Oxford County's public health department is reminding well water users to get their water supply tested for contamination.
WOODSTOCK -- With 6,100 private drinking water wells in the county, Oxford`s public health department is using Canada Water Week to remind well owners to get their water checked at least three times a year.
Program Supervisor Peter Heywood says next to properly maintaining your well, testing is your best strategy for ensuring your water is safe to drink.
"This year we've had a large amount of snow and that snowpack contains a large volume of water. When that snow begins to melt, depending on the location and condition of the well, the surface water may enter into your well and thereby possibly contaminate your drinking water."
Heywood says drinking water contaminated with bacteria such as ecoli can cause serious health problems, including severe bowel illness.
"If you do find ecoli in your water, that means your water is unsafe to drink and your best alternative is to find an alternative source of water or to boil your water for one minute."
Heywood says getting your well tested is easy.
"All you need to do is contact Oxford County Public Health and come to our office and pick up a well water testing kit. Also, we have a well water testing kits located across Oxford County and all the township offices as well as some of the local libraries."
Heywood says results are typically available 48 to 72 hours later.
The county has set up a webpage with more information on the free water testing program.
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