How Abbotsford is built
- Before 1961 6%
- 1961–1990 46%
- 1991–2000 21%
- 2001 or later 27%
Wells in Abbotsford
Most of Abbotsford is on the municipal system, but the City has cited 'hundreds of private well-owners in south Abbotsford', and parts of Sumas Mountain outside the service zone rely on wells or water delivery.
Local program: City water fill station for Sumas Mountain residents outside the municipal service zone, opened 2021. Details
How testing works in British Columbia
There's no free provincial program: use a qualified lab (search the CALA directory), which supplies the bottles. HealthLinkBC recommends testing for bacteria at least once a year and for chemistry when the well is new and annually after that.
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.
Well water testing in Abbotsford: common questions
Is well water testing free in British Columbia?
There's no free provincial program: use a qualified lab (search the CALA directory), which supplies the bottles. HealthLinkBC recommends testing for bacteria at least once a year and for chemistry when the well is new and annually after that.
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 Abbotsford?
Most of Abbotsford is on the municipal system, but the City has cited 'hundreds of private well-owners in south Abbotsford', and parts of Sumas Mountain outside the service zone rely on wells or water delivery.