Well Water Testing

Huron Perth Public Health provides free bacterial water testing services to all Perth and Huron County residents on a private well. It is recommended that you test your well water a minimum of three times a year, preferably spring, summer and fall.

Testing kits

Huron Perth Public Health offers free sample bottles. Pick up water testing kits from 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. Please check our COVID-19 interrupted services for current information.

Well water free sample bottles
Town Location Address Hours

Clinton

Huron Perth Public Health

77722B London Rd., RR 5

Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Exeter

South Huron Hospital

24 Huron St. W.

Monday to Thursday, 7:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Listowel

Huron Perth Public Health

161 Inkerman St. W. 

Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

NOTE: NO water drop off in Listowel on November 11, resumes November 18

Seaforth

Seaforth Community Hospital Lab

24 Centennial Dr.

Monday to Friday, 8 to 9:45 a.m.

Stratford

Huron Perth Public Health

653 West Gore St.

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

270 Carling Terrace

Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Typically, it will take about 2 to 4 business days to get your results.

When to test your water

You should test well water quality at least 3 times each year as well as 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. In order to test for non-bacterial substances, you'll need to use a licensed private laboratory in Ontario for a fee. Contact the lab directly in order to arrange a 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