Well water testing in Alberta
Short answer: in Alberta, Environmental Public Health (Alberta Health Services) tests drinking water from private wells. Pick up an approved sample bottle and form from your local Environmental Public Health or Public Health Centre, and test for bacteria twice a year and chemicals and trace metals every 3 years.
Checked 2026-10-29 against MyHealth Alberta and Alberta government sources.
What Alberta tests
- Bacteria test: total coliform and E. coli. Results in 2 to 3 days.
- Chemical and trace metals test: common chemicals and trace metals. Results in 6 to 8 weeks.
How to take the sample
- Use only the approved sample bottle and follow its instructions; fill out the requisition form.
- Sample from the cold water line.
- Chemical test: collect before any treatment (softener, iron filter, reverse osmosis, carbon filter).
- Bacteria test: collect after treatment.
According to the Alberta government's well-owner bulletin, bacteria samples are analyzed at the Alberta Provincial Laboratory for Public Health and chemistry at the Alberta Centre for Toxicology.
When to use a private lab
Samples for real estate, mortgages, research, farming or business go to a commercial accredited lab. Find one in the CALA directory.
Frequently asked questions
Is well water testing free in Alberta?
Alberta Health Services Environmental Public Health tests drinking water from private supplies such as wells. An Alberta government well-owner bulletin notes some Public Health Centres may charge a small fee for shipping. Ask your local centre.
How often should I test my well in Alberta?
MyHealth Alberta says to test for bacteria 2 times each year and for chemicals and trace metals every 3 years.
How long do Alberta results take?
MyHealth Alberta says a bacteria test takes 2 to 3 days and a chemical and trace metals test takes 6 to 8 weeks.
What samples won't AHS test?
MyHealth Alberta says Environmental Public Health won't test samples for real estate, research, farming or business, or municipal water. Those go to a commercial lab, which you pay for.