Point Edward, ON – Lambton Public Health (LPH) is encouraging residents with private wells to test their water supply if their well has been flooded following significant local rainfall.
Yesterday, Wednesday, Aug. 23, the region received between 50mm and 100mm of rain, causing water levels to rise. Localized flooding is occurring at low lying areas, mostly in floodplain, agricultural, and parkland areas.
These high levels of rain could result in harmful bacteria entering the drinking water supply, rendering the water supply unsafe for consumption.
Theresa Warren, Public Health Inspector at Lambton Public Health, says “Until you can test your well water, use bottled water for daily use including drinking, making infant formula or juices, cooking, making ice, washing fruits and vegetables, and brushing teeth. Alternatively, you can boil your water rapidly for at least one minute before use.”
Water sample kits are available for pick up and drop off at:
- Lambton Public Health, 160 Exmouth St., Point Edward
- Bluewater Health CEE (lab), 450 Blanche St., Petrolia
- London Public Health Lab, 1200 Commissioners Rd E
Hours of operation for these locations are available at https://lambtonpublichealth.ca/health-info/sampling-testing/.
Once flood waters have receded, the well should be disinfected and tested at least 3 times, at one-week intervals, before the water is used for drinking. The test for bacteria (total coliform and E. coli) and water sample kits are free. Water samples must be dropped off within 24 hours of being taken.
Residents are also reminded that following a heavy rainfall, if beach water is cloudy, there are high waves, or you are unable to see your feet when standing in the water, bacteria levels may be high, and they should exercise caution when swimming. Beach water quality updates are available at https://reports.lambtonpublichealth.ca/BeachWaterQuality/Map.
For information on water safety visit LambtonPublicHealth.ca or call 519-383-8331 or toll-free 1-800-667-1839.
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Please contact:
LPH-media-inquiries@county-lambton.on.ca