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Many drinking water sources are in private hands in Ontario so the government has evolved an efficient framework for encouraging citizens to maintain the quality of their water. The Ministry of Health provides information on testing laboratories. Water collection kits can be obtained so that testing can be done three times a year for bacteria levels or contamination from chemicals or animal waste and instructions are available on the testing procedures. The Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Public Health Ontario recommend that citizens who have wells test their drinking water three times a year to check for unsafe levels of bacteria or minerals such as sulphur that are toxic to drink. You are most likely a Regulated Drinking Water Owner and will have responsibilities regarding the maintenance and testing. The Grey Bruce Public Health Unit produced a video called, simply enough, Test Your Water demonstrating the correct techniques for collecting a water sample and submitting it for testing. You must provide your name and complete mailing address, the detailed location and postal code of the water sample source, date and time the sample was collected including the year, your public health unit number, your daytime telephone number and area code, and an indication of how you wish to receive your results. If there is Escherichia coli (or E. coli) bacteria present in your well water then it's usually the result of contamination by animal or human waste and you must stop drinking the water immediately because it is not safe for consumption unless it's boiled or treated to kill the bacteria. It's a good idea to consult a licensed well contractor to have a look; he may spot something that will save you much running around and also save you money if you make a mistake at this point. When you collect your water sample, try to drop it off to the Public Health Unit drop-off point within 24 hours of collection so that greater bacteria percentages don't accumulate while the water is left sitting. Don't store the water sample in a warm place as this will lead to inaccurate results. Photo I.D. will be needed when you pick up the test results. The forms must be filled correctly since the subject matter is serious. Water contamination can lead to death and legal action could arise so complete documentation is necessary to protect the public. If there is evidence of negligence property owners might be held responsible. As a water operator, a stringent policy of regular water testing is good protection from liability should anything go wrong. There's a disinfection information sheet available for you should your well water test positive and need treatment. You may need to consider alternate clean water sources such as bottled water. If bacteria are present boiling the water may be sufficient in the short-term until the well can be re-tested and deemed safe. Companies that can help you with testing are numerous if you do a search for a term like " water quality testing Mississauga ", " well testing services Brampton " or " Brampton water testing " there will be a choice of contractors to select from around the Toronto region. If your well needs upgrading or maintenance, or if you have concerns that it is improperly constructed, see the listings under the Water Well Drilling & Services heading in your local Yellow Pages. Be sure that they are licensed to work on wells specifically and provide service. Pat Boardman presents this information on behalf of Tapped In Consulting Ltd., who carry out well testing and water testing services in Brampton, Mississauga, Caledon, Orangeville, Acton, Georgetown, Halton Hills, Milton, Oakville, Hamilton, Guelph, King City, Newmarket, Vaughan, East Gwillimbury, Pefferlaw, Sharon, Peterborough, Innisfil, and Barrie.
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