Lambton Public Health recommends that if you have a well that flooded, check your water.
Recent high-water levels and flood conditions, caused by rain, could allow harmful bacteria to enter the drinking water supply rendering the water supply unsafe for consumption.
Until you can test your water it is recommended to use bottled water or boil water rapidly for a minute and let it cool off completely before using.
The test for bacteria like total coliform and E. coli and water sample kits are free. Water samples must be dropped off within 24 hours of being taken.
Vicky MacTavish, Public Health Inspector at Lambton Public Health, says “Until you can test your well water, use bottled water for daily use including drinking, making infant formula or juices, cooking, making ice, washing fruits and vegetables, and brushing teeth. Alternatively, you can boil your water rapidly for at least one minute before use.”
Water sample kits can be picked up and dropped off at:
• Lambton Public Health, 160 Exmouth St., Point Edward
• Bluewater Health CEE (lab), 450 Blanche St., Petrolia
• London Public Health Lab, 850 Highbury Ave. N., London
View the hours of operation for these locations online at:
https://lambtonpublichealth.ca/health-info/sampling-testing/
Lambton Public Health recommends well water testing 3-4 times annually to ensure the supply is not contaminated. For information on disinfection and sampling procedures, visit www.lambtonpublichealth.ca or call Lambton Public Health at 519-383-8331 or toll-free at 1-800-667-1839.