To maintain a safe and reliable drinking water source, it’s recommended to test your private well’s water quality for bacterias once a year, and chemicals once every 5 years.
(Coastal Health, 2019)
Water source testing can differ depending on what the intended use is, whether its livestock watering, chemical spraying, bathing/washing, or drinking water.
Regular testing is important because:
- it identifies existing problems
- it ensures water is suitable for the intended use
- it allows you to track changes over time
- it determines the effectiveness of a treatment system
Is my water safe to drink?
The only way to tell if your water is safe is by having it tested at a certified laboratory (like us!). Harmful bacteria, parasites, and viruses are invisible to the naked eye, so water that looks and tastes good may not necessarily be safe to drink. These microbes can exist in surface and groundwater supplies, and can cause immediate sickness in humans if not properly treated.
Certain chemical contaminants that are sometimes found in a water source can cause long-term health problems that take years to develop.
What tests should I have done
Each local health authority requires different contaminants tested. If you’re not sure; contact your local health authority to ensure you’re getting the right test. Click here to see a list of Health Authority contact information. Other than that; the Essential Drinking Water Test Kit is our most popular kit! It closely follows the Canadian Drinking Water Guidelines; so you’ll know your water is safe to drink according to Canadian Standards.
