E. coli (bacterial contamination)
Our next dates at the Spark (old firehall):
2026 tbd – 9:30–11:30 (test kit pick-up)
2026 tbd – 9:30–10:30 (drop-off)
Monthly, we offer an on-island water testing service. The specific dates are published – typically in the Tribune as an insert, and on Facebook (click on the link below and follow us).
People pick up their sample kit the first day, and drop it off the next day.
Results are received in a matter of days, either through email, or delivered in the Free Post, whichever you prefer.
Two types of tests are available, each for $45.00 (debit/credit/cash), but $70.00 if you do them at the same time:
- Presence/Absence: best suited for drinking water, where it is important to know if the sample is free from bacterial contamination.
- Quantitative: useful for surface water, recreational water or water before treatment; may be of interest to those who are curious to know the quantity of the bacteria or wish to further investigate the issue.
Why get your water tested for bacterial contamination?
Many contaminants won’t affect the smell, taste or colour of your drinking water. Even if your water seems fine, you can’t know for sure without testing. Testing is especially important if people who rely on the well water include those who are:
- seniors
- infants
- nursing
- children
- pregnant
- immunocompromised
Test your well water at least once every 6 months for microbial contamination.
The best time to sample your well water is when there is the greatest chance of contamination, such as:
- in early spring and fall
- after a fire or wildfire
- after heavy rains or floods
- after a long dry spell or drought
- after the well hasn’t been used for a long time
You should also test your water when:
- there are changes in land use or activities near your well
- you notice a change in the colour, taste or smell of your water
- you complete repairs or maintenance to your well or related equipment
You may need to test more frequently if your well is vulnerable to contamination.
Your well may be more easily contaminated if it’s:
- dug
- in bedrock
- has only a thin layer of soil over it
- shallow (less than 25 metres of casing)
The quality of the groundwater is directly influenced by its surrounding environment. The water quality can change depending on factors such as weather and land use. This is especially true for drinking water wells where surface waters can quickly reach the groundwater without being properly filtered by the particles in the ground.
Source: Health Canada
What to do if you get a result with Total Coliforms or E. coli greater than “0”
Here’s a brochure of information from the BC government on steps to take.