Well water can contain harmful bacteria that causes stomach cramps, diarrhea and other health concerns.\u00a0Private well<\/a>\u00a0owners are encouraged to get their water tested every spring, summer and fall, even if it looks, tastes and smells fine.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether your test results are positive or negative, understand that the sample you collected is just a “snapshot” of your well’s water quality. The more samples you have tested, the more confident you can be about the quality of the water you are drinking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to regularly testing well water, owners should\u00a0inspect their well\u00a0<\/a>at least once a year to make sure it is free from damage and in good working condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Public Health Ontario (PHO) Laboratories test for the indicators of bacterial contamination (coliforms and E. coli). The sample is not tested for any other contaminants (e.g. nitrates, sodium). Click here for a list of licensed labs<\/a> that can test your private well water for chemicals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n