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Access to safe, high quality drinking water is something we often take for granted. Is your family’s drinking water supplied by a well on your property? As an owner you are responsible for keeping your well maintained and ensuring that nothing gets into the well that could contaminate your water source.

 

Groundwater is a shared resource that crosses property lines. Contamination from one well can put other wells at risk. By being attentive to your well, you are protecting your family and everyone else who draws from the same groundwater. Proper maintenance, regular water testing and being informed about your well are the best defence for the safety and quality of both the water you drink and the groundwater it comes from.

 

Test your well water regularly – at least three times per year is recommended. This way you can be certain the water you are drinking is free from harmful bacteria.

Many of the residents of Hastings and Prince Edward counties rely on drilled, dug, or bored wells for their drinking water, along with other household uses. Therefore it is important for all well owners and users to be aware of how to keep their well water safe.

 

For more information on wells or water test results call the Environmental Health Department at 613-966-5513 ext. 291

 

See also; Drinking Water

 

Related Links:

 

Putting your well water to the test (information sheet)

• Reasons for getting your water tested
• The right way to get a sample of your water for testing
• What happens to your sample at the laboratory
• How to interpret your sample results
• When and how to get your water tested
• What to do if you have a positive “indicator bacteria” test

Get acquainted with your well (information sheet)

• Different types of well, their construction and maintenance
• Water supplies, and how some are more vulnerable to contamination than others
• A well safety checklist

Pathogens and your well water (information sheet)

• Harmful organisms that can get into your well water and affect your health
• Testing for “indicator bacteria” – what the term means and what it can tell you about your water

Choosing a water treatment system (information sheet)

• When you may need to treat your water supply
• Water treatment options
• Common well water quality concerns

 

Disinfection instruction sheet (information sheet)

• A step-by-step approach to disinfecting your well

 

Keeping your well water safe to drink (information sheet)

 

Licensed Laboratories

 

Other Resources:

• Your Baby and Well Water
• Private Wells: A Resource for Home Owners with Private Wells
• Licensed Laboratories