York Region provides water sample bottles, forms and information to local residents who own private wells  and want to ensure their water is safe to drink. Sample bottles are available for pick up and drop off at several locations. Samples are sent to Public Health Ontario Laboratories to be tested for bacteria. Results of the water test can be received by telephone, mail or can be picked up directly from the Public Health Ontario Laboratories. 

Well water should be tested regularly for bacteria. It is the owner’s responsibility to maintain and monitor their well. See the frequently asked questions for more details.

Hours for Water Sample Bottle Pick up

• Monday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 
• Tuesday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Saturday: Closed
• Sunday: Closed

Water sample bottles may be picked up at the Pefferlaw Library during regular operating hours. Please note the library is closed on Mondays.

Pick up and Drop Off Locations

These locations are only for picking up and dropping off sample bottles. Your results will be mailed to you or will be available over the telephone or for pick up at the laboratory. Samples can also be dropped off directly to the Public Health Ontario Laboratory at 81 Resources Road in Toronto, Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Additional information on laboratory hours and locations

Samples must be submitted within 24 hours of collection.  We recommend you submit your samples the same day you collect them.  Keep your water sample refrigerated until you drop it off.

Samples can be dropped off Monday to Thursday before 11 a.m. Sample drop offs will not be accepted on Fridays.  Please note specific drop off hours for the Georgina Civic Centre and Pefferlaw Library.

Georgina

Community and Health Services
24262 Woodbine Avenue
Keswick, Ontario
L4P 3E9

Georgina Civic Centre
26557 Civic Centre Road
Keswick, Ontario
L4P 3E9

Note: Drop off hours for the Georgina Civic Centre are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Sample bottles can be picked up Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Pefferlaw Library
76 Pete’s Lane
Pefferlaw, Ontario
L0E 1N0

Note: Water samples can be dropped off at the Pefferlaw Library on Wednesday only.  Samples must be filled after 2 p.m. and dropped off before 9 p.m. on the same Wednesday.  Water sample bottles may be picked up at the Pefferlaw Library during regular business hours.  Please note the library is closed on Mondays. 

Markham

Public Health Branch Offices
4261 Highway 7 East
Suite B6-9
Markham, Ontario
L3T 7T1

Newmarket

York Region Administrative Centre
17250 Yonge Street
Newmarket, Ontario
L3Y 6Z1
Visitor parking available in visitor lot
Sample must be from the same day and dropped off before 10 a.m.

Richmond Hill

York Region South Services Centre
50 High Tech Road
2nd Floor
Richmond Hill, Ontario
L4B 4N7

Vaughan

Community and Health Services
9060 Jane Street
Vaughan, Ontario
L4K 2M9

Pick up Only Locations

East Gwillimbury

Town of East Gwillimbury Civic Centre
19000 Leslie Street
Sharon, Ontario
L0G 1V0

King

Township of King Municipal Offices
2075 King Road
King City, Ontario
L7B 1A1

Doctor William Laceby Nobleton Arena and Community Centre
15 Old King Road
Nobleton, Ontario
L0G 1N0

The Trisan Centre
25 Dillane Drive
Schomberg, Ontario
L0G 1T0

Whitchurch-Stouffville

Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville
111 Sandiford Drive
Whitchurch-Stouffville, Ontario
L4A O7A

Eligibility

This service is for drinking water sampling only. You must own a private well to be eligible.

Municipal water is tested regularly by York Region and the local municipality. Water samples from a municipal supply are not analyzed by the Public Health Ontario Laboratory. See Drinking Water Quality and Monitoring for more information.

Cost

This service is available at no charge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Map

Related Resources

• Environment Resources
• Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food: Water Well Publications

Private well owners should also inspect their well annually to make sure it is damage-free and in good working condition.

• Information on Windfall Ecology Centre’s Well Aware Program for private well assessments is available at www.windfallcentre.ca.
• For assistance on well decommissioning, visit The Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority at 905-895-1281 or www.lsrca.on.ca/leap