Municipality of Trent Lakes Resumes Free Well Water Sample Drop-off Program April 6 for County Residents
Written by Comms Team, March 31, 2021
Spring Melt Brings Higher Risk for Bacterial Contamination
Peterborough Public Health (PPH) and the Municipality of Trent Lakes have made it simple for county residents to have their well water tested by offering free well water sample drop offs throughout the summer months.
Beginning Tuesday, April 6, 2021, water samples can be dropped off at the Administrative Office located at 760 County Road 36 in the upper floor main entrance lobby – just in time for the change in season to warmer weather and the increased health risks to families.
“With the snow melt and spring runoff, this is a good time of year to test your water as there is a higher risk of contamination,” said Chris Eaton, Public Health Inspector. “This is relevant to both drilled and dug wells, but is especially important for dug wells, as they are shallower and more susceptible to contamination. We are happy to partner with the Municipality of Trent Lakes to make it easier for residents to monitor their water quality.”
Water sample bottles can be picked up from the Administrative Office Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Samples can then be dropped off Tuesdays and Thursdays between 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. and are couriered to the Public Health Ontario for testing.
Water sample bottles are free and available at the Municipality of Trent Lakes Administrative Office. Samples are time sensitive, so residents are encouraged to carefully read the instructions included with each kit. Completed samples should be placed in the water sample fridge located beside the Building & Planning reception desk.
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.
- Township of North Kawartha Municipal Office, 280 Burleigh Street, Apsley, Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.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 at 99 Hospital Drive between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
This well water testing service is available at no charge to all residents and cottagers in the Municipality of Trent Lakes through a program with PPH.
Well water samples are tested for two types of bacterial contamination: total coliforms and E. coli. The presence of E. coli indicates the water has been contaminated with fecal material, which can contain disease-causing microbes. Coliforms are organisms can cause severe gastrointestinal illness. Anyone can become ill if they consume contaminated water, but the young, elderly, and immuno-compromised are at a higher risk.
Residents will receive water quality results by mail or you can call Public Health Ontario’s Interactive Voice Response at 1-877-723-3426. If you have questions about your test results, you can call the PPH Safe Water Program at 705-743-1000, ext. 232, for a free consultation.
To find out how to test for contaminants other than total coliforms and E. coli, contact PPH at 705-743-1000, ext. 232 or visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca.
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For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence, Communications Manager
Peterborough Public Health
705-743-1000, ext. 391
Bianca Dragicevic
Finance/Reception Administrative Assistant
705-738-3800, ext. 232