Check your well water

Higher than average risk of contaminants for wells

With high water levels over the past month it's important to have your water checked. Right now Public Health Ontario warns that there is a higher than average risk of contaminants for wells.

Public Health Ontario encourages all residents on private wells to have water tested at least weekly while flood and rain water levels are high to ensure water does not contain the bacterial indicators of contamination. 

What to do to protect yourself

If your water tests as contaminated or you suspect there is contamination before you can confirm the quality of water through a test, you are encouraged to boil your water before consuming it in any way (including use in food preparation, brushing teeth, etc.) or use bottled water or water from a municipal supply if available.

Use the proper test kit for samples

Water tests for Ontario residents with a private well are free of charge, but use the proper test kit which is available at Ontario Public health labs.  The Orillia Public Health Lab is located at 750 Memorial Avenue and serves Simcoe County, Muskoka, Nipissing, and Parry Sound.  Get more details about Public Health Ontario water tests.