With spring arriving, the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPR District Health Unit) is reminding private well owners to test their drinking water to ensure it’s safe for consumption.
Groundwater is generally clean, but contamination can occur from run-off, environmental changes, or damaged wells. Regular testing is the only way to confirm the absence of harmful bacteria like E. coli or coliforms.
“Contaminated well water can cause serious illnesses,” warns the health unit. “Testing twice a year – once in spring and again in fall – is vital to protecting your family’s health.”
Free testing is available for private well owners through Ontario Public Health Laboratories.
To test your well:
Pick up a free test kit at local public health offices, municipal centres, or select pharmacies.
Follow the instructions carefully to collect your sample without contamination.
Submit your sample within 48 hours to one of several drop-off points in the region.
Test results are available within two to four business days by phone, email, mail, or in person.
For more information, visit hkpr.on.ca/WellWaterTesting or call 1-866-888-4577 ext. 5006.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
