Drought prompts regional well testing recommendation
CBC News
Posted: Jul 23, 2012 6:20 AM ET
Last Updated: Jul 23, 2012 7:04 AM ET
Ottawa Public Health says well owners should get their water tested as drought conditions continue throughout the region.
E. coli and salmonella can thrive in warm, shallow water.
In times of drought, that means wells run a greater risk of contamination.
Martha Robinson, an Ottawa Public Health inspector, said a build-up of bacteria can cause gastrointestinal illnesses.
Well water testing free
"They could have bacteria entering the aquifer through wetlands or just as the water table changes, bacteria could get into people's houses and end up in their drinking water."
Having well water tested is free. Well owners only need to pick up a special bottle from city service centres and keep the water refrigerated.
The same service is available in nearby Cornwall, according to the Eastern Ontario Health Unit. Caroline Kuate said the region, largely rural, boasts a lot of well systems.
She said people in the area should get their water tested frequently.
"The only way to know that your water is safe is by testing it," she said. "There's no way you can just look and smell and determine the safety of the water."
Kuate said there's also no limit to the number of water samples residents can submit.
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