Free Well Water Sampling Program Resumes April 11 in North Kawartha and Trent Lakes
/Peterborough Public Health (PPH), the Township of North Kawartha, and the Municipality of Trent Lakes are making well water testing easier for all permanent and seasonal residents by offering free well water sample drop off from spring to fall.
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Well water samples are tested for two types of bacterial contamination: total coliforms and E. coli. Total coliforms indicate the presence of general contamination, such as surface runoff, and E. coli indicates the water is contaminated with fecal material, which may contain disease-causing microorganisms. Anyone can become ill if they consume contaminated water, but young, elderly and immuno-compromised individuals are at higher risk.
“With snow melt and spring runoff, this is a good time of year to test your water as there is a higher risk of contamination. In addition to submitting a water sample, residents should take the time to inspect their well,” says Public Health Inspector Chris Eaton. “Check that the well cap is secure, the vent screens are in good condition, and that the ground is sloped away from the well. If your well is the older style in a pit, check that the pit is not flooded with surface water. If it is, consider having the well upgraded by a licensed well contractor.”
Beginning April 11, water samples can be dropped off at the North Kawartha Municipal Office (280 Burleigh St, Apsley) Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., and the Trent Lakes Municipal Office (760 County Road 36, Trent Lakes) Tuesday and Thursdays between 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m.
Samples are then couriered to the Public Health Ontario Lab in Peterborough for testing. Empty sample bottles can be picked up any time during regular business hours. Samples must be collected within 24 hours of drop off at the municipal office to ensure they reach the lab and are processed in a timely manner. Residents are encouraged to carefully read the sampling and collection instructions included with each kit.
Water samples can also be dropped off at the following locations:
Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Township Office, 1 Ottawa St, Havelock, from Monday through Thursday
between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.Peterborough Public Health, 185 King St, Peterborough, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through
Thursday, and from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Fridays.
