If you rely on a private water source, such as a well, cistern or treated lake water, your water quality can change over time. Regular testing is the best way to ensure your drinking water remains safe.
Free Bacterial Testing Public Health Ontario (PHO) Laboratories offer free testing for E. coli and total coliform bacteria. For chemical or mineral testing , contact a private licensed laboratory . PHO does not test for chemicals or minerals. NEW Online Water Testing Portal PHO has launched a safe and secure online Water Testing Portal for private drinking water: www.publichealthontario.ca/WaterPortal .Submit sample details and receive test results electronically. Improves convenience and eliminates the need for mail or in-person pickups. Reduces errors and delays, improving public health response. Optional - existing paper submissions and reporting methods remain available. A poster and FAQs are available to guide clients using the portal. For support, contact PHO's Customer Service Centre: [email protected] How to Use the Online Portal VIDEO Before You Submit a Sample The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) and the Public Health Ontario Labs are separate agencies. SMDHU helps deliver samples but does not test water or provide results. Samples must be tested within 48 hours of collection - it may take 24 hours for your sample to reach the lab. Collect your sample just before delivery. Complete online or paper forms correctly to avoid delays in testing. No Friday drop-offs at SMDHU locations.Do not drop off samples at the Orillia Health Unit office or 80 Bradford St. in Barrie . Where to Pick-Up and Drop-Off Bottles Pick-Up Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM. (note lunch closures at some locations).
Drop-Off Monday to Thursday, before 4:30 PM. No Friday drop-offs.
Location Address Notes Barrie 15 Sperling Drive Mon-Thurs, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM Collingwood 280 Pretty River Parkway Mon-Thurs, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM Cookstown 25 King Street South, Unit 2 Mon-Thurs, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM Gravenhurst 5 Pineridge Gate Mon-Thurs, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM Huntsville 34 Chaffey Street Mon-Thurs, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM Midland A-925 Hugel Avenue Mon-Thurs, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM Orillia 120-169 Front Street PICK-UP ONLYDOES NOT accept water samples
Direct Pick-Up and Drop-Off: Orillia PHO Lab 750 Memorial Avenue in Orillia - Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:45 PM
Collecting Your Sample Follow instructions from the PHO website to collect your sample. Use only the sterile bottle provided . Keep the sample cool; do not leave in warm places. Drop off sample the same day you collect it. Getting Your Results Results are usually available in 2-4 business days . Online Water Testing Portal submissions:Paper form submissions: have your barcode ready and call PHO at 1-877-723-3426. The PHO Lab can also provide test results in-person, by mail or email: Get and Understand Your Results. Understanding Your Results Result What it Means No significant evidence of bacterial contamination Safe to drink Significant evidence of bacterial contamination Your drinking water may be unsafe to drink. More than 5 total coliform bacteria. Retesting recommended. UNSAFE TO DRINK: Evidence of fecal contamination Unsafe - Fecal contamination found. E.coli is present. NDOGN - No Data: Overgrown with Non-target Unsafe - Heavily contaminated with bacteria often found in the environment. NDOGT - No Data: Overgrown with Target Unsafe - Heavily contaminated with bacteria often found in the environment and total coliforms and/or E. coli are present.
If Your Water is Unsafe Stop using your well water for drinking or food preparation. Use bottled water, or boil your water for at least one full minute , then let it cool before using it for:
Drinking Making infant formula, juice, or ice Brushing teeth Washing fruits and vegetables Preparing food Check your well and water treatment system for damage or signs of contamination.Disinfect your well and plumbing using:
48 hours before retesting. Two safe results (1-3 weeks apart) usually confirm disinfection worked.Keep using bottled or boiled water until your test results show:
0 E. coli , and Less than 5 total coliforms Still unsafe? Contact a licensed well contractor or water treatment expert. External Links Well Aware Video - YouTube Step-by-step video guidance on caring for your well. Drinking Water - Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Ontario's official information on drinking water safety and regulations. Drinking Water Source Protection - South Georgian Bay Lake Simcoe Region Drinking Water Quality in Canada - Health Canada Well Disinfection Tool - Public Health Ontario Disinfecting Private Water Wells - Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness Updated May 6, 2026
