Water

Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) provides free bacterial well water testing (E. Coli and total coliforms) and monitors private well water test results. We also conduct inspections on small drinking water systems and recreational water (pools, spas) and report on beach water quality. 

Drinking water 

Many local municipalities provide water to their residents. Municipal water is treated, monitored and tested to make sure it complies with the Safe Drinking Water Act 2002 and provincial regulations. Contact your local municipality if you have concerns about the quality of municipal drinking water. 

Well Water 

If you get your drinking water from a private well, you can have your well water tested for bacteria at no cost. Learn more about managing your well water. 

Lead 

Lead in drinking water can have health effects, especially for children under 6 years of age and pregnant individuals. Learn about the health effects and how to reduce your risk. 

If you live in Huron or Perth County and your home has lead service pipes and is serviced by a municipal drinking water system, contact your municipality to discuss your options for testing. 

If your source of water comes from a private well, or if you would like to have your water tested for lead, please contact one of Ontario's licensed laboratories. 

Residents are advised to discuss specific health concerns with their physician. 

Fluoride in Perth and Huron County water 

Fluoride is a mineral that is found naturally in groundwater, air, food, and soil. It helps to prevent tooth decay by strengthening tooth enamel and stopping the development of cavities. Many communities in Canada that have low naturally occurring fluoride add fluoride to the municipal water supply. 

Huron Perth Public Health supports the fluoridation of municipal water. Community water fluoridation is a safe, effective and equitable way to prevent and reduce tooth decay for people of all ages. 

The optimal level of fluoride in the water is 0.7 milligrams per litre (mg/L) or 0.7 parts per million (ppm). This takes into consideration the fluoride that people get from other sources, like fluoridated toothpaste or mouth rinse. 

In Huron and Perth counties, fluoride levels in groundwater vary. Goderich has low levels of naturally occurring fluoride in the water. The Municipality adds fluoride to the drinking water to protect teeth from decay. In some areas of Huron Perth, the naturally occurring fluoride level in the water is greater than 1.5 milligrams per litre. The water is safe to drink but may pose a risk of dental fluorosis to young children. 

With the exception of dental fluorosis in young children, researchers have not found any credible link between fluoride in water and adverse health effects. If you have concerns about fluoride and your child’s dental health, please visit our oral health or feeding pages. 

Checking water fluoride levels 

Residents on a municipal water system can check with their municipality or water operator to find out the fluoride level of their drinking water. 

If you get your water from a private well, you can test for fluoride through a licensed private laboratory. 

If the fluoride level in your water is more than 1.5mg/L and you have young children, follow these recommendations for preventing dental fluorosis: 

• For drinking and cooking, consider using water from another source with a lower fluoride level, for example, bottled water or use a water treatment device, such as reverse osmosis to remove fluoride. (Note: cartridge filters do not remove fluoride from water) 
• If you use infant formula for your baby/child, use another source of water to prepare the formula or use prepared, ready-to-feed formula 

For more information, visit our oral health or feeding pages.