Collecting Your Sample
Do I need a special collection kit if I use the electronic requisition?
You do not need a special collection kit if you use the electronic requisition. If you already have one of PHO's drinking water test collection kits at home, you can use the bottle in that kit to collect a water sample.
Alternatively, you can pick up a sterile PHO drinking water collection bottle from your local PHO laboratory, local public health unit, or one of the public health unit affiliated locations in your community.
Only a PHO drinking water collection bottle will be accepted by the laboratory.
Who can submit a water sample for testing?
Any individual who relies on private water sources, such as wells, cisterns, or treated lake water, can submit a water sample for testing.
Submitting your Electronic Requisition
Do I need to send a paper requisition if I use the electronic form?
No, you only need to submit the information electronically through the Water Testing Portal.
When should I submit my electronic form?
Submit it immediately after sample collection. Testing may be delayed if the form is not submitted right away. Both the form and sample must be received within 48 hours of collection; otherwise, the sample will not be tested.
Can someone else fill out the electronic form for me?
Yes, anyone can complete the form. To access the report, you’ll need the barcode number and the last name entered on the electronic form.
Can I correct errors in the electronic form after submission?
No, the submitted form is a legal record and cannot be changed. Submit a new sample with a corrected form.
Why can’t I submit the online form?
Ensure all mandatory fields (*) are completed accurately. If the issue persists, contact PHO’s laboratory Customer Service Centre.
What if the portal isn’t working?
If the portal is down, try again later. For urgent needs, complete a paper requisition, secure it with the sample, and submit. Note: Reports won’t be available online for paper submissions."
Accessing Your Report
How do I access my electronic test report?
Go to the section "Access Water Test Reports" on the Water Testing Portal, enter your sample barcode and the last name used in the electronic form, and click the link to download the PDF.
What if I don’t have my barcode?
Email PHO’s laboratory Customer Service Centre at customerservicecentre@oahpp.ca to request an electronic copy of the test report. Provide:
- Date of collection
- Address where the sample was collected (street address or lot/concession number, township/municipality, county, postal code)
The personal information will be removed from the report. The location of water source address will be visible.
When will my laboratory report be available on the Water Testing Portal?
Reports are typically available 2 to 4 business days after the sample is dropped off.
Can anyone access my drinking water test report from the Water Testing Portal?
Only those who have the sample barcode and the last name used on the form can access the report.
Why wasn’t my sample tested?
The acceptance criteria was not met. Information must be complete and accurate and the sample tested within 48 hours of collection. Please re-sample and ensure all fields are complete and accurate before submitting.
How can I get a copy of my test report with the personal information removed?
Email PHO’s laboratory Customer Service Centre at customerservicecentre@oahpp.ca and ask for a report with personal details removed. Be sure to provide:
- The date the sample was collected
- The sample barcode (if you have it)
- The address where the sample was taken
Please note that the water source address will still be displayed on the report.
What if the Water Testing Portal is not available and I need to access my report?
Try again later. If you need your report immediately, email PHO’s laboratory Customer Service Centre at customerservicecentre@oahpp.ca. Be sure to provide:
- The date the sample was collected
- The sample barcode (if you have it)
- The address where the sample was taken