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Water Testing

Who can I call about getting my water tested?

Two types of water analysis are available from the Environmental Services Lab of the Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry. The two tests are for bacteria and inorganic chemistry.

Bacteriological Analysis:

The bacteriological analysis tests the water for the presence of total coliform and E.coli bacteria.
Water samples must be collected in sterilized bottles provided by the Department.
The cover must remain on the bottle until the time of sampling.
Collect the sample from an indoor faucet, if possible. An outdoor faucet is acceptable if the hose is removed prior to collecting the sample.
Remove any strainers or aerators from the faucets.
Sample from the cold water tap.
Allow the water to run steadily for five minutes prior to sampling.
Back off the water flow to a steady stream.
Remove the cover and fill the bottle to the neck of the bottle being careful not to touch the bottle to the faucet. Also, ensure that the bottle cap does not become contaminated by touching the inside of the cap.
The sample should be collected on the morning the sample is to be taken to the Access PEI site. (If the sample is not taken immediately to an Access PEI site, it should be kept refrigerated, but not for more than 24 hours.)
The sample must be accompanied by a completed Data Entry Sheet, which accompanies the bottles when they are picked up. A day-time contact phone number should be provided.

Inorganic Chemistry Analysis:

The inorganic chemistry analysis tests the water for the presence of a number of minerals and metals (i.e. calcium, sodium, iron, lead, etc.).
Water samples can be collected in bottles provided by the Department.
Collect the sample from an indoor faucet, if possible. An outdoor faucet is acceptable if the hose is removed prior to collecting the sample.
Sample from the cold water tap.
Allow the water to run steadily for five minutes prior to sampling.
Back off the water flow to a steady stream and fill the bottle.
If the sample is not taken immediately to an Access PEI site after sampling, it should be kept refrigerated.
The sample must be accompanied by a completed Data Entry Sheet, which accompanies the bottles when they are picked up. A day-time contact phone number should be provided.

Water sample bottles are available at all Access PEI sites.
Samples are picked up:

daily at Access PEI O’Leary, Summerside and Charlottetown;
daily at the Cavendish VIC from May 8 to September 15;
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the Montague site;
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at Souris; and
Tuesdays at Access PEI sites in Tignish, Alberton and Wellington.

Samples can be dropped off until 3:30 p.m. Mondays to Thursdays and 12 noon Fridays.

Your results will be sent to you by mail. You can also call 1-866-368-5044 or 368-5044 for your results.

The cost of the bacteria test is $25.00 (plus GST). The cost of the chemistry test is $50.00 (plus GST).

Discontinuation of the Water Quality Certification Program: Effective August 1, 2005, the Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry will not be accepting new applications for Water Quality Certificates, and as of August 31, 2005, the department will no longer issue Water Quality Certificates.

The Water Quality Certification Program started in the 1980s as a service to provide assurance to lending institutions that a property for which mortgage financing was being considered had a potable water supply. The program has taken a disproportionate amount of the Water Management Division’s resources because it required staff to collect the water sample. This change will result in improved quality of service to all clients. The department will continue to receive water samples for analysis; and the water technicians in the field will now be able to concentrate their efforts on helping Islanders who experience a water quality problem - providing advice and working with them to identify the cause and resolve the problem. These services will continue to be provided to those involved in real estate transactions, as it is to all Islanders.

The department still strongly encourages potential home buyers to have the water tested - and the septic system inspected - before purchasing a property. This should be part of the routine inspection any wise home buyer would carry out. As well, lending institutions may still require a water test for mortgage financing. Those buying or selling a house are advised to contact their bank, lawyer, or real estate agent to determine what water analysis is required.

Contact

Charlottetown

Jones Building

Robison, Alan (Senior Drinking Water Technologist)