Free Well Water Sampling Program Resumes April 11 in North Kawartha and Trent Lakes
Written by Comms Team, April 6, 2023
Spring Melt Brings Higher Risk for Bacterial Contamination
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 of North Kawartha and Trent Lakes by offering free well water sample drop off from Spring to Fall.
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. 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,” said Chris Eaton, Public Health Inspector. “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 Tuesday, April 11, 2023, water samples can be dropped off at the North Kawartha Municipal Office located at 280 Burleigh Street, Apsley, ON, Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. and the Trent Lakes Municipal Office located at 760 County Road 36, Trent Lakes, ON, Tuesday and Thursdays between 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 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. Filled sample bottles should be delivered to the front desk at the municipal office. Staff will then place it in a fridge until collected by the courier.
Water samples can also be dropped off at the following locations:
- Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Township Office, 1 Ottawa Street, Havelock, from Monday through Thursday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
- Peterborough Public Health, 185 King Street, Peterborough, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon on Fridays.
- Public Health Ontario Laboratory, 99 Hospital Drive weekdays between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Residents will receive water quality results by mail or can call Public Health Ontario’s Interactive Voice Response at 1-877-723-3426. If you have questions about your test results, please call the PPH Safe Water Program at 705-743-1000, ext. 232, for more information.
To learn more about well water safety, including how to test for other contaminants, contact PPH at 705-743-1000, ext. 232 or visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca and search for “well water safety”.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Media Relations
Media@peterboroughpublichealth.ca
For further information on water sample drop-off, please contact:
Keely-Anne Johnson
Secretary/Receptionist
Township of North Kawartha
705-656-4445 ext. 232
K.Johnson@northkawartha.ca
Jessica Sears
Finance Admin. Assistant
Municipality of Trent Lakes
705-738-3800 ext. 221
info@trentlakes.ca