Chatham-Kent’s top doctor is urging residents who rely on private wells to test their water regularly.
Dr. Shanker Nesathurai, Chatham-Kent’s Medical Officer of Health, issued a reminder to local residents on Monday that the regular testing of well water is essential to protect health and safety. He said well water should be tested three times per year — in early spring, fall and early summer.
Dr. Nesathurai cited a recent report of the Ontario Auditor General that shows very few Ontarians take advantage of free testing services.
“Less than one-third of Ontarians who rely on private wells tested their water within the past 12 months,” he said in a news release. “Testing is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent illness from drinking water.”
Contaminated well water can carry harmful microorganisms, including bacteria, which could cause serious illness or even death.
The onus is on private well owners to collect and submit water samples to Chatham-Kent Public Health. Sample bottles can be picked up at any municipal service centre or at the health unit office. Samples can be dropped off at the CK Public Health office, and results are typically available within two to four business days.
Health officials have also launched an online portal for submissions, which can be found by clicking here. For more information on well water testing in CK, click here.