Water Well Health

Typically, groundwater is naturally clean and safe for consumption. Because the overlying soil acts as a filter, groundwater is usually free of disease-causing microorganisms. However, contamination may occur following improper installation of well casings or caps, after a break in the casing or as a result of contaminated surface water entering the well. Contamination can also occur if wells are drilled in fractured bedrock without an adequate layer of protective soil and with less than the recommended minimum casing length.

In order to prevent illness, wells should be properly maintained and the water regularly tested for the presence of microbial contaminants. Well water should also be tested occasionally for possible inorganic and organic chemical contaminants. (Courtesy of Health Canada)

Well water sampling

Water sampling containers can be picked up at the public health offices closest to you.

Olds

Olds Provincial Building

5030 50 Street, Olds, Alberta, T4H 1S1
Telephone: 403- 556-8441

Please ensure water samples are taken after 8:30 AM and dropped off at the public health office prior to 3:30 PM the same day.

• (Samples are time sensitive * take just before dropping off)
• Samples are accepted Wednesday.

Sundre

Sundre Community Health Centre

212 6 Avenue NE, Sundre, Alberta, T0M 1X0
Telephone: 403-638-4063

Please ensure water samples are taken after 9:00 AM and dropped off at the public health office prior to 11:30 AM the same day.

• Samples are time sensitive * take just before dropping off
• Samples are accepted Wednesday.

Didsbury

Didsbury District Health Services

1210 20 Avenue, Didsbury, Alberta, T0M 0W0
Telephone: 403-335-9393 or 403-335-7292

Sample kits can be picked up at the Health Centre- Bacteriological Samples taken same day of drop off.

• Tuesdays by 11:10 a.m. - samples taken just before delivery. - Chemical samples anytime before 4:30 p.m.

Shock chlorination

Temporary contamination of a well water supply, or problems with colour or odour, may be eliminated by shock chlorinating the well. Click here for more information.

The Province of Alberta has more information here.

What's In Your Well? - A Guide To Well Water Treatment And Maintenance