Testing Your Well Water is Your Responsibility
Rural homeowners in Alberta who receive their drinking water from a personal source, such as a groundwater well, are responsible for making sure it is safe to drink. They are responsible for having the water quality tested on a regular basis and for applying the appropriate treatment options based on the water quality reports. Water analysis is provided free of charge for rural residents of the Calgary area through the Calgary Health Region. If you have not tested your water in the last year, it is time to do it again.
Water quality can change as a result of land use changes or other disturbances. Proper location, construction and maintenance of your well will help to minimize the likelihood of contamination and the risk to human and livestock health. The well cap should be checked regularly to ensure it is securely in place and watertight. Pumps and pipes should also be checked regularly, and any changes in water quality should be investigated. Surface drainage should be directed away from the well casing and surface water should not collect near the well. The well should not be located downhill from a pollution source.
Things to watch for that may indicate a water quality problem (and require immediate testing) are:
- Unpleasant odour or taste
- Red discolouration on plumbing fixtures and fabric
- Cloudy, dirty water
- Soap curd on dishes and fabrics
- Scale in pipes and water heater
- Salty alkali taste
Bacterial analysis determines the total coliform and fecal coliform bacteria in the water. Coliform bacteria are usually present in soil and surface water and their presence in well water is a result of surface water infiltration or seepage from a septic system. According to Health Canada's Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality (Sixth Edition, 1996), drinking water should not contain more than 10 total coliform bacteria per 100 mL of water. Fecal coliforms are present in animal and human waste and when present in drinking water renders it unsafe to drink. Both are indicator organisms for the potential presence of disease causing bacteria.
Chemical analysis tests for common chemicals such as iron, sodium, nitrates, total dissolved solids, and hardness. Other chemical contaminants require special tests and may need to be taken to a private lab. These include pesticides, heavy metals and volatile organic compounds. This can be discussed further with a health inspector. Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality provides a list of maximum acceptable concentrations for these chemicals.
Link to government website: Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality
It is recommended that a bacterial analysis be done annually and chemical analysis be done every three to five years.To arrange for your personal well water analysis, contact Calgary Health Region, Environmental Health at (403) 943-8060 between 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday. If you have not gone through this procedure before, ask for help in completing the forms and follow the water sampling instructions carefully. It is critical that the bottles remain sterile and that the bacteriological sample arrives at the lab within 24 hours of sampling. It must also be kept cold. There are many convenient drop off locations for your sample bottles, including the Foothills Hospital. Water quality results will be mailed to you. A public health inspector will contact you directly in the event of an unsatisfactory result.
For more information on water quality testing, contact the Calgary Health Region. Information on well design and maintenance are available through Alberta Environment Publications. Contact them through the toll free RITE line at 310-0000.