Well Water Testing in the Almaguin Highlands
Most homes in the Almaguin Highlands get their water from a private well or a lake. That makes a water test a normal part of buying or selling here, and something every rural homeowner should do regularly. The good news is that testing for bacteria is free.
Why a water test matters when you buy or sell
When we write an offer on a rural property, we usually include a condition for water potability (is it safe to drink) and quantity (is there enough). A clean test gives buyers confidence. For sellers, testing before you list means no surprises once an offer comes in.
Where to get a free water test
The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit tests private well water and treated lake water for bacteria at no cost. Untreated lake or river water isn't tested.
- Burk's Falls: Village Office, 172 Ontario Street. Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to noon. Pick up bottles and drop off samples.
- Parry Sound: 90 Bowes Street, Suite 201. Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- North Bay: 345 Oak Street West. Monday to Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Samples aren't accepted on Fridays, weekends, or the day before or day of a statutory holiday. Hours can change, so check the Health Unit's water testing page before you go.
How to take a sample
- Follow the instructions in the kit. A sample taken the wrong way can give a false result.
- Use a tap without a screen (aerator) on the end. If your kitchen and bathroom screens are hard to remove, check the tub tap. It often doesn't have one.
- Fill out the form completely. The Health Unit number is 2247.
- Drop it off the same day you collect it, and keep it cool on the way.
- Results are usually ready online through Public Health Ontario's Water Testing Portal in two to four business days.
How often to test
The Health Unit recommends testing three times a year: spring, summer and fall. Test again after flooding or heavy rain, or if your water changes in colour, taste or smell.
What if bacteria show up?
The test looks for two things. Total coliforms are common in soil and surface water, and finding them usually means surface water is getting into the well. E. coli comes from human or animal waste. Follow the instructions that come with your results, and don't drink the water until it's sorted out.
A bad result is usually fixable. Common next steps are disinfecting (shock chlorinating) the well and retesting. If your well or lake water keeps coming back with a bad result, we recommend calling Ransome Well Drilling. You'll probably have to leave a message, but they know what they're doing and they're worth the wait. If it comes up during a sale, we'll help you work through it.
Finding a well record
Ontario keeps records for wells drilled in the province, including depth and water flow at the time of drilling. You can search the province's well records map by address. If there's no record, the Wells Help Desk can help: 1-888-396-9355 or wellshelpdesk@ontario.ca. Older wells don't always have one.
Questions about the water on a property you're looking at? Let me or Tom know. 705-380-3136