If you rely on a private water source, such as a well, cistern or treated lake water, your water quality can change over time. Regular testing is the best way to ensure your drinking water remains safe.
Free Bacterial Testing
- Public Health Ontario (PHO) Laboratories offer free testing for E. coli and total coliform bacteria.
- For chemical or mineral testing, contact a private licensed laboratory.
- PHO does not test for chemicals or minerals.
NEW Online Water Testing Portal
- PHO has launched a safe and secure online Water Testing Portal for private drinking water: www.publichealthontario.ca/WaterPortal.
- Submit sample details and receive test results electronically.
- Improves convenience and eliminates the need for mail or in-person pickups.
- Reduces errors and delays, improving public health response.
- Optional - existing paper submissions and reporting methods remain available.
- FAQs are available to guide clients using the portal.
- For support, contact PHO's Customer Service Centre: [email protected].
Before You Submit a Sample
- The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) and the Public Health Ontario Labs are separate agencies.
- SMDHU helps deliver samples but does not test water or provide results.
- Samples must be tested within 48 hours of collection - it may take 24 hours for your sample to reach the lab.
- Collect your sample just before delivery.
- Complete online or paper forms correctly to avoid delays in testing.
- No Friday drop-offs at SMDHU locations.
- Do not drop off samples at the Orillia Health Unit office or 80 Bradford St. in Barrie.
Where to Pick-Up and Drop-Off Bottles
Pick-Up
Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM. (note lunch closures at some locations).
Drop-Off
Monday to Thursday, before 4:30 PM. No Friday drop-offs.
| Location | Address | Notes |
| Barrie | 15 Sperling Drive | Mon-Thurs, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Collingwood | 280 Pretty River Parkway | Mon-Thurs, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
No drop-off 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM |
| Cookstown | 25 King Street South, Unit 2 | Mon-Thurs, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
No drop-off 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM |
| Gravenhurst | 5 Pineridge Gate | Mon-Thurs, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Huntsville | 34 Chaffey Street | Mon-Thurs, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
No drop-off 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM |
| Midland | A-925 Hugel Avenue | Mon - Thurs, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Orillia | 120-69 Front Street | PICK-UP ONLY
This location DOES NOT accept water samples |
Direct Pick-Up and Drop-Off: Orillia PHO Lab
750 Memorial Avenue in Orillia - Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:45 PM
Collecting Your Sample
- Follow instructions from the PHO website to collect your sample.
- Use only the sterile bottle provided.
- Keep the sample cool; do not leave in warm places.
- Drop off sample the same day you collect it.
Getting Your Results
- Results are usually available in 2-4 business days.
- Online Water Testing Portal submissions: access your results online using your barcode and last name.
- Paper form submissions: have your barcode ready and call PHO at 1-877-723-3426.
- The PHO Lab can also provide test results in-person, by mail or email: Get and Understand Your Results.
Understanding Your Results
| Result | What it Means |
| No significant evidence of bacterial contamination | Safe to drink |
| Significant evidence of bacterial contamination | Your drinking water may be unsafe to drink. More than 5 total coliform bacteria. Retesting recommended. |
| UNSAFE TO DRINK: Evidence of fecal contamination | Unsafe - Fecal contamination found. E.coli is present. |
| NDOGN - No Data: Overgrown with Non-target | Unsafe - Heavily contaminated with bacteria often found in the environment. |
| NDOGT - No Data: Overgrown with Target | Unsafe - Heavily contaminated with bacteria often found in the environment and total coliforms and/or E. coli are present. |
If Your Water is Unsafe
- Stop using your well water for drinking or food preparation.
- Use bottled water, or boil your water for at least one full minute, then let it cool before using it for:
- Drinking
- Making infant formula, juice, or ice
- Brushing teeth
- Washing fruits and vegetables
- Preparing food
- Check your well and water treatment system for damage or signs of contamination.
- Disinfect your well and plumbing using:
- Wait at least 48 hours before retesting. Two safe results (1-3 weeks apart) usually confirm disinfection worked.
- Keep using bottled or boiled wateruntil your test results show:
- 0 E. coli, and
- Less than 5 total coliforms
- Still unsafe? Contact a licensed well contractor or water treatment expert.
External Links
Updated November 21, 2025
