Testing and maintaining safe drinking water

New Brunswick has two main types of water systems:

Private water wells owned and operated by individual property owners

These wells are not regulated by the province, which means homeowners are responsible for testing their water, interpreting the results and acting if contamination is found.

Regulated (public) water supplies owned or operated by local governments, private companies or the province

These systems must meet standards under the Clean Water Act and the New Brunswick Drinking Water Quality Guidelines (PDF 351 KB). Operators are required to test water regularly, report results to the government and take corrective action if guidelines are exceeded.

Many contaminants in drinking water cannot be seen, smelled or tasted. Regular testing is the only way to know if the water is safe. Seasonal changes, weather events and well maintenance can all affect water quality. Testing helps detect microorganisms, metals and chemicals that may pose health risks.

Bacteria (for example: total coliforms and E. coli)

These tests detect germs originating from soil, animals or sewage, and should be done twice a year, ideally during spring thaw and fall rains. Testing is also advised following flood events, heavy rainfall, or if there is a sewage back-flow in the area of the well, and whenever there is a change in the water’s taste, smell or colour.

Inorganic compounds (for example: arsenic, uranium, fluoride, nitrate)

These tests detect metals and minerals originating from natural rock formations. They should be conducted when a new well is drilled and before consuming the water and every two years after that.  Water should also be tested if it has been recently deepened, the pump has been replaced, or a water treatment system has been added to confirm the water is safe to drink.

Organic compounds (for example:  petroleum, pesticides, solvents)

These tests detect man-made chemicals. Water should be tested for organic compounds if the water source is located in an area that may be exposed to chemicals such as petroleum products or pesticides; a recent incident such as a petroleum spills has occurred in the area of the well; or the water has a noticeable taste or odour of a chemical.

1. Obtain a sampling kit: pick up a water testing kit with appropriate bottles and instructions from a Service New Brunswick (SNB) office  or RPC Analytical Services  in Fredericton or Moncton.
2. Prepare for collection: before collecting the sample, read the instructions carefully, following any cleaning steps they recommend. You may also need to run your tap for a few minutes to get freshly drawn water.
3. Collect the sample: carefully remove the cap from the sample bottle. Some bottles are pre-filled with a preservative which must not be removed or rinsed from the bottle.
4. Fill the bottle: fill the bottle directly from your tap to the level indicated on the bottle.  Do not overfill.
5. Label the bottle: label the bottle with the location the sample was taken from (e.g., "kitchen tap – untreated"), the date and the time it was collected.
6. Keep it cool: place the sealed sample bottle in a cool place, like a refrigerator, to preserve the sample's integrity.
7. Complete the submission form: fill out the sample submission form provided by the lab, including your contact information and address for notification purposes. 
8. Package for transport: secure the sample in a cooler with an ice pack and packing paper to keep it cool and safe during transit. 

9. Submit the sample: drop off the sample and the completed form at RPC Analytical Services, a SNB office near you, or a private laboratory accredited to ISO 17025 by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC)  or the Canadian Association for Laboratory Accreditation (CALA) .

To make sure your water is safe year-round:

• retest your well regularly
• periodically inspect parts of your well for problems like:
      -    cracked, corroded or damaged well casings, pumps or pipes
      -    damaged or missing well cap
• keep a maintenance log of filter changes, repairs and test results
• disinfect your well by chlorinating (publication) at least once per year, or after periods of non-use
• keep potential contaminants like chemicals, fertilizers, petroleum products and animal waste away from your well
• keep the wellhead exposed, above ground and clear of debris, vegetation and other obstructions
• keep surface water and runoff away from your well by ensuring the ground slopes away from the wellhead
• pump and maintain your septic system regularly
• replace filters and UV lamps according to manufacturer instructions

If test results determine your well water is above the New Brunswick Drinking Water Quality Guidelines (PDF 351 KB), treatment may be required to ensure your drinking water is safe. Since private wells are the responsibility of the homeowner, it is up to the homeowner to treat their water or choose an alternate supply to ensure their safety. Different contaminants need different types of treatment. The right system depends on what’s in the water, how it’s used in the home and the available budget. Always use an NSF-certified systems to make sure the water is treated safely and effectively. Regular maintenance and testing will help keep the system working properly.

Treating bacteria and other microorganisms 

Bacteria, viruses and parasites can cause illness. These contaminants can be removed or killed by: 

• boiling: bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute (two minutes for infant formula)
• UV light: ultraviolet disinfection systems destroy bacteria and viruses; use units certified to NSF Standard 55 Class A for full protection
• Chlorination (publication): adds a small amount of chlorine to kill bacteria and viruses; it can also disinfect plumbing systems
• ozone: strong oxidizing gas that kills pathogens quickly, often used in combination with filters
• distillation: boils water and collects steam, removing bacteria and most chemicals

Treating metals and chemicals

Chemical and metal contaminants require specialized methods like:

• reverse osmosis: effective for many contaminants and removes arsenic, lead, uranium, sodium and chloride
• ion exchange: used for hardness, nitrates and some metals
• activated alumina: targets fluoride, uranium and arsenic
• coagulation and filtration: effective for antimony and suspended solids

Each system works differently and may target only certain substances. Testing your water helps identify which treatments you need and a water treatment professional can help choose the best options. Treatment systems should be certified to the appropriate NSF Standard to ensure it is effective in treating your drinking water. Once installed, test your treated water to ensure the treatment system is working properly. Maintain the system according to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure a continued supply of safe drinking water.