Media Release: Peterborough Public Health Water Sample Courier Service Paused for the Winter

Peterborough Public Health, the Municipality of Trent Lakes, and the Township of North Kawartha are pausing their joint well water sample drop-off program for the winter. The final date for county residents to drop off their samples to the North Kawartha or Trent Lakes Municipal Offices is Thursday November 28, 2024. The drop-off service will resume at both locations in the first week of April 2025.

Throughout the winter months, residents may continue to drop off well water samples at:

• Peterborough Public Health, 185 King Street, Peterborough
  8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday
  8:30 a.m. –12 noon Friday
  
  
• Public Health Ontario Laboratory, 99 Hospital Drive, Peterborough
  8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday
  
  
• Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Township Office, 1 Ottawa Street, Havelock
  8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday

It is important to test well water throughout the year. For a drilled well, it is recommended to test the water twice per year. For a dug well, the recommendation is four times per year. “Even when the ground is frozen, contamination may be present. Sampling water from your well is the best way to ensure that the water is free of pathogens, which may cause illness if consumed.” said Chris Eaton, Public Health Inspector.

Well water samples are tested for two types of bacterial contamination: total coliforms and E. coli. The presence of E. coli indicates the water has been contaminated with fecal material, which can contain disease-causing microbes. These organisms can cause severe gastrointestinal illness. Anyone can become ill if they consume contaminated water, but the young, elderly, and immuno-compromised are at a higher risk.

Residents will receive results by mail or by phoning Public Health Ontario’s Interactive Voice Response at 1-877-723-3426. For help interpreting test results or how to test for other contaminants, please call PPH’s Safe Water Program at 705-743-1000, ext. 240 or visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/well-water-safety.