Well Water Testing

Huron Perth Public Health provides free bacterial water testing services to all Huron and Perth county residents on a private well. It is recommended that you test your well water a minimum of three times a year, preferably in the spring, summer and fall.

Free sample bottles for testing your private drinking water are available at the locations listed below, or from your Municipal office.

Samples must be tested within 48 hours of collection. Take the sample just before you deliver it to one of the following locations. Ensure all forms are filled out as instructed.

Free well water testing bottles
TownLocationAddressHours

Clinton

Huron Perth Public Health

77722B London Rd., RR 5

Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Exeter

South Huron Hospital

24 Huron St. W.

Monday to Thursday, 7:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Listowel

Huron Perth Public Health

161 Inkerman St. W. 

Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

 

Milverton

Community Outreach Services at Knollcrest Lodge 

50 William St. (Community Outreach entrance)

Monday to Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Seaforth

Seaforth Community Hospital Lab

24 Centennial Dr.

Monday to Friday, 8 to 9:45 a.m.

Stratford

Huron Perth Public Health

653 West Gore St.

Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Wingham

Wingham and District Hospital Lab

270 Carling Terrace

Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

It will usually take 2 to 4 business days to get the water testing results.

When to test your water

You should test well water quality at least three times each year, and after:

  • Heavy rain falls
  • Significant snow melts
  • New well installation
  • Any well maintenance
  • Long periods without using the well

Follow the well water testing instructions provided by Public Health Ontario.

What to do if your well water is unsafe to drink

If the well water test results show that your water is unsafe to drink, follow the guidelines in this fact sheet [PDF].

Non-bacterial well water testing

If you own a private well, it's recommended that you test your well water for non-bacterial substances at least once every 4 to 5 years. To test for non-bacterial substances, you'll need to use a licensed private laboratory in Ontario for a fee. Contact the lab directly to arrange testing.

Non-bacterial substances in well water

The following non-bacterial substances can be found in well water:

  • Arsenic
  • Fluoride
  • Lead
  • Nitrate and nitrite
  • Sodium
  • Uranium