25 Mar 2009
The March weather may cause you to think otherwise, but spring is almost here. And with the warmer temperatures comes the snow melt and spring runoff, a seasonal occurrence that can have an impact on those who draw their water from private wells.
Runoff can be a potential source of well water contamination. As runoff moves along, it can pick up animal waste, rotting plants, dirt and other materials. You need to be especially concerned if your well head has been covered by flood or runoff water, or if water has pooled around the well. If there are cracks or unsealed joints in the well casing or a well cap is broken or missing, there is a possibility that bacteria, viruses and parasites could have found their way into your well.
We recommend that a properly constructed drilled well be tested a minimum of twice a year for bacteria contamination, so now is a good time to be thinking of doing it. And for those of you who have a shallow or dug well, you should have it tested now and even more often throughout the year, especially after a heavy rainstorm or if your well has been flooded.
To get your well water tested for bacterial contamination free of charge, pick up a water sampling bottle at your nearest health unit office. Follow the directions for taking a sample and then return the sample bottle to the health unit for forwarding to the Ministry of Health lab. Your results will be available from the lab in about 72 hours. These test results will give indications of presence or absence of contamination, specifically E. coli, and total coliforms.
You can find out what your well water test results mean or get advice on disinfecting your well from one of our public health inspectors at Your Health Connection, or you can visit our website at www.simcoemuskokahealth.org.
Remember, proper well construction and on-going maintenance of your well can help reduce the possibility of well water contamination. Well Aware, a program through Green Communities Canada funded by the Ministry of Environment, is an excellent resource. The website (www.wellaware.ca) offers information on groundwater basics, well maintenance and a self assessment process for your well.
Food and fluids are just as important after being active, when you need fluids and fuel to help your body to recover. If mealtime is several hours away eat a light snack and drink a healthy beverage.
For more information on drinking water sources, private wells and health, please feel free to contact Your Health Connection at 721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 Monday to Friday or visit our website at www.simcoemuskokahealth.org.
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