With the spring melt in full swing, the Township of North Kawartha and the Municipality of Trent Lakes have restarted their well water sampling program. The initiative aims to address the heightened risk of bacterial contamination in well water during this season.
Residents are encouraged to participate in the program, which offers free sample collection kits and drop-off services through municipal offices. Samples can be deposited at designated locations on specified days, ensuring timely processing and testing at the Public Health Ontario Lab in Peterborough.
“It’s crucial for residents to remain vigilant about their well water quality, especially during this time of the year,” emphasized officials. “Contaminated water poses health risks, particularly for vulnerable demographics such as young individuals, older adults, and those with compromised immune systems.”
Testing for total coliforms and E. coli, residents are reminded to adhere to sampling and collection instructions provided with each kit. Samples must be submitted within 24 hours of collection to maintain accuracy.
Water samples can also be dropped off at the following locations:
- Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Township Office, 1 Ottawa Street, Havelock, from Monday through Thursday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
- Peterborough Public Health, 185 King Street, Peterborough, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon on Fridays.
- Public Health Ontario Laboratory, 99 Hospital Drive weekdays between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Residents will receive water quality results by mail or can call Public Health Ontario’s Interactive Voice Response at 1-877-723-3426. If you have questions about your test results, please call the PPH Safe Water Program at 705-743-1000, ext. 232, for more information.
For more information on well water safety and program details, residents can visit the Peterborough Public Health website and search for “well water safety.”
(Written by: Scott Arnold)