Only test results that are carried out by the provincial public health laboratory or a private lab can tell you for sure. When you submit a water sample it will be analyzed for the presence of “pathogens”. Pathogens are organisms that cause illness in humans. When it comes to well water, pathogens of concern include certain forms of bacteria (E.coli 0157:H7), protozoa (Giardia) and viruses (Hepatitis A). While each of these organisms can lead to different illnesses of varying severity, there are some very unpleasant symptoms common to many, including diarrhea, nausea, abdominal cramps and low grade fevers.

Your well is your first line of defense against harmful organisms reaching your water supply. Maintain your well regularly and thoroughly – it’s easier to prevent problems than to fix them. To complete your well water safety routine, test your water regularly.