Residents in Grey-Bruce with private wells can now receive their water test results much quicker thanks to a new digital system.
Public Health Ontario has introduced the Online Water Testing Portal, which is an electronic platform. This system enables households using private wells, cisterns, or treated lake water to submit sample details online and get their test reports within two to four business days. The digital approach offers a faster option than filling out paper forms and waiting for results in the mail.
“Grey Bruce Public Health is pleased to support the local uptake of the Online Water Testing Portal,” said Andrew Barton, Senior Public Health Manager at Grey Bruce Public Health. “This electronic option aims to improve turnaround times for people using Public Health Ontario’s complimentary well water testing program and reduce manual submission errors, which can lead to rejected samples.”
Grey Bruce Public Health works together with Public Health Ontario and local municipalities to provide the program, featuring 14 sample kit pickup and drop-off locations across the area. Samples collected at the Owen Sound and Walkerton sites are sent to a Public Health Ontario laboratory every weekday, while contracted couriers pick up samples from the other 12 locations on scheduled weekly pickup days.
The testing focuses on identifying bacterial indicators of contamination, particularly E. coli and total coliforms, which can cause serious illness or even death. Health officials advise testing private drinking water sources at least three times a year, especially after system maintenance, heavy rainfalls, or rapid snowmelt.
Although the new portal gives a digital choice, residents can still opt for the traditional paper form and mailing process. More information on sample collection and portal access is available through Grey Bruce Public Health.
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