AHS offers free testing for private drinking water

SOUTH ZONE – Albertans who obtain drinking water or water for household use from a private drinking water supply – such as a well, surface water (creek, dugout) or cistern – are reminded to test this water at least twice a year. Alberta Health Services provides this free service.

Routine drinking-water tests should be done to ensure water doesn’t contain bacteria that can cause illness. This standard testing should be conducted especially when surface water runoff from melting snow and/or heavy rains could contaminate drinking water supply with harmful bacteria, such as E. coli.

In addition to bacteriological testing, rural residents with untreated private drinking water supplies can also have their water tested for nitrates, fluoride, iron, sodium and, in some cases, heavy metals.

To find out more about this service or to arrange to pick up a sampling container, contact your local community health centre. In southern Alberta, water sample bottles can be picked up and dropped off at the locations noted here: albertahealthservices.ca/assets/wf/eph/wf-eh-south-zone-water-sample-bottle-locations.pdf

Visit albertahealthservices.ca/eph/Page8294.aspx for more information on private drinking water safety in Alberta.

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.

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