The Ontario Building Code | Control of Water Around Excavations
4.2.5.5. Control of water Around Excavations
(1) surface water, all groundwater,perched groundwater and in particular artesian groundwater shall be kept under control at all phases of excavation and construction.
In Plain Language
Surface water, groundwater, perched groundwater, and especially artesian groundwater around an excavation must be controlled, since uncontrolled water is one of the most common causes of excavation failure and construction delay.
This is a plain-language summary of the 2012/2017 Ontario Building Code text above, for general understanding only and not a substitute for the Code. Always confirm current requirements against the 2024 edition (O.Reg. 163/24) or a qualified professional before construction.