Last verified 2026-10-27. gnb.ca well water testing and private wells pages, fetched 2026-10-27
New Brunswick recommends choosing a laboratory accredited by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) or the Canadian Association for Laboratory Accreditation (CALA). RPC Analytical Services is the designated Provincial Analytical Services laboratory, with offices in Fredericton and Moncton and many Service New Brunswick drop-off points.
The Department of Health recommends re-testing private wells twice per year (spring and fall) for bacteria (total coliforms and E. coli) and once every two years for inorganic compounds.
When a well is drilled, deepened, or repaired, the well contractor gives the owner a voucher covering inorganic and microbiological analysis. Strongly encouraged within 12 months. This is not a free annual testing program for existing wells.
The older 'Know Your H2O' free coliform/E. coli campaign (2006–2007) is historical. As of 2026-10-27 we found no active free annual program for existing private wells — routine tests are paid through RPC or another SCC/CALA lab.
921 College Hill Road
Fredericton, NB E3B 6Z9
Designated Provincial Analytical Services lab. SCC-accredited. Toll-free 1-800-563-0844.
115 A Harrisville Blvd
Moncton, NB E1H 3T3
RPC Moncton office. Also listed on Nova Scotia's lab page for bacterial testing.
Store strips and mail-in kits can be useful between official tests, but they do not replace an accredited lab for health decisions. Prefer SCC- or CALA-accredited labs (or your province's listed labs) for bacteria and chemistry panels.
What your results mean Free checklist
New wells get a contractor voucher for one inorganic + microbiology package. Routine retests for existing wells are generally paid. Ask RPC or your SNB office for current fees.
Department of Health guidance: twice a year for bacteria (spring and fall) and every two years for inorganics.
Nova Scotia · Prince Edward Island · Newfoundland and Labrador
