencing a dry well, or extremely reduced capacity, please send an email to my team at Clarke.Kelly@Ottawa.ca. Please use the subject line: Dry Well and provide the following:


Your name

Email and phone number

Number in your family

Address


How long you have experienced challenges with your well, and a brief description of what you are facing (ie dry well, reduced capacity, etc).


Please feel free to outline the mitigation measures that you are facing while trying to navigate the situation.


We will use this data in determining key locations for support, and the measures that are most beneficial.


Please keep an eye on my social media and online newsletter for ongoing updates.


At this time, residents in Ward 5 who are experiencing dry well conditions can get water and take showers at the following locations:


3832 Carp Rd. – W. Erskine Johnston Arena

1500 Shea Rd. – CARDELREC Centre

4101 Innovation Dr. - Richcraft Recreation Complex

100 Charlie Rogers Pl. – Kanata Recreation Centre

70 Aird Pl. – Kanata Leisure Centre

10 Warner Colpitts Lane - Johnny Leroux Stittsville Community Arena


If you have a question about this or any other Ward or City issue, just send an email to Clarke.Kelly@Ottawa.ca or call our office at 613-580-2475. You can also submit a report to Ottawa.ca/en/3-1-1.


Be sure to stay in touch with what's happening in West Carleton-March:


• Drop-in and speak with Councillor Kelly at his next Open House

• Follow us on social media at X (Twitter), Facebook, Instagram or Bluesky

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