Protect Your Household: Test Your Private Drinking Water Source. It’s Fast and Free

Public Health Ontario is reminding residents who rely on private water sources, including wells, cisterns, or treated lake water, that regular drinking water testing is the best way to know your water is safe.

Unlike municipal drinking water, private drinking water systems are not routinely monitored, and contamination isn’t always visible. Even clear, good-tasting water can contain harmful bacteria including E. coli and coliforms, which can lead to gastrointestinal illness (diarrhea, cramps, nausea and vomiting), fever and, in rare cases, more serious complications. Regular testing is the best way for households to know that the water from their private drinking water system is safe.

Free testing is available in Ontario for bacterial contamination in private drinking water systems, including E. coli and coliforms. It is a simple and practical step people can take to help protect their health and feel confident about the safety of their drinking water. If you need to analyze mineral or chemical content in your water, contact a licenced laboratory.

“Safe, clean drinking water is essential to protecting health, and free testing for bacterial contamination is available to help Ontarians monitor their water quality,” said Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health, Ontario. “If you rely on a private well or other private water source, it’s important to test regularly especially after higher-risk events like spring thaw, heavy rainfall, flooding, or well maintenance. Testing is particularly important for households with young children, older adults, or anyone with a weakened immune system, where preventing illness is especially critical.” 

Fast and Easy Access to Water Testing Results

In Ontario, nearly 3 million residents rely on private drinking water sources. Regular testing is critical to ensuring this drinking water is safe.

Rapid access to water testing results supports timely decision-making for households (e.g., boiling water, inspecting the well, or seeking guidance) and the process has never been easier. Public Health Ontario’s (PHO) Online Water Testing Portal offers a fast, and easy way to submit sample information and access results online within 2 to 4 business days; there is no need to fill out a form by hand and wait for results to be mailed.

“PHO’s free water testing is an important public health service, and we’re making it easier for people to use,” said Samir Patel, Vice President and Chief, Microbiology and Laboratory Services, PHO. “With the Online Water Testing Portal, clients can submit their information in minutes and access their results online once ready, which helps reduce paperwork errors and avoid delays.”

Ontario residents who rely on private drinking water sources are encouraged to make regular water testing part of their routine. To learn when and how to test, where to pick up a sample kit, and how to access online results, visit PHO’s Well Water Testing webpage and Online Water Testing Portal, or visit the Government of Ontario’s Testing and Treating Private Water Wells webpage.