Trent Hills well-water program changes locations
By Cecilia Nasmith
People who rely on well water for drinking have a new location in the Trent Hills area to access the Health Unit’s free well water testing program offered by the Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit.
As of Monday, Nov. 8, the site to drop off well-water sample bottles for testing will switch to the Guardian Rx Drug Mart at 16 Grand Rd. In Campbellford. Samples can be dropped off Mondays through Thursdays between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. and on Sundays between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. While no samples can be dropped off Fridays and Saturdays, well-water bottles and testing kits can be picked up at any time during regular pharmacy hours.
The final day for the current well-water testing site – at the Trent Hills municipal office at 66 Front St. In Campbellford – is Thursday, Nov. 4.
“We thank Trent Hills for having hosted a well water location at its municipal office and look forward to continuing to offer this important service at the Guardian Rx Drug Mart in Campbellford,” Manager of Health Protection Bernie Mayer said in the press release.
“Regular testing of your well water is essential to ensure it’s safe for drinking. Be sure to submit samples for testing at least three or four times a year to protect the health of you and your family.”
The health unit provides this service to private well owners in member municipalities in partnership with the Ministry of Health. Well-water samples can be dropped off at health unit offices in Port Hope, Lindsay and Haliburton. People can also drop off water samples and pick up testing kits at satellite locations in Brighton, Coboconk, Minden and Wilberforce.
Samples collected are sent to the provincial lab in Peterborough to be tested for bacteria such as E.coli. Well owners can have lab results mailed or e-mailed directly to them. They may also phone for automated results or pick up result in person at the lab.
“Water test results that come back showing adverse or unsatisfactory levels mean there is a problem with the well that requires attention,” Mayer pointed out.
“If this occurs, you can contact a Public Health Inspector at the Health Unit for help in understanding the results and possible suggestions to correct the problem.”
For more information on the health unit’s well-water testing program, visit www.hkpr.on.ca under Find Our Services.
