Why Water Testing Matters

Water quality impacts health, and hidden contaminants can cause illness. Since the early 1900s, filtration and disinfection have been essential for municipal water treatment, ensuring safe drinking water. However, aging infrastructure and private water sources pose additional risks, making regular testing crucial.

Why Should You Test Your Water?

Even if your municipal water supply is tested at the source, it may still pick up contaminants from aging pipes before reaching your tap. Testing at the point of use ensures your water is safe.

For private water sources (wells, lakes, rainwater tanks), you are solely responsible for monitoring water quality. Contaminants such as bacteria, nitrates, and metals may be present without visible signs. Extreme weather, septic system failures, or land-use changes can also affect water safety. Testing is the only way to be sure.

When Should You Test Your Water?

Regular testing ensures early detection of issues. You should test if:

Water changes in colour, taste, or smell

A family member has a weakened immune system (elderly, infants, or medical treatments like chemotherapy)

You have a growing family

Someone experiences unexplained digestive illness

You move into a new home

For private wells, test for bacteria and nitrates at least once a year. Other tests (e.g., hardness, iron, radon) may be needed based on local groundwater conditions.

Understanding Water Test Results

Water testing labs may display results differently, but key indicators include:

1. Coliform Bacteria

Coliform bacteria exist in soil, vegetation, and animal waste.

Most are harmless, but their presence may indicate contamination from surface water, manure, or sewage.

High coliform levels suggest a higher risk of unsafe water.

2. Fecal Coliforms & E. coli

Fecal coliforms come from human and animal waste.

E. coli is a dangerous strain of fecal coliform.

If either is present, your water is contaminated and unsafe to drink unless boiled.

What If Your Water Isn’t Safe?

1. Boil Your Water

Bring water to a rolling boil for at least 1 minute before drinking or cooking.

2. Shock Chlorinate Your Well

Treat your well with high-dose chlorine to kill bacteria.

Leave the chlorine for at least 12 hours, then flush the system.

Do not drink highly chlorinated water!

A water treatment professional can ensure safe disinfection and disposal.

3. Retest Your Water

Wait 24 hours after shocking and retest.

Test again 1-2 weeks later.

Once you receive two bacteria-free results, your water is safe—for now.

4. Address the Source of Contamination

If contamination occurred once, it may happen again.

Investigate and fix the cause to prevent future issues.

Well shocking is only a temporary fix—consider long-term disinfection solutions.