Well water testing in British Columbia
Short answer: in BC, private well owners arrange their own testing at a qualified lab. Below are the 13 labs on the BC Provincial Health Officer's approved list for drinking water bacteria tests (total coliform and E. coli) that accept private samples.
List dated June 30, 2026 (BC Centre for Disease Control). Checked 2026-10-29. Approval periods are copied from the list; call the lab to confirm before you sample.
BC-approved labs that accept private well samples (13)
| Lab | Address | Phone | Approved to |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALS Environmental (Calgary) | 2559 29th Street NE, Calgary AB | 403-407-1800 | December 31, 2028 |
| ALS Environmental (Kamloops) | 1445 McGill Road, Unit 2B, Kamloops BC | 250-372-3588 | September 30, 2029 |
| ALS Environmental (Vancouver) | 8081 Lougheed Highway, Burnaby BC | 604-253-4188 | April 30, 2027 |
| CARO Analytical Services (Kelowna) | 102 - 3677 Highway 97N, Kelowna BC | 250-765-9646 | April 30, 2028 |
| CARO Analytical Services (Richmond) | #110 - 4011 Viking Way, Richmond BC | 604-279-1499 | September 30, 2027 |
| Element Materials Technology Canada Inc. (Surrey) | 104 - 19575 - 55A Avenue, Surrey BC | 604-514-3322 | September 30, 2029 |
| IG Micromed Environmental Inc | 190 - 12860 Clarke Place, Richmond BC | 604-279-0666 | October 31, 2026 |
| Bureau Veritas Canada (2019) Inc. (Burnaby) | 4606 Canada Way, Burnaby BC | 604-734-7276 | January 31, 2029 |
| MB Laboratories Ltd. | 2062 Henry Avenue West, Unit 4 & 5, Sidney BC | 250-656-1334 | November 30, 2026 |
| Northern Analytical Laboratory Services | 3333 University Way, Prince George BC | 250-960-5713 | January 31, 2028 |
| Northern Laboratories (2010) Ltd. | 530 3rd Ave West, Prince Rupert BC | 250-627-1906 | March 31, 2029 |
| Passmore Laboratory Ltd. | 4240 Upper Passmore Road, Winlaw BC | 250-226-7339 | September 30, 2028 |
| Wellness Water Testing Laboratory Ltd. | 1811 Victoria Street, Unit #210, Prince George BC | 250-301-7898 | January 31, 2029 |
All are approved for total coliform and E. coli. ALS Calgary is in Alberta but is on BC's list. Labs that don't accept private samples were left out.
Testing for chemicals and metals
For arsenic, manganese, nitrate, uranium and other chemistry, use a qualified lab: see BC's Directory of Qualified Laboratories or the CALA directory, which HealthLink BC points to. Some regional districts run well testing rebates; check yours.
Frequently asked questions
Who tests private well water in British Columbia?
HealthLink BC says owners of a well serving one household are responsible for testing it, and that samples should go to a qualified laboratory. The labs below are the ones BC's Provincial Health Officer approved for drinking water bacteria testing that accept private samples.
What do these BC labs test for?
This official list covers total coliform and E. coli (bacteria) only. For chemistry such as arsenic, metals or nitrate, ask the lab, or check BC's directory of qualified labs or the CALA directory.
How often should I test my well in BC?
Health Canada recommends testing for bacteria at least every 6 months and general water quality every 2 years. Your health authority can tell you about local concerns.