The Elora Environment Centre is reminding Wellington County well-owners to test their drinking water at least three times a year, and especially after heavy rainfalls.
The past month has brought several very heavy rain storms and there is a risk of surface water getting into the well, especially one that is not properly sealed, and contaminants from the surface can cause health hazards. Fall is the ideal time to take a water sample and ensure that the family’s drinking water supply is clean, safe, and free of bacteria.
What does bacterial water test, test for? Total coliforms. The presence of even a low count of total coliforms (one to five) is an indicator that the water may be unsafe. The presence of total coliforms is used as an indicator that other, more harmful bacteria, with similar lifecycles may also be present. A higher total coliform count (6 to 80) is a strong indicator that harmful micro-organisms may be present. Assume that your water is unsafe for drinking. Fecal coliform (e.coli). Any detectable presence of e.coli in well water means the water is unsafe for drinking without treatment. E.coli is bacteria from animal and human wastes. Guelph Wellington Dufferin Public Health Unit offers free bacteria testing for well water. Sample bottles and complete instructions can be picked up at the Health Unit at 474 County Road 18, suite 100. The health unit recommends testing 3 times a year for drilled wells and four times a year for dug wells. Samples should be dropped off at the Public Health between 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Thursday. Rural well owners can pick up a bottle.
The Elora Centre for Environmental Excellence offers free home visits as part of its Well Aware program. Well Aware home visits, conducted by trained water guides, help rural well owners identify priorities for action to protect their drinking water source. The visits, which are voluntary, confidential, and non-regulatory, guide well owners through a self-assessment to help identify and address potential risks to their well water and septic system. The Water Guide will discuss any issues specific to the property, bring along water testing bottles and provide an information kit and report. For more information about the Elora Environment Centre and any of our programs, please feel free to contact us, at (519) 846-0841 or visit our website: www.eloraenvironmentcentre.ca.
