General information only — not legal, tax, financial, or real-estate advice. Verify with a licensed BC professional before acting.
A well flow test measures the sustainable yield (gallons per minute or litres per minute) of a private well. It is commonly performed as a due-diligence step when purchasing acreage or rural property served by a well. The test typically runs the well continuously for a defined period (often 2, 4 or 24 hours) while measuring drawdown and recovery. A separate water-quality (potability) test measures bacteriological and chemical parameters. Both tests should be conducted by a qualified well-water professional, and results should be interpreted with the assistance of a home inspector or specialized well contractor. General educational information only — see the Groundwater Protection Regulation under the Water Sustainability Act, SBC 2014, c. 15.
Rules of thumb vary by household size and use. Health Authorities and mortgage insurers commonly reference sustainable yields of 3–5 US gallons per minute for typical residential use, but the specific requirement depends on your situation. Discuss with a qualified well professional.
No. A flow test measures quantity; a potability test measures quality (bacteria, minerals, contaminants). Buyers commonly order both.
Verify the specific statutory language, thresholds, deadlines and current guidance directly with the governing authority: