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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

Olds

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.

Click here for more information.

Sundre

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.

Click here for more information.


Didsbury

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.

For more information, contact the Didsbury Community Health Centre, at 403-335-7292

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

Community Calendar At A Glance
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Office Closed - Labour Day

September 6

Office Closed - Labour Day