Well Water Testing
Huron Perth Public Health provides free bacterial water testing services to all Huron and Perth county residents on a private well. It is recommended that you test your well water a minimum of three times a year, preferably in the spring, summer and fall.
Free sample bottles for testing your private drinking water are available at the locations listed below, or from your Municipal office.
Samples must be tested within 48 hours of collection. Take the sample just before you deliver it to one of the following locations. Ensure all forms are filled out as instructed.
Town | Location | Address | Hours |
---|---|---|---|
Clinton |
Huron Perth Public Health |
Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
|
Exeter |
South Huron Hospital |
Monday to Thursday, 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. |
|
Listowel |
Huron Perth Public Health |
Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
|
|
Milverton |
Community Outreach Services at Knollcrest Lodge |
50 William St. (Community Outreach entrance) |
Monday to Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. |
Seaforth |
Seaforth Community Hospital Lab |
Monday to Friday, 8 to 9:45 a.m. |
|
Stratford |
Huron Perth Public Health |
Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. |
|
Wingham |
Wingham and District Hospital Lab |
Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. |
It will usually take 2 to 4 business days to get the water testing results.
When to test your water
You should test well water quality at least three times each year, and after:
- Heavy rain falls
- Significant snow melts
- New well installation
- Any well maintenance
- Long periods without using the well
Follow the well water testing instructions provided by Public Health Ontario.
What to do if your well water is unsafe to drink
If the well water test results show that your water is unsafe to drink, follow the guidelines in this fact sheet [PDF].
Non-bacterial well water testing
If you own a private well, it's recommended that you test your well water for non-bacterial substances at least once every 4 to 5 years. To test for non-bacterial substances, you'll need to use a licensed private laboratory in Ontario for a fee. Contact the lab directly to arrange testing.
Non-bacterial substances in well water
The following non-bacterial substances can be found in well water:
- Arsenic
- Fluoride
- Lead
- Nitrate and nitrite
- Sodium
- Uranium