Well water testing
Oxford County Public Health encourages residents with private wells to test their water a minimum of three times a year for bacteria, and once a year for nitrates and fluoride.
Public Health’s free information kit, Keeping Your Well Water Safe to Drink, provides information on the importance of testing your well water regularly, and on well water construction and maintenance as well as treatment options. The kit is available for pick up at 410 Buller Street or by calling 519-539-9800 ext. 3431, toll-free 1-800-755-0394.
Why test your well water?
Drinking water contaminated with bacteria or high levels of nitrates can cause health problems. Bacteria can cause gastrointestinal illness, including diarrhea. High levels of nitrates can lead to what is called "Blue Baby Syndrome" in infants less than six months of age, affecting the blood’s ability to carry oxygen.
While the County of Oxford does not add fluoride to municipal drinking water, some parts of the County have elevated levels of naturally occurring fluoride. Elevated amounts of fluoride can cause a condition of the teeth known as fluorosis. This affects the appearance of teeth, showing up as white flecks on teeth or, at higher levels, brown stains or small pits on the tooth surface. This condition occurs while the tooth is forming below the gums before it erupts (usually during ages 0-6 years). Download the Public Health brochure, The Facts about Fluoride and Your Drinking Water .
When to test your well water
If your drinking water comes from a well, it’s important to have your well water tested for bacteria a minimum of three times per year. One sample should be taken in the spring, one in the summer and one in late fall.
You should also test your water:
- After major plumbing work has been done
- If you notice changes in water quality, including taste, odour and appearance
- After flooding has occurred
Tests results help homeowners and occupants determine if their water is safe to drink, or if further investigation of their well is needed.
Water samples must be taken less than 48 hours before being submitted.
Water sampling
Water testing kits available for pick up at Oxford County Public Health & Emergency Services at 410 Buller Street in Woodstock (the Old Gaol building).
Your water sample will be tested, free of charge, for the presence of both Total Coliforms and E. coli bacteria by the Public Health Lab in London, Ontario. All other tests including nitrates and fluoride must be completed by a private labaratory.
You can pick up and drop off water sample bottles at the locations listed below.
Oxford County Public Health & Emergency Services
410 Buller St., Woodstock, ON
Monday to Thursday : 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Fridays : 8:30 – 11:25 am
Alexandra Hospital
29 Noxon St., Ingersoll
Tillsonburg Hospital
167 Rolph St., Tillsonburg
Sinden Feed & Seed
Main St., Princeton
Wednesday only 8:30 am-10:00 am
All Township offices have water sample bottles available for pick up only.
Please note that water samples must be taken less than 48 hours before being submitted.
Where to get more information
Detailed instructions about well water testing and information about how to interpret test results can be found at the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care website at:
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/pub/watersafe/watersafe_welltest.html