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City of Hamilton - Public Health Services
Safe Water - Private Well Water Supplies
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Private Well Water Supplies
Many rural residents rely on private wells and cisterns as their drinking water source. In Hamilton, it is estimated that there are approximately 10,000 wells in use. Testing of private water wells are the responsibility of each homeowner. To ensure your well water is safe to drink, Public Health Services recommends testing your well water at least 3 times each year for bacteria.
Testing for Bacteria is Free
Test results for 2009 show that approximately 22% of water samples taken from private residential wells and cisterns in Hamilton have unsafe levels of bacteria.
Unacceptable levels of bacteria, such as E.coli can contaminate a private water supply and put the health of those who use it at risk. Even a very small change in the well's structure, such as crack or a change in the environment such as heavy rain can result in significant changes in your water quality.
Rural residents with private wells and cisterns are reminded to check the safety of their private well supply, know where their well is located, and to make sure that their water supply is constructed properly and protected from contamination sources.
Why should I
test my water?
How do I
test my water?
What do my
results mean?
Naturally Occuring Lead in Bedrock
In 2006, a Public Health Advisory (pdf) was issued to all Rural City of Hamilton residents who use a drilled water well located above the Niagara Escarpment as their main source of drinking water. They were advised that there is the potential for high lead levels in some wells due to naturally occurring lead in the bedrock. The Medical Officer of Health advises these residents to have their water tested for total and dissolved lead.
General Information on Lead in Well Water
Private Labs Available for Testing
Well Water After a Flood
If you use well water and you have had flooding in your area, your well water may have been contaminated. You should boil your water or use another water source until you have ensured that your water is safe. You will need to inspect your well carefully to assess the impact of the flooding, and may need to repair and/or disinfect your well before using it.
See Restoration of Flooded Private Water Wells or for more information, contact City of Hamilton Public Health Services: 905 546 2424 ext 5919
Well Decommissioning
An abandoned well is one that is no longer is use. All abandoned wells raise health, safety and environmental concerns. Contaminated surface water, agricultural runoff and effluent from private sewage disposal systems can enter the groundwater through abandoned wells and cause pollution of other wells in the area used for drinking water.
The Hamilton-Halton Watershed Stewardship Program has funds available through the City of Hamilton to assist landowners with the cost of decommissioning their abandoned water wells. Residents may be eligible to receive 100% financial assistance to decommission a well up to a maximum of $1,000 per well, with a limit of two wells per property.
Information is available through the Hamilton Conservation Authority.
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Last updated: June 30, 2010
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