Residents in the West Interlake Watershed District (WIWD) will have the chance to get their water tested this year for free.
WIWD is offering one coliform and E. coli water sample and one advanced drinking water quality sample for a subsidized cost of $95. Watershed employees will take both samples to a lab, making the process as easy for homeowners as possible.
These tests will monitor wells for total coliform bacteria, which can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and headaches. The testing will also indicate the general sanitary condition of the water.
An advanced drinking water quality test will also test water for compounds present, including lead, mercury, pesticides and nitrates. This test shows homeowners whether their water contains materials that harm human health.
Irina Zotter, WIWD manager, said they haven’t seen any harmful minerals in the district, but testing for it at least every five years is still important to be sure.
“It’s a good practice for our well owners,” said Zotter. “That’s your house. People drink that water and use it to wash dishes and themselves.”
Any home in the boundaries of WIWD is eligible to have its water tested.
The watershed district’s borders run through some communities, so residents of the RM of Armstrong and Inwood can also get the tests done with WIWD.
The district is running the tests on two days this year: May 21 and June 25.
To register, people must fill out the request form, which can be found on WIWD’s website at https://wiwd.ca/page.php?id=40.
Once the watershed district approves a request, people will receive instructions to pick up the test tube bottles at their RM office. Those doing the test will fill their tubes according to the instructions and drop them off at the RM office before 10 a.m. WIWD will pick them up to take them to the lab.
Zotter said it’s important people fill the tubes on the day of testing as there’s a short 24-hour window from when they’re filled to when they can be tested.
Homeowners will receive their test results directly — anything above zero is considered a failed sample, and though uncommon, if someone receives a failed test, they’ll have to do another one (at no cost) and go from there.
To decontaminate a well, chlorination is necessary. WIWD subsidizes the cost of this: $250 for a half-chlorination and $500 for a full one.
WIWD also offers a well protection program, which assists landowners in protecting their water supply.
