How Burlington is built
- Before 1961 15%
- 1961–1990 48%
- 1991–2000 15%
- 2001 or later 22%
Wells in Burlington
Burlington's urban south is on Halton Region water, but the city also has a large rural north; Halton estimated about 5,633 private residential wells across the region in 2023, mainly in rural areas.
Local program: Halton Region: free well bacteria testing with bottles by mail, 311 or local water depots (courier to the PHO lab), plus free nitrate testing by the Halton Health Department. Burlington well-water depot: Conservation Halton office, 2596 Britannia Rd. Details
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.
Well water testing in Burlington: 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 Burlington?
Burlington's urban south is on Halton Region water, but the city also has a large rural north; Halton estimated about 5,633 private residential wells across the region in 2023, mainly in rural areas.