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Testing Your Well Water: A Step-by-Step Checklist

Warning This content was archived on June 24, 2013.

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Information identified as archived on the Web is for reference, research or recordkeeping purposes. It has not been altered or updated after the date of archiving. Web pages that are archived on the Web are not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards. As per the Communications Policy of the Government of Canada, you can request alternate formats on the "Contact Us" page.

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Health Canada
2010
ISBN: 978-1-100-14732-1 (PDF Version)
Cat. No.: H34-214/4-2010E (PDF Version)
HC Pub.: 100047 (PDF Version)

Health Canada (HC) recognizes the importance of monitoring drinking water quality in all First Nations water systems, including small systems. If you are served by a well with fewer than five connections, free sampling and testing services are available on request. HC has developed this brochure providing step-by-step instructions for bacteriological sampling and testing services for your well water.

Testing Your Well Water - Bacteriological Tests

Contact your Environmental Health Officer (EHO) or Community-Based Water Quality Monitor (CBWM) to arrange bacteriological testing of your water

Test frequency

Two or three times a year or any time there is a concern as to the safety of the water supply.

Once just after the spring thaw.
After an extended dry spell, following heavy rains or after lengthy periods of non-use.
After major plumbing work.
Right away if there is any change in water clarity, colour, odour or taste.
Right away if there has been any change or development of the surrounding land.
As soon as possible if there is any doubt about the safety of the water supply.

Testing water regularly will verify that the water supply is safe. This is an important way to protect the health and safety of everyone who uses the water.

Samples are tested onsite by the EHO or CBWM for the following bacteriological parameters:

Total coliforms - These are bacteria that are present in animal wastes and sewage, and are also found in soil and vegetation. If they are found in your water, it may mean that surface water is getting into the well.
Escherichia coli or E. coli - These are bacteria found only in the digestive systems of humans and animals. If they are present in the water, it is usually due to contamination by animal or human waste from a nearby source.

The results

If water tests show that the quality of water is satisfactory, the test results will be mailed to you. The information you receive will include the test results and information on acceptable quality levels according to the latest Health Canada Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality. If the results from the bacteriological tests show that there is a problem with the water, you will be contacted by your EHO or CBWM about further testing and/or recommendations.

Remember:
Never use or store pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers around your well. Never place livestock pens, stables, or dog kennels nearby. Never store fuel or machinery that may leak fuel, oil, or other chemicals near the well. Always inspect storage tanks that hold heating oil, diesel, or gasoline.

For More Information

Contact your Community Health Centre to obtain contact information for your Environment Health Officer (EHO) or Community-Based Drinking Water Quality Monitor (CBWM).