Grey Bruce Public Health is encouraging residents with private wells to test their drinking water as spring arrives.
Officials say seasonal conditions such as snowmelt and increased rainfall can increase the risk of contamination, making this an important time of year for testing.
“Spring is a perfect time for households in Grey-Bruce that draw drinking water from wells or other private systems to have a sample of their water tested,” said Senior Public Health Manager Andrew Barton.
Free testing is available through Public Health Ontario, with sample collection kits and drop-off locations available across the region. Water is tested for bacterial indicators including E. coli and total coliforms, which can pose serious health risks.
“Public Health advises residents to test their well water at least three times a year, with the best times to test being when the chances of contamination are greatest, such as in early spring, after heavy rains, or during thaw or flooding conditions,” Barton added.
Samples must be submitted within 48 hours of collection and can be dropped off at designated locations throughout Grey-Bruce for transport to a provincial lab.
Residents can also submit forms online and receive results through Public Health Ontario’s online portal within a few days. Officials note the program is intended for private well users and does not apply to municipal water systems.
