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Testing & Interpreting Results
Private drinking water sources such as wells and surface water have the potential for contamination from chemicals, metals, minerals, and germs such as bacteria, virus and parasites. Water samples can be tested for contaminants at an accredited laboratory.
Testing for bacteriological contamination – Residents can test their private water (from well water or treated surface water) free of charge through a Public Health Ontario laboratory (PHOL). The laboratory will test your water for two types of bacteria:
- Total coliforms
- E.coli
It is important to collect your water sample properly. The accuracy of your test results depends on it.
Testing for chemicals, metals and minerals – Residents can test their private water through a private accredited laboratory for a fee. For a list of accredited laboratories, see the link. List of Licensed Laboratories | ontario.ca
Public Health Ontario's (PHO) Online Water Testing Portal
PHO provides testing of water samples collected from private drinking water systems, such as a wells, cisterns and treated lake water. PHO tests for the bacterial indicators of contamination, E.coli and total coliforms.
This online Water Testing Portal provides a streamlined way to submit your requisition and access your online report electronically. Follow these four easy steps to get started!
Step 1: Collect your sample (keep it refrigerated)
Step 2: Submit your information to Public Health Ontario's Online Water Testing Portal
Step 3: Drop off your sample (within 48 hours of collection)
Step 4: Check test results online
If you submit the forms online through the portal, you do not need to submit a paper copy to the lab - just your sample.
If you have questions, please check out PHO's Frequently Asked Questions or contact the laboratory Customer Service Centre.
FAQs
How often should I test my drinking water for bacteria?
Homeowners should sample their private drinking water source at least 3-4 times per year to ensure the water is safe for use. You should test your water every spring, summer, fall, and winter, regardless of how the water looks, tastes, and smells.
Where can I get water sample bottles?
Public Health Ontario laboratories (PHOL) supplies their own sample bottles. PHOL sample bottles can be picked up at the laboratory in Sault Ste. Marie located at 160 McDougald Street, at Algoma Public Health, or other sample bottle depots which are available across the Algoma district. Please contact Environmental Health for a full list of bottle pick-up locations.
How do I collect a water sample?
Below are step-by-step instructions for how to take a water sample:
- Pick up the designated PHOL sample bottle. You can pick up bottles at the PHOL located in Sault Ste. Marie.
- Plan to collect your water sample at a time you will be available to drop the sample off soon after it’s taken. The sample should be delivered to PHOL within 24 hours after collection.
- The sample should be collected from an indoor tap, that is commonly used for accessing drinking water, for example, kitchen sink tap. Avoid taking samples from a hose style kitchen faucet, an outside tap, or other places that might be dirty.
- Wash your hands prior to collecting the sample.
- Begin by removing any aerators, screens, rubber washer or other attachments from the faucet.
- Disinfect the faucet spout with non-scented household bleach, by pouring bleach into the bleach-bottle cap or clean cup and submerging the end of the spout directly into the bleach.
- Run the cold-water tap, full blast, for five minutes. This will help remove standing water from your plumbing system. *Ensure not to touch the tap or use the sink for anything else at this time*
- Reduce the flow of cold water to a slow, steady stream.
- Unscrew cap from bottle and hold the bottle under the cold-water stream. Fill bottle to 200ml water line indicator on bottle. Screw on cap tightly.
IMPORTANT: Do not touch the rim of the bottle, do not touch the inside of the cap or set the cap down on a surface, face down and do not rinse out or clean the bottle. - Store the sample in the fridge if you are not delivering the sample right away. When you are ready to deliver your sample (within 24 hours of collection), pack the filled sample bottle in a cooler with ice packs but ensure not to freeze the sample.
Where do I drop off my water sample?
Drop off your sample at PHOL or the nearest drop off location in your area. Individuals in Blind River, Wawa, Elliot Lake and surrounding areas can contact Environmental Health for information on sample shipping programs. Contact Environmental Health for information on sample shipping programs.
Your results will be available through PHOL, 2-5 business days after sample drop-off. Call 1-877-723-3426 for results. Make sure you have your barcode number and follow the prompts.
Interpreting Water Sample Results (Bacteriological):
What are total coliforms?
Total coliforms are a group of bacteria that live naturally in the environment. These germs are often found in soil, plants and vegetation and can be found in animal waste and sewage. Total coliforms are not likely to cause illness, but their presence indicates that your water supply may have other harmful germs such as parasites, viruses and other bacteria that can cause illness.
What is Escherichia coli (E.coli)?
