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Drinking Water

Free Drinking Water Testing

NOTICE of Service Interruption May 19, 2025:  

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit will be closed Monday, May 19, 2025.

Private water samples will be accepted at health unit offices until Thursday, May 15, 2025.  Regular services will resume on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. 

Private water samples can also be dropped off directly at the Public Health Ontario Laboratory in Orillia, up to and including Friday, May 16, 2025.  Regular services will resume on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at the Public Health Ontario Laboratory in Orillia.

If you rely on a private well or other non-municipal water source, 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. 

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 give 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 you deliver it.
  • Fill out forms correctly to avoid delays in testing.
  • No samples are accepted on Fridays at SMDHU locations.
  • Do not drop-off samples at the Orillia Health Unit office or 80 Bradford Street 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 it off on the same day you collect it.

Getting Your Results

  • Have your barcode ready and call the PHO Lab at 1-877-723-3426. Results are usually available in 2-4 business days.
  • The PHO Lab can also provide test results in-person, by mail or electronically: 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 prep. Use bottled water, boil your water for at least one full minute, then let it cool before using it for:
    • Drinking
    • Making baby formula, juice, or ice
    • Brushing your teeth
    • Washing fruits and vegetables
    • Preparing food
  • Check your well and water treatment system. Look for damage or signs of contamination.
  • Disinfect your well and household plumbing. Use the Well Disinfection Tool from Public Health Ontario or contact a licensed well contractor for assistance. Find Licensed well contractors.
  • Wait at least 48 hours before retesting. Two safe results taken 1 to 3 weeks apart usually confirm the disinfection worked.
  • Keep using bottled or boiled water until your test results show:
    • 0 E. coli, and
    • Less than 5 total coliforms
  • Still not safe? Contact a licensed well contractor or qualified water treatment expert for further help.

External Links

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