How Ottawa is built
- Before 1961 16%
- 1961–1990 40%
- 1991–2000 13%
- 2001 or later 32%
Wells in Ottawa
Ottawa's large rural area depends heavily on private wells: Ottawa Public Health says there are over 50,000 private wells in the Ottawa area.
Local program: Ottawa Public Health runs rural drop-off sites for the free provincial bacteria test (e.g., Navan, Greely, Osgoode, Richmond, Metcalfe, Manotick, North Gower, Kinburn, Constance Bay, Dunrobin, Carp) plus bottle pickup at the PHO lab, 2380 St. Laurent Blvd. 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 Ottawa: 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 Ottawa?
Ottawa's large rural area depends heavily on private wells: Ottawa Public Health says there are over 50,000 private wells in the Ottawa area.