Drinking Water

Antimony occurs naturally in small amounts in several minerals in the earth’s crust, is used in various manufacturing processes, and is present in plumbing solder. It can enter drinking water as a result of the weathering of rocks and soils, from...

Arsenic is a naturally occurring element that is widely distributed throughout the Earth’s rocks and soils. Arsenic can be dissolved from arsenic bearing minerals in the soil or rock and be present in groundwater. On a more local basis, arsenic can...

Bacterial contamination is the most common water quality problem faced by private well owners. There are many different types of bacteria. The laboratory tests for only two types of “indicator” organisms; total coliform bacteria and E. coli. The...

In a situation in which the drinking water in a residence is found to contain unacceptably high levels of bacteria, the occupant is advised to follow the recommendations listed below: Safety Recommendations 1. Drinking Water and Food Preparation...

Barium is a naturally occurring element that is found in small quantities in a variety of minerals. Varying amounts of barium can be dissolved as water passes through rocks and soils and be present in groundwater. Barium may also be present in the...

Chloride is a naturally occurring element that is common in most natural waters and is most often found as a component of salt (sodium chloride) or in some cases in combination with potassium or calcium. The presence of chloride in groundwater can...

Hardness is commonly referred to as the ability of your water to neutralize soap, or the inability of the water to form soap lather. Hard water is caused by high concentrations of calcium and magnesium in the water, and can cause scale to form on hot...

Chemical disinfection or chlorination of a water supply is suggested when a well has been found to be contaminated by bacteria. New wells and repaired wells, and any associated plumbing, should be disinfected before being put into service. The...

Bacterial contamination is the most common water quality problem faced by private well owners. This information sheet will lead you through the step-by-step procedure to deal with cases of bacterial contamination of private wells. Step 1: Results of...

Iron is a naturally occurring element that is common in PEI rocks and soils. Iron can occur in well water for two reasons; it may be present in fine sediment particles, or it may be present in dissolved form in the water. A reddish-brown colour to...

Lead is a naturally occurring element that is present in some minerals in rocks and soils, but the main source of lead in drinking water is generally through contact with plumbing components containing lead. The amount of lead dissolved into drinