Municipal water is tested regularly, but when was the last time you tested your private well?
According to local public health agencies, it’s good to get your well tested three or four times a year – a service that they offer at no cost.
Fall is as good a time as any to start, Jessica Zehnal, a supervisor on the health protection team at Lambton Public Health, says that a good rule of thumb is to test your water as the seasons change.
This accounts for temperature fluctuations, increased rainfall, surface contamination from falling leaves, and agricultural activities, all of which can introduce different risks to well water quality.
Both Huron Perth and Lambton Public Health offer free well water testing services. Whether you’re a permanent resident or a temporary visitor, such as a cottage-goer, it’s advisable to take a sample before using well water.
Zehnal says that when in doubt, you can always test your well,
To test your well, you can get a kit from a local public health agency, or through a municipal office. Take a sample from your tap water, and drop it off within 24 hours of testing to make sure that the sample returns proper results.
Zehnal also highlighted the importance of proactive maintenance,
Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry—test your well water regularly and maintain peace of mind.
Written by: B. Shakyaver