Well Water Testing
If you own a well, you are responsible to ensure it is maintained and operating safely.
Grand Erie Public Health is the governing body that oversees well water testing within the County of Brant, the City of Brantford, Haldimand County, and Norfolk County.
On this page:
Well Testing
All private well owners are encouraged to get their water tested 3 times per year (every spring, summer, and fall), even if it looks, tastes and smells fine.
We also recommend that you test your water:
- After any repairs to your well;
- If your well hasn’t been used for several weeks;
- If there is flooding in the area;
- If you notice a change in your water (e.g. smell, taste or colour); or
- There are changes in the land use or activities near your well.
Whether your test results are positive or negative, it is important to 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 and your family 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.
Grand Erie Public Health offers free well water testing for residents whose drinking water comes from a private well.
Health Unit Well Test
Water samples are tested for two types of bacteria: total coliforms and E. coli.
- Total coliforms. These bacteria are often found in animal waste, sewage, soil and vegetation. If they are in your drinking water, it means contaminated surface water may be entering your well.
- E. coli (Escherichia coli). These bacteria are normally found only in the digestive systems of people and animals. If they are in your drinking water, it usually means that animal or human sewage waste is entering your well from a nearby source.
If these bacteria are in your water, they could cause illness such as stomach cramps, diarrhea, and other symptoms, which can lead to additional health concerns.
The Health Unit do not test well water samples for chemicals like sodium, nitrates, and lead. Please contact a private lab for further testing.
Testing Kits
Free testing kits are available for pick up within the County of Brant. Please refer to the table below for testing kit pick-up and drop-off locations.
Testing Kit Location Pick-Up
- Burford Customer Service Office - Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
- Paris Customer Service Office - Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
- St. George Public Library - Please check the Brant Public Library website for hours
- Scotland-Oakland Public Library - Please check the Brant Public Library website for hours
Testing Kit Location Drop-off
- Burford Customer Service Office - The last Wednesday of every month between 8:30 am and 2:00 pm. Samples can be dropped off in the fridge in the main lobby.
- Grand Erie Public Health, 194 Terrace Hill St., Brantford - Monday to Thursday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Please note the lab will only accept water samples taken directly into the proper water testing bottle.
For further information about Well Water Testing or other health related matters please visit the Grand Erie Public Health website.