Seasonal well water testing in the spring, summer, and autumn is recommended for private well owners, even if it looks, tastes, and smells fine.
Free well water testing is offered by Ottawa Public Health↗ through its provincial umbrella agency, Public Health Ontario, whose lab tests for indicators of bacterial contamination, including coliforms and E.coli.
However, as there are relatively few properties on well water in Barrhaven, the nearest sample drop-off locations are at Ben Franklin Place and in Manotick and Richmond, so I am trying out a special drop-off event closer to you!
The drop-off will be held on Monday 9 June 2025 from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm at the Chapman Mills Community Building, 424 Chapman Mills Drive↗. Uptake will help decide if this will become a regular seasonal event.
Other drop-off opportunities
If the date and time of the special does not work for you, regular drop-off opportunities are also available:
Ben Franklin Place client service centre
101 Centrepointe Drive, Nepean↗
Monday to Thursday, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm
Fridays 8:30 am to 11:00 amRural Ottawa South Support Services (ROSSS)
1096 Bridge Street, Manotick↗
Tuesdays only, 8:00 am to 4:00 pmOttawa Public Library Manotick Branch
5499 South River Drive, Manotick↗
Tuesdays only, 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Why should you test your well water?
Well water can contain harmful bacteria that causes stomach cramps, diarrhea and other health concerns. Private well↗ owners are encouraged to get their water tested every spring, summer and fall, even if it looks, tastes and smells fine.
Whether your test results are positive or negative, understand that the sample you collected is just a "snapshot" of your well's water quality. The more samples you have tested, the more confident you can be about the quality of the water you are drinking.
In addition to regularly testing well water, owners should inspect their well↗ at least once a year to make sure it is free from damage and in good working condition.