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Drinking Water

Free Drinking Water Testing

If you get your drinking water from a private well or other source, the quality of your water can change over time.  Stay informed about the safety of your private water supply by frequently submitting samples for testing.  The Public Health Ontario (PHO) Laboratories will test your drinking water for bacterial contamination (E. coli and coliforms), free of charge.  For all other water testing, including chemicals, please contact a privately owned licensed laboratory.

Municipal water is tested regularly.  Water samples from a municipal supply are not analyzed by the Public Health Ontario Laboratories.  Please contact your local municipality for more information on water quality and testing.

Please visit our water system operator's webpage for more information on water testing, if your private water supply services a business.

Testing Your Water for Bacteria

Drinking water sample collection kits can be picked up and dropped off at many of our health unit offices or a PHO Laboratory. Only water collected directly into these sterile bottles will be accepted by the laboratory for testing.

Please note that the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit and the PHO Laboratory are separate agencies. Water samples that are not received by the PHO Laboratory within 48 hours will not be tested. The health unit’s courier service may take up to 24 hours to deliver water samples to the PHO Laboratory. Collect your water sample as close to the time of delivery as possible to avoid delays in testing.

To test your well water for bacteria, follow these steps:

1. Pick up an empty water sampling bottle from one our health unit offices or the Public Health Ontario (PHO) Laboratory and follow the instructions on the attached form.

2. Take a well water sample.  It's important to collect your sample properly.  The accuracy of your test results depends on it.  The PHO website has very detailed instructions on how to collect a well water sample.  Follow the water sample collection steps carefully so that the sterile sample bottle does not become contaminated, and sample water only intended for drinking (i.e., do not sample untreated lake water).

3. Submit the sample at a drop-off location during the designated hours.  Your water sample must be kept cool - do not store or transport in warm places such as the trunk of your vehicle.  Results are unreliable if the sample is improperly collected, stored, or transported.

 

Water Bottle Pick-Up and Sample Drop-Off Locations

Have your barcode ready and call 1-877-723-3426.

Test results are usually available within two to four business days after you drop off your water sample.  Public Health Ontario provides test results by telephone, in person, by mail or electronically: Get and Understand Your Results

No significant evidence of bacterial contamination means your water is safe to drink.

Significant evidence of bacterial contamination means there were more than 5 total coliforms in your drinking water, and it may be unsafe to drink.

UNSAFE TO DRINK: Evidence of fecal contamination means they found E. coli in your drinking water which indicates contamination from human or animal feces.

NDOGN - No Data: Overgrown with Non-target means your water is unsafe to drink.  It is heavily contaminated with environmental bacteria.

NDOGT - No Data: Overgrown with Target means your water is unsafe to drink.  It is heavily contaminated with environmental bacteria with total coliforms and/or E. coli are present.

The Public Health Ontario (PHO) website has more information to help you Understand Your Results including a detailed factsheet: Drinking Water Indicator Bacteria and Their Significance.
  • Use bottled water or bring your water to a rolling boil for at least one minute and let it cool before using it for drinking, making infant formula, juices, ice, brushing your teeth, and preparing food.
  • If you have a water treatment system or device, ensure it is operating properly.  You may need to consult with a water treatment professional.
  • Disinfect your well using the Public Health Ontario Well Disinfection Tool, or contact a licensed well contractor.  Licensed well contractors are listed on the Government of Ontario's directory.  Well disinfection is a temporary method to eliminate bacterial contamination from your water supply.  It is important to identify and fix any possible sources of contamination before disinfecting your well.
  • Collect and submit a water sample after 48 hours.
  • Do not drinking your water until your sample results show E. coli is 0 and total coliforms are less than 5.
  • Find and remove potential sources of contamination such as a failing septic system, manure close to the well, drainage of rainfall or snowmelt towards the well, broken or non-secure well camps, and seal joints/cracks/connections in the well casing.
  • If your drinking water quality does not improve, consider consulting with a licensed well contractor, or a knowledgeable water treatment professional.

In addition to regular testing, owners should inspect their wells and drinking water system equipment at least once a year to make sure it is free from drainage and in good condition.

Please contact a private licensed laboratory.  The Public Health Ontario Laboratories do not test for other contaminants such as chemicals.

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