If your home or workplace is in a rural area, chances are your water supply comes from a well. If you haven't already, get acquainted with your well. It's the first step in doing everything you can to protect the quality of your water supply and the groundwater we all share.

As the owner of a private well, you are required by regulation and are responsible for keeping it maintained. You need to make sure nothing gets into your 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 maintaining your well, you're protecting your employees, family and everyone else who draws from the same groundwater.

Proper maintenance of your well, regular water testing and being well informed are the best defence. You can preserve the quality of both your water supply and the groundwater it comes from.

You're also responsible for getting your well water tested regularly. At least three times per year is recommended. That way, you can be confident that what you're drinking is free from bacteria and other contaminants.

To obtain a free copy of the information kit "Keeping Your Well Water Safe to Drink," or if you have any questions, contact the Health Unit and ask to speak to a public health inspector.

How to Sample your Drinking Water

• Remove any aerators, treatment devices or hoses from the drinking water faucet - do not sample from an outside tap or hand pump
• Disinfect around the inside of the faucet spout - use a flame from a match or lighter, or spray with household bleach
• Do not touch the inside of the faucet spout
• Turn on only the cold water tap only, and allow water to run for two minutes
• Only sample the cold water
• With the water still running, remove the cap from the bottle - be careful not to touch the inside of the cap or the mouth of the bottle
• Fill the bottle to the indicator line on the outside of the bottle
• Replace cap immediately
• Do not rinse or throw away the crystals in the bottle - these preserve your sample
• Complete the lab form as directed - make sure to leave no blanks, because if you leave any blanks the provincial lab will not analyze the water sample

When to Take Samples

• Sample a minimum of two times per year, early spring and late fall
• After heavy rainfall or snowmelt
• As directed by your local public health inspector
• Samples must reach the drop-off location within 24 hours of taking the sample
• Keep the water sample cold by packing in a cooler with an ice pack

Where to Pick-up and Drop off Sample Bottles