Well Water Testing

If you drink water from a private well, testing it regularly is a simple way to keep your water safe. Changes in the environment—like heavy rain or flooding—can impact your well water. That’s why it’s a good idea to test it at least three times a year.

How to collect a water sample

For accurate results, you need to collect your water sample correctly. Follow these steps:

Get the right bottle: Pick up a free water testing bottle from a local pick-up location (see below).
Pick the right tap: Use an indoor cold-water tap that isn’t connected to a water softener, like your kitchen sink.
Run the water: Let the water run for 2–3 minutes before filling the bottle.
Follow the instructions: Read and follow the instructions that come with the testing bottle.
Keep it cool: Store the sample in a cool place and drop it off within 24 hours.

Here are more tips on how to collect a water sample from Public Health Ontario.

Understanding your well water testing results

Learn about what the results of your water test mean.

What to do if your water is contaminated

If your test shows contamination:

Stop drinking the water: Use bottled water or boil your water before use.
Disinfect your well: Use the Well Disinfection Tool for step-by-step guidance.
Retest your water: After disinfecting, take another sample to ensure your water is safe.

Where to pick up and drop off water testing bottles

Pick-up locations:

Southwestern Public Health – St. Thomas Site
1230 Talbot Street, St. Thomas, ON
Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Southwestern Public Health – Woodstock Site
410 Buller Street, Woodstock, ON
Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Alexandra Hospital (Switchboard)
29 Noxon Street, Ingersoll
Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital (Information desk)
167 Rolph Street, Tillsonburg
Embro Library
135 Huron Street, Embro
Wednesday, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Municipality of Bayham
56169 Heritage Line, Straffordville
Phone: 519-866-5521
Township of Malahide
87 John Street, South, Aylmer
Phone: 519-773-5344
Norwich Township Office
285767 Airport Road, Norwich
Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Municipality of Dutton/Dunwich
199 Currie Road, Dutton
Open Tuesdays or by appointment (call 519-762-2204)
Sinden Feed & Seed Inc.
15 Main Street, Princeton
Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, 9:00 AM–2:00 PM
Plattsville Library
112 Mill Street E., Plattsville
Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Municipality of West Elgin
22413 Hoskins Line, Rodney
Phone: 519-785-0560
Tavistock Library
40 Woodstock Street S., Tavistock
Wednesday, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
South-West Oxford Township Office
312915 Dereham Line, Mount Elgin
Monday–Friday, 8:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Drop-off locations:

Southwestern Public Health – St. Thomas Site
1230 Talbot Street, St. Thomas, ON
Drop-off Monday/Tuesday or Wednesday/Thursday before 11:30 a.m..
Samples are sent to the lab on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1:00 p.m..
Southwestern Public Health – Woodstock Site
410 Buller Street, Woodstock, ON
Drop-off Monday–Thursday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., or Friday, 8:30–11:00 a.m.
Samples are sent to the lab daily, Monday–Friday, at 11:00 a.m..
Ontario Public Health Lab – London
1200 Commissioners Road East, Unit 102, London, ON
Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital (Information desk)
167 Rolph Street, Tillsonburg
Drop-off Monday–Thursday, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Samples are picked up by the lab courier Monday–Friday at 6:45 a.m.
Alexandra Hospital (Switchboard)
29 Noxon Street, Ingersoll
Drop-off Monday, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., and Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m..
Samples are picked up by the lab courier Monday–Friday at 12:00 p.m.
Sinden Feed & Seed Inc.
15 Main Street, Princeton
Drop-off the first Wednesday of each month ONLY, 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get my well water test results?

You can access your results through these methods:

By phone: Call 1-877-723-3426 and enter the barcode from your sample bottle for automated results.
By email: Email the customer service centre at Public Health Ontario with your sample barcode, the address of your water source, and the timeframe of results you’re looking for.
By mail: Results will be sent to the address provided on your submission form if you opted for this method.

How long does it take for well water testing?

Once your sample reaches the lab, testing takes 24 hours. Add time for courier transportation to ensure your water sample reaches the lab within 48 hours of collection.

How often should I test my well water?

It’s recommended to test your well water at least three times a year:

In the spring, summer, and fall
After any significant event, such as heavy rainfall, flooding, or land development nearby

What should I do if my water is contaminated?

If your test results show contamination:

Stop drinking the water: Use bottled or boiled water for drinking and cooking.
Disinfect your well: Use the Well Disinfection Tool for step-by-step instructions.
Retest your water: Submit a new sample after disinfecting your well to ensure it’s safe.

Is it okay to add surface or rainwater to my well?

No, adding surface or rainwater can contaminate your well and will not solve water shortage issues. If you’ve done so, have your water tested immediately to ensure it’s safe to drink.

What should I do if my well water has a strong sulphur smell?

A sulphur smell in water isn’t usually a health risk but can be unpleasant. You may want to explore treatment options like greensand filters, which can reduce sulphur odor, as well as iron and manganese. Consult a qualified water treatment specialist for advice.

Can yard or construction work near my well affect water quality?

Yes, construction or landscaping can change the ground’s ability to absorb water and may disturb your well. Monitor your water quality closely if such activities take place.

Should the top of my well be visible?

Yes, your well’s top should always be visible for easy access in emergencies and to avoid contamination. The casing should extend at least 40 cm above the ground.

Who is responsible for maintaining wells on private property?

Well owners are legally required to maintain their wells and ensure caps and lids are secure. If a well is no longer in use, it must be properly plugged to protect groundwater and reduce safety risks. Refer to Ontario’s Well Regulation 903 for details.

My water pressure is low. What should I do?

First, check your pump and pressure system for mechanical issues. Then, measure your well’s water level. If water shortages have happened before, consider whether they coincide with droughts or increased water usage. Persistent issues may require professional assessment.

How do I get my water well records?

If your well was reported to the Ministry of the Environment when constructed, you can request its records by calling 1-888-396-WELL. A fee applies.

What does well water testing cost?

We offer free testing for private well owners.

Need more help?

If you have questions about your test results or water quality, contact us at:

St. Thomas site: 519-631-9900
Woodstock site: 519-421-9901

Stay safe by testing your well water regularly.

Southwestern Public Health (8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday)

St. Thomas Site
(Administrative office)
1230 Talbot Street
St. Thomas, ON N5P 1G9

Woodstock Site
410 Buller Street
Woodstock, ON N4S 4N2

Call us toll free: 1-800-922-0096
Email us