More than 2,000 well water chemistry test kits are currently being offered free of charge to private well owners throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

The initiative, launched in December 2022, aims to collect baseline groundwater data and provide detailed information about chemical levels in drinking water.

The goal is to address health risks associated with naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, uranium, and fluoride.

Over 3,000 test kits have been distributed so far, and over 1,000 samples have been tested.

Interested participants can obtain the kits from various Digital Government and Service NL regional offices and are required to fill out a sample record form, collect water in the provided bottle, and return the completed kit.

If lab reports show health parameter exceedances, they should avoid consuming water from the source, submit a second sample to an accredited lab, and seek professional advice for appropriate filtration or treatment.

A bacteriological testing service for total coliform bacteria or E. coli presence/absence is also available for well owners.

Additional information can be found online.