Private Wells
We find many private wells in border regions of the municipality. They must be well kept to meet the owners’ needs. Residents with private wells should have their water analyzed during Spring, Autumn and after important plumbing work to detect the presence of bacteria.
Steps to follow for water analysis are indicated below:
Sampling
Before you proceed with sampling, make sure your hands are clean. Do not touch the rim of the bottle or the inside of the cap. Remove the faucet spout filter and sterilize the spout with the flame of a lighter or a match. Let the water flow two or three minutes before you take the sample. Make sure that you follow the Department of Health instructions affixed to the sampling bottle.
Analysis
It only costs $35 to get a water analysis. You just have to bring your sample to the Public Health and Wellness office at the “Carrefour Assomption” or at the Edmundston Regional Hospital laboratory.
Bacteriological interpretation
Drinking water will be analyzed to detect the presence of two groups of bacteria: total coliforms and fecal coliforms. The total coliforms are found in animals’ excrements, soil, and vegetation. The presence of these bacteria in your well can mean that the surface waters penetrated in your well.
Fecal coliforms are found in human and animal digestive systems. If they are present in your well, it might indicate that your water is contaminated by manure or wastewater from a surrounding septic tank or from a feedlot. Fecal coliforms are dangerous for your health.
| Total |
> means more than < means less than |
|
>1 |
>1 |
Non-drinkable. The water is contaminated
and it is necessary to avoid drinking it in
any circumstance. Do not apply these
same standards and interpretations to
surface waters used for swimming.
|
|
>1 |
0 |
Doubtful for a single sample. The water
can be drunk if a 2nd consecutive sample
is taken during 1-3 weeks and if the source
is protected and situated at least 30.5 m (100 ft.)
from human or animal excrements and if
that 2nd sample is negative. |
|
0 |
0 |
Drinkable. |
|
>1 bottom
bacteria colony |
|
Doubtful condition. This water is not
recommended. Coliform bacteria have
not been detected because other bacteria
are present in a more significant manner.
This frequently happens with new wells,
with dug‑up wells that receive waters
flowing from the surface or with unused wells.
You have to disinfect your well and take
another sample and indicate clearly "NEW SAMPLE". |
