Test the water from your well on a regular basis

March 20, 2013 · 0 Comments

Is your well water safe? Residents with private wells in York Region are encouraged to find out during “Test Your Well Three Times per Year,” a campaign kicking off World Water Day on Friday, March 22.
This year’s World Water Day theme, International Year of Water Cooperation, focuses on working together to manage water effectively, including understanding the importance of routine well water testing.
Residents with private wells can pick up well water sample bottles and drop samples off Monday to Wednesday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and Thursday between 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. at York Region Community and Health Services locations.
In King, water sample bottles can be picked up only at the Township offices on King Road, Dr. W. Laceby Nobleton Arena and Community Centre, 15 Old King Road and the Trisan Centre, 25 Dillane Drive.
Water samples are submitted to Public Health Ontario to measure the presence of total coliform and Escherichia coli (E. coli), both indicators of bacterial contamination. If found in the samples, water can be unsafe to use and drink and can cause stomach cramping, diarrhea and other problems.
Municipal water samples are not accepted as they are routinely tested by York Region and local municipalities.
Private well owners should also inspect their well annually to ensure it is damage-free and in good working condition. Information on Windfall Ecology Centre’s Well Aware Program for private well assessment is available at www.windfallcentre.ca.
For assistance on well decommissioning, contact The Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority at 905-895-1281 or visit www.lsrca.on.ca/leap.
For more information on drop-off locations or to speak with a public health inspector, please call York Region Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653 or TTY 1-866-252-9933 or visit www.york.ca.