Spring is here, and Susan Healey from the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit says it’s a good time to get your water tested for bacteria.
The organization has put out some advice for residents that get their water from a well, to mark World Water Day, an annual United Nations awareness initiative.
“Runoff from heavy rain and snow melting may affect the safety of your drinking water,” Healey explains. “Bacteria in your well water may not affect the taste or smell of your water. Testing your well water is the only way to know for sure if your drinking water is safe to consume or if it is contaminated with bacteria and requires some actions to protect the health of your family.”
Healey says residents who use well water should get it tested three times a year, or after significant weather events like floods.
“Flood water and water ponding around wells can affect the safety of your drinking water,” she says. “The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark Health Unit is advising those whose wells are directly affected by these conditions to boil their water for one minute at a rolling boil before drinking the water, or use an alternate safe source until you test your water and confirm that it is safe to drink.”
If you’re interested in getting your water tested by the Health Unit, you can visit the organization’s website for more details.