Why well-water testing matters
Private well owners generally do not have the same routine monitoring as a municipal system. Water can look and taste normal while still containing microbial or chemical contaminants.
Two different questions
Well records: depth, construction, mapped location, drilling history and sometimes pump-test or geology fields.
Water testing: current sample results for bacteria, chemicals, metals or other parameters included in the laboratory analysis.
When to consider testing
- When buying a property with a private well
- After flooding, major runoff or suspected contamination
- After well or pump work when recommended
- When taste, odour, colour or clarity changes
- On the routine schedule recommended in your province
Provincial testing guides
Check the property first
Run the free address lookup, then request local help from the property report if you need a contractor.
Check a Canadian property →Frequently asked questions
Does a well record show whether the water is safe to drink?
No. A well record is not a current water-quality test.
Can clear water still have contaminants?
Yes. Some microbial and chemical contaminants may not be visible, smelled or tasted.
Is the same testing program used across Canada?
No. Private-well testing programs and recommendations vary by province and sometimes by local health authority.
Last reviewed: August 2026.
Check My Well summarizes public records and general information for informational and due-diligence purposes. Nearby records do not guarantee a property’s well depth, yield, water quality, condition or future drilling result. Verify material decisions against original records, current laboratory testing and qualified local professionals.