Well Water Testing

Huron Perth Public Health provides free bacterial water testing services to all Huron and Perth county residents on a private well. It is recommended that you test your well water a minimum of three times a year, preferably in the spring, summer and fall. 

Free sample bottles for testing your private drinking water are available at the locations listed below, or from your Municipal office. 

Samples must be tested within 48 hours of collection. Take the sample just before you deliver it to one of the following locations. Ensure all forms are filled out as instructed. 

Where to drop off well water sample bottles

It will usually take 2 to 4 business days to get the water testing results. 

When to test your water 

You should test well water quality at least three times each year, and after: 

• Heavy rain falls 
• Significant snow melts 
• New well installation 
• Any well maintenance 
• Long periods without using the well 

Follow the well water testing instructions provided by Public Health Ontario. 

What to do if your well water is unsafe to drink 

If the well water test results show that your water is unsafe to drink, follow the guidelines in this Drinking Water Safety fact sheet [PDF]. 

Non-bacterial well water testing 

If you own a private well, it's recommended that you test your well water for non-bacterial substances at least once every 4 to 5 years. To test for non-bacterial substances, you'll need to use a licensed private laboratory in Ontario for a fee. Contact the lab directly to arrange testing. 

Non-bacterial substances in well water 

The following non-bacterial substances can be found in well water: 

• Arsenic 
• Fluoride 
• Lead 
• Nitrate and nitrite 
• Sodium 
• Uranium