Departments Urge Homeowners to Test Well Water

Environment/Labour--Departments Urge Homeowners to Test Well Water

For people on private wells, the only way to make sure your water is bacteria-free is to test it regularly.

The Department of Environment and Labour, in consultation with the Department of Health, urges all Nova Scotians to test their private well water at least twice a year.

The presence of fecal coliform bacteria in some wells in Garland, a community of 26 homes in the Annapolis Valley, has generated a lot of inquiries and interest about water from private wells. About 40 per cent of Nova Scotians get their water from their own wells.

Environment and Labour staff were in Garland today and have been resampling wells in the community. Residents in that community have been ordered to boil all water for at least two minutes before any activity involving human consumption, including drinking, making ice cubes and brushing teeth.

For others wanting to get their wells tested, and disinfected if necessary, the department offers information and advice through its offices in Halifax, Bedford, Sheet Harbour, Windsor, Shubenacadie, Truro, Pictou, Amherst, Kentville, Middleton, Yarmouth, Liverpool, Bridgewater, Lockeport, Sydney, Port Hawkesbury, Antigonish and Baddeck.

Residents can collect samples, but testing for bacteria is done by private water testing companies. The Yellow Pages list most of these companies. Most local hospital labs also test water. Bacteria testing costs between $10 and $12 plus tax. Other testing packages are also available.

Once a test is done, the lab will report whether coliform bacteria is present or not. Water suitable for human consumption should have no coliform-type bacteria per 100 mL of sample.

The presence of coliform makes water unsuitable for drinking. If the test indicates coliform are present, the well should be resampled in case the sample was contaminated during collection. While waiting for retest results, the water should be boiled or another drinking water source used. If the second test is positive, an investigation is necessary to determine the cause.

Information on how to collect a sample and how to disinfect a well and a list of testing labs in the province are available on the department's Web site at gov.ns.ca/enla/ .