How Pickering is built
- Before 1961 7%
- 1961–1990 53%
- 1991–2000 19%
- 2001 or later 21%
Wells in Pickering
Pickering's urban south is on Durham Region water, while the city's rural north includes several hamlets.
How testing works in Ontario
Free bacteria testing through Public Health Ontario labs: pick up a kit at a PHO lab or your public health unit and drop it back off. Chemistry (nitrate, sodium, metals) goes to a licensed private lab for a fee. Local health units recommend testing at least three times a year: spring, summer and fall.
What to test for
- Bacteria (total coliforms and E. coli): at least once a year, and after flooding, heavy rain or work on the well.
- Nitrate, especially near farmland or septic systems.
- Metals and naturally occurring contaminants such as arsenic, uranium or manganese when a well is new and every few years after, depending on local geology.
Communities served
Pickering's page covers the whole City of Pickering, including Brougham, Claremont, Greenwood and Whitevale.
The organizations and professionals listed for Pickering may or may not travel to every community, so ask when you call.
Area guide for the surrounding region, with every town and hamlet listed: Well water testing in Durham Region (Port Perry, Uxbridge, Brock and more).
Well water testing in Pickering: common questions
Is well water testing free in Ontario?
Free bacteria testing through Public Health Ontario labs: pick up a kit at a PHO lab or your public health unit and drop it back off. Chemistry (nitrate, sodium, metals) goes to a licensed private lab for a fee. Local health units recommend testing at least three times a year: spring, summer and fall.
How often should I test my well?
For bacteria, at least once a year and after flooding, heavy rain or well work; many health units recommend more often. Test chemistry when the well is new and every few years after.
Are private wells common in Pickering?
Pickering's urban south is on Durham Region water, while the city's rural north includes several hamlets.