Recent heavy rainfall and localized flooding can affect the safety of private drinking water, including wells and other private systems.
Flooding, rapid snowmelt, and very wet ground can allow harmful bacteria to enter drinking water. These contaminants cannot be seen, tasted, or smelled, so the only way to know your water is safe is to have it tested.
Some water‑borne bacteria can cause serious stomach and gastrointestinal illness, especially for:
- People with weakened immune systems
Free Water Testing is Available
The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit provides free bacterial testing for private drinking water systems.
- Pick up free water sample bottles
- Drop off samples in Burk’s Falls, Parry Sound, North Bay, or Sturgeon Falls
- View test results securely once testing is complete
📍 Bottle pick‑up and drop‑off locations and times are available at:
https://www.myhealthunit.ca/en/public-health-services/private-drinking-water-testing.aspx#Sample-bottle-pick-up-and-drop-off-locations
Contact the Health Unit’s Environmental Health Program:
📧 environmental.health@healthunit.ca
If you rely on a private well or water system, testing after flooding is an important step to protect your health and your family.
