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Taking and submitting a water sample: Here’s what you need to do

Drinking water quality can change frequently. Test often.

Private drinking water sources such as wells and surface water have the potential for contamination from micro-organisms, chemicals, metals, and minerals and can be tested through an accredited laboratory.

Residents who use private drinking water can test for bacterial contamination free of charge through a Public Health Ontario laboratory.

It is important to collect your water sample properly. The accuracy of your test results depends on it.

What will my water be tested for?

At Public Health Ontario labs, private water samples (from treated surface water or well water) are tested free of charge. The lab will test your water for two types of bacteria:

Total coliforms

Total coliforms include bacteria found in soil, surface water, and the intestinal tracts of animals. Finding total coliforms in your water sample indicates that your water supply may be subject to surface contamination or that you may need additional treatment or upgrades to your water supply.

Escherichia coli

E.coli originates in the intestinal tract of animals. The presence of E.coli in your water supply may mean fecal matter has entered the well. Fecal organisms cause stomach and intestinal illnesses, including diarrhea and nausea, and may even lead to death. Babies, children, seniors, people with weakened immune system, or other illnesses may be affected more severely. E.coli in your drinking water is an immediate health concern and the water is not safe to drink.

How do I collect a water sample?

Public Health Ontario labs supply their own sample bottles. Use the bottle provided and carefully follow the instructions given for collecting, preserving, and handling water samples.

To collect a proper water sample, follow these instructions:

  1. Pick up a proper sample bottle. Locations where water bottles can be picked up are listed by Public Health Ontario.
  2. Sample your water when you’re able to drop it off within 24 hours. Water samples that sit longer than 24 hours will lead to inaccurate results.
  3. Take the sample from an indoor tap, removing any aerators, screens, or other attachments from the faucet.
  4. Turn on the cold water for two to three minutes. This will help remove standing water from your plumbing system.
  5. Disinfect the faucet spout with a disinfectant wipe or a diluted bleach solution (1 part household bleach to 10 parts water).
  6. Let water run for another 2 to 3 minutes before taking a sample.
  7. Do not rinse out the bottle. Fill bottle to marked level on the bottle. Do not touch the inside of the lid. Deliver sample within 24 hours. Keep the sample bottle cool until it is delivered (store in a fridge or cooler with ice packs).

Your results will be available in 2 to 4 business days. Call 1.877.723.3426 for results. Make sure you have your barcode number and follow the prompts.

Where can I pick up a sample bottle?

Sample bottles are available at all Public Health Ontario Laboratories. In addition to these locations, bottles can be picked-up at the following locations:

Fill out the form

  1. Fill out all the grey-shaded areas on the form that came with the water sample kit from the laboratory. If your form is incomplete, the public health laboratory will not test your sample.
  2. Write your name on the name tag that is on the plastic bag. Peel the name tag off and stick it to the bottle. The name on the name tag must match the name on the form. Do not cover the barcodes.
  3. Decide how you want to receive your test results by checking off the correct box on the form. You can get your test results by telephone. If you want your sample results by phone, remove one of the barcodes from the bottle and stick it to the “Water Results by Telephone” card located in the kit. The number on the barcode is your Personal Identification Number (PIN). You will need it to get your results by telephone.

Where can I bring my sample?

Water samples are tested by Public Health Ontario laboratories. You can deliver samples to the following locations:

Greater Sudbury and Timmins

Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Chapleau, Espanola, and Mindemoya

Monday to Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

If you would like more information, would like to speak to a public health inspector, or make a complaint, you can submit your question or complaint electronically or contact us directly.

This item was last modified on November 8, 2024