A Sampling and Information Package

Did you know that municipal water supplies are regularly tested for bacteria?  Drinking water that has harmful bacteria in it can make you sick.  These bacteria can give you stomach cramps and/or diarrhea, as well as other medical problems.  Water that has these bacteria in it is unsafe to drink.  The only way to make sure that your water supply is safe to drink is to test it regularly.  Testing for bacteria is done FREE.  Sample bottles are available in Peterborough at the Public Health Laboratory (Provincial Lab) and at the Peterborough County-City Health Unit office.

How  Often to Test?

Dug Wells - at least four (4) times a year
Drilled Wells - at least (2) times a year
 
 
 

Common Water Quality Tests

Bacteria:

There are two tests for bacteria: Total Coliform and E. coli.

• Total Coliform

Coliform bacteria are always present in animal wastes and sewage, but are also found in soil and may mean that rainwater and run-off is getting into your well.

• E. coli

E. coli bacteria are only found in the intestinal contents of people, birds and animals.  The presence of E. coli bacteria in your well is usually the result of recent sewage contamination from a nearby source.  Bacteria from sewage may cause disease E. coli levels should always be zero.

Nitrates:

• Nitrates are present in groundwater due to contamination by decaying plant or animal material, manure, fertilizers, domestic sewage, or geological formation containing soluble nitrogen compounds.
• High levels of nitrates in drinking water can cause methaemoglobineamia (blue baby syndrome) in infants.  This condition can turn the skin a blue or purplish colour.
• Infants under six months age are at risk because they lack the enzymes which can protect against methaemoglobineamia.
• The main risk to infants results from consuming formula prepared with nitrate contaminated water.
• Where the water is being used to feed an infant under six months of age, call the Health Unit at 743-1000 and ask about testing.

How To Test your Well For Bacteria

Testing Procedure:
Obtain a 200 ml. sample bottle form the Health Unit or Public Health Lab.  Remove aerators and other attachments from your tap.  Let water run for 2-3 minutes before sampling.

Do not touch the bottle lip and do not rinse out the bottle

Fill bottle to "fill line" directly form the tap without changing flow of water.  Replace cap tightly.  Fill out the form attached ot the water bottle.

Returning Your Sample:
Samples should be refrigerated after collecting.  You should collect your sample on the day you deliver it to the Public Health Lab.
 

Where? Peterborough Public Health Lab Ministry of Health 99 Hospital Drive Box 265 Peterborough, Ontario, K9J 6Y8

When? Monday-Friday 8:15 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

 

How To Interpret Your Laboratory Results (For Bacteria Only)

Total Coliform	E. coli	What it Means
0	0	Safe for drinking. Maintain regular testing (at least twice per year for drilled wells, four times per year for dug wells).
1 to 5	0	May be unsafe for drinking unless boiled or treated.  Resample.  If this range is achieved for three samples taken one to three weeks apart, the water is considered satisfactory.
6 to greater than 80	0	May be unsafe for drinking unless boiled or treated.
1 to greater than 80	1 to greater than 80	Unsafe for drinking unless boiled or treated.
Overgrown (O/G)		May be unsafe for drinking unless boiled or treated.