Well Water Testing

• Drinking water sample collection kits can be picked up and dropped off at many locations within the HKPR District Health Unit area.  
• Water samples will only be accepted if collected directly into these sterile bottles. 
• Please note that the HKPR District Health Unit and the Public Health Ontario Lab are separate organizations. The Health Unit does not test the water, but deliver the samples to the lab.
• Water samples must be submitted to public health lab within 48 hours (about 2 days).
• You should collect your water sample as close to the time of delivery as possible to avoid delays in testing. 
• The Public Health Ontario Laboratories do not test for other contaminants such as chemicals and minerals. If you would like to test your water for other contaminants, please contact a private licensed laboratory. 

• Follow the steps provided carefully so that the sterile water sample bottle does not become contaminated, and sample water only intended for drinking water (i.e., do not sample from untreated lake water). 
• Your water sample must also be kept cool – do not store or transport it in warm places such as your trunk. Results are unreliable if the sample is improperly collected, stored, or transported. 

How to Take a Well Water Sample

Watch this Health Unit video that takes you through the steps to taking a more accurate well water sample.

Water samples can be dropped off at a Health Unit office, participating locations, or at a Public Health Ontario Laboratory. Please check drop off locations and times to ensure you water will be accepted for testing. 

Test results are available within two to four business days after you drop off your sample. There are several ways to access your results: 

Telephone

The toll-free Interactive Voice Response (IVR) is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-877-723-3426 follow instructions on the “blue card” within the water sample collection kit. 

Mail

If you indicated on the form that you want the report mailed or made no choice, the report will be mailed to the name and address written on the form.

In Person

If you indicated on the form that you will pick up the report at the Public Health Ontario laboratory, proceed to show your photo identification at the reception desk during regular operating hours. If someone is picking up the report on your behalf, they will need a Potability of Water Release form signed by the submitter and their photo identification. 

Email

A written request must be submitted, including the period of results you are looking for, sample barcode(s) if available and the location of the water source. Ensure you include street address or lot and concession number, township/municipality, county, and postal code. You may send your request by e-mail to customerservicecentre@oahpp.ca. 

Your test results may include the following terms:

Total Coliform Bacteria:

The presence of coliforms may indicate a contaminated water supply. Coliforms occur naturally in the soil and decaying vegetation, but may also be associated with human and animal fecal contamination. Given the vulnerability of well water to external influence, such as human, environmental and agricultural impacts, it is important to test water frequently.

Escherichia coli (E. coli) Bacteria:

Escherichia coli can be isolated from the fecal material found in the intestines of humans and other warm-blooded animals. These bacteria are found only in the digestive systems of people and animals. Their presence in your well is usually the result of contamination from a nearby source.

The water sample is esthetically unclean for drinking:

Public health laboratories will not analyze a sample they deem unsuitable for testing due to its appearance or odour. As well, samples are sometimes returned without analysis because they contain particles and risk damaging lab equipment.

Waters that are unsuitable for testing can contain other substances such as iron or other minerals which make water unclean for drinking. In such cases, a water filtration system needs to be installed before proceeding to a bacteriological analysis of the water. Private laboratories may assist you in identifying some of these other substances.

Visit Public Health Ontario for help analyze your results and for more information.