Seasonal Water Sample Courier Service Paused for the Winter

Media Release by Lakelands Public Health:

City of Peterborough, ON (November 17, 2025) – The Township of North Kawartha and the Municipality of Trent Lakes will pause their seasonal well water test sample drop-off program locations for the winter. The last day to drop off test samples at these municipal offices is Thursday, November 27, 2025. Seasonal service at both locations will resume in early April 2026.

During the winter months, residents who would regularly use the seasonal drop-off sites can drop off their well water test samples at the following nearest location(s):

• Lakelands Public Health, 185 King Street, Peterborough
   – 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Thursday
   – 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon, Friday
  
  
• Public Health Ontario Laboratory, 99 Hospital Drive, Peterborough
   – 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday
  
  
• Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Township Office, 1 Ottawa Street, Havelock
  – 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Thursday

A full list of well water test sample pick-up and drop-off locations throughout the Lakelands Public Health district area is available on our website at LakelandsPH.ca/WellWaterTesting.

Lakelands Public Health recommends regular testing of your drinking water. Water samples are checked for two types of bacteria: total coliforms and E. coli. If E. coli is found, it means the water may be contaminated with fecal material that can cause serious stomach and intestinal illnesses. While anyone can get sick from contaminated water, young children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable.

“Well water should be tested year-round, especially after a thaw or heavy rain,” said Chris Eaton, Public Health Inspector, with Lakelands Public Health. “Testing your water is the best way to ensure it is free from pathogens and that your treatment system is effective.”

Well water sample test results are now available online. Residents will receive results through Public Health Ontario’s Online Water Testing Portal, Interactive Voice Response at 1-877-723-3426, or by mail.

For help interpreting test results or how to test for other contaminants, please call Lakelands Public Health at 1-844-575-4567 or visit LakelandsPH.ca/WellWaterTesting.

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