Water testing
Comprehensive Well Water Quality Testing
Your well water may look clear and taste fine, but that doesn't necessarily mean it is safe. Many contaminants have no colour, taste, or odour and can only be detected through laboratory analysis. Regular water testing is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family's health and ensure your water treatment equipment is performing properly.
Whether you are purchasing a home, maintaining your property, or simply want peace of mind, professional water testing provides valuable information about the quality and safety of your drinking water.
Bacteria Testing
Bacterial contamination is one of the most common water quality concerns for private wells in Nova Scotia.
Our microbiological analysis tests for:
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Total Coliforms – These bacteria are commonly found in soil, vegetation, and the environment. While most are not harmful themselves, their presence indicates that surface water may be entering your well and that contamination is possible.
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E. coli – A specific type of coliform bacteria that originates from human or animal waste. The presence of E. coli indicates fecal contamination and should be treated as an immediate health concern.
Because bacterial contamination can occur after heavy rainfall, flooding, well repairs, or changes in groundwater conditions, regular testing is essential even if your water has always appeared safe.
Nova Scotia Health recommends testing private well water for bacteria every six months.
Chemical & Metal Analysis
Nova Scotia's unique geology naturally contains a variety of minerals and metals that can dissolve into groundwater. Unlike bacterial contamination, many chemical contaminants develop slowly over time and often cannot be detected by sight, smell, or taste.
Our comprehensive chemical analysis screens for a wide range of naturally occurring and environmental contaminants, including:
Arsenic - Uranium - Lead - Iron - Manganese - Copper - Chromium - Cadmium - Nickel - Selenium - Zinc - Aluminum - Barium - Boron - Cobalt - Molybdenum - Silver Strontium - Thallium - Tin - Titanium - Vanadium - Antimony - Beryllium
The analysis also measures the major minerals naturally found in water:
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Calcium
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Magnesium
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Sodium
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Potassium
These results help identify potential health concerns, evaluate overall water quality, and determine whether water treatment equipment is needed or operating effectively.
Nova Scotia Health recommends testing private well water for chemical contaminants every two years.
Why Regular Water Testing Matters
Many homeowners only think about testing their water when they notice staining, unpleasant tastes, odours, or discoloured water. While these signs may indicate a problem, many of the most significant contaminants—including bacteria, arsenic, uranium, and lead—often produce no visible warning signs.
Routine testing can:
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Confirm your drinking water is safe.
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Detect contamination before it becomes a serious health concern.
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Monitor changes in groundwater quality over time.
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Verify that existing water treatment systems are functioning properly.
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Help determine the most appropriate water treatment solution when needed.
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Provide valuable documentation during real estate transactions.
Professional Laboratory Analysis
All water samples are collected using proper procedures and submitted to an accredited laboratory for analysis. Once the results are available, you'll receive a clear, easy-to-understand report outlining the findings and identifying any results that exceed recommended drinking water guidelines.
If elevated bacteria, metals, or other contaminants are detected, we can help explain the results and discuss the next steps, including appropriate treatment options or additional testing if required.
Regular water testing is a small investment that provides confidence in the safety and quality of one of your home's most important resources—your drinking water.
