Well water testing in Canada

Health Canada says to test your well water for microbial contamination at least once every 6 months, and general water quality every 2 years. How often to test for specific chemicals depends on your area, so check with your local public health authority.

Health Canada says your provincial or territorial drinking water authority or your local public health unit can help you find an accredited laboratory, and that only tests done through an accredited lab or your public health unit will be accurate and reliable. Pick your province above.

Health Canada suggests sampling when contamination is most likely: early spring and fall, after heavy rain, floods, a wildfire or a long dry spell, and after the well hasn't been used for a long time. Also test after well repairs or if the water's colour, taste or smell changes.

An accredited lab can test surface water too, but lakes and rivers change quickly, so one result doesn't tell you the water will stay the same. For camping, see our camping water page and follow official advisories.