E.coli is normally only found in the intestinal tract of animals and humans. The presence of E.coli in your water sample result means there is fecal matter (poop) in the water. If fecal matter is ingested it can cause severe illnesses, including diarrhea and nausea, and may even lead to death. Babies, children, seniors, people with a 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 did total coliform and/or E.coli get in my drinking water?
Some issues that may result in the presence of total coliforms and/or E.coli in your water supply may include:
- Water supply is being contaminated by surface water run-off (i.e. lakes, streams, rivers, etc.).
- Issues with the structural integrity of your well
- Your treatment system is not functioning properly, and you may need additional treatment or upgrades
- Plumbing issues
- Improper sampling technique
- Missing well cap vent screen
- Loose fitting well cap
- Well is nearby sewage sources (e.g., septic system or farm)
*You can find more information on interpreting your water results at Public Health Ontario.
Please refer to Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality for information on maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) for various elements tested for in drinking water.
Upon receiving your sample results, please contact the Environmental Health team for additional guidance and information for the interpretation of your water sample results.
Routine bacterial and chemical testing is conducted on drinking water by all municipal water systems operators to ensure that Ontario Drinking Water Quality Standards are met.
Adverse water test results are reported to Algoma Public Health by both the laboratory and operators of the municipal drinking water system. If the public is at risk, we ensure they are notified to reduce or prevent injuries or illness from drinking or using unsafe water.
If you have questions regarding municipal water testing, please contact your local water utilities operating authority.
SDWS operators are required to test their private water supply in accordance with Ontario Regulation 319/08: Small Drinking Water Systems. A water testing frequency is assigned to the system based on a risk assessment conducted by a public health inspector. SDWS operators must utilize a private, accredited laboratory for water testing and cannot use the Public Health Ontario Laboratory (PHOL).
In Algoma, courtesy shipping of drinking water samples to Testmark Laboratories, located in Garson, Ontario, is offered to operators of small drinking water systems (SDWS) between the months of May and November.
| Public Health Ontario Laboratory is ONLY a drop- off location. You cannot pick up Testmark bottles, Chain of Custody forms, or obtain results from this location. It is your responsibility to ensure all sample requirements are met to avoid sample rejection once it arrives to the Testmark Laboratory. |
FAQs
Who can use this service?
Only SDWS owners/operators who have an account with Testmark are eligible. To register for an account with Testmark, call 1-888-282-0422 and complete a Laboratory Services Notification and submit it to APH.
When does this service begin?
The shipping program is currently active. Samples can be dropped off at the Public Health Ontario Laboratory (PHOL) on Wednesdays. Please note that if a statutory holiday falls during the week, the drop-off day may change. For holiday-related schedule adjustments, contact the lab directly.
When can I sample my water?
Water samples can be collected after 11:00am on Tuesdays but it is advised to take a sample just before delivery to PHOL on Wednesday.
When can I deliver my water sample to a Public Health Ontario Lab (PHOL)?
Deliver water samples to PHOL on Wednesdays between 9:00am – 2:00pm. Do NOT drop samples off on Tuesdays.
What about long weekends?
Do not drop off a sample if there is a holiday on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday.
How do I get Testmark bottles and Chain of Custody forms?
Call Testmark at 1-888-282-0422 or go to their website. Check APH for availability of bottles or forms. The PHOL does not provide Testmark bottles or forms.
Can I use PHOL bottles?
No. Only Testmark sample bottles and Chain of Custody forms must be used.
How do I transport water samples to the PHOL?
Store samples at 2-8°C following collection (e.g., refrigerate until packed for delivery). Transport to PHOL inside a cooler with frozen ice packs. Testmark will reject samples received at the laboratory with temperatures above 25°C. Do not freeze samples.
Will PHOL inform me if I submitted my sample incorrectly?
No, PHOL will accept all Testmark bottles. The sample will be rejected once it is received by Testmark if required conditions are not met.
What paperwork is required?
All samples must have a completed Testmark Chain of Custody form. Please contact Testmark at 1-888-282-0422 for any guidance on how to complete your Chain of Custody form.
Who gets the results?
The SDWS owner/operator will receive results directly from Testmark. The PHOL does not receive results from Testmark. Do not call the PHOL for Testmark results.
Does this include samples from the district such as Wawa, Elliot Lake, and Blind River?
Yes. Call the local APH office for instructions or click here
For general inquiries or for obtaining materials required for water sampling, please contact Testmark at 1-888-282-0422 or visit their website.
For more information on SDWS see here