Drinking water. (Photo by by sonmez / iStock via Getty Images Plus)
Midwestern

GBPH encouraging residents to test water

Grey Bruce Public Health (GBPH) is encouraging residents to test your drinking water this spring.

Although this year hasn't seen the traditional snowfall, due to the melting and flood conditions spring brings, it's the perfect time to test your well water.

"Public Health encourages residents on privately owned systems to test their drinking water this spring by taking advantage of Public Health Ontario's free well water testing program," said Andrew Barton, GBPH's senior public health manager. "Well water should be tested at least three times a year, so making it a habit to test in the spring, after each winter season, is a good idea."

Free sample collection kits can be picked up and dropped off at 14 locations in Grey-Bruce. A page on its website also outlines the instructions for proper collection.

The sample must be dropped off within 48 hours and will be tested for different bacteria, like E. coli and total coliforms. The bacteria makes people sick and can potentially be fatal.

If you test and your results show your water is contaminated, you can seek help from GBPH.

The water testing program is not for those on municipal water systems.

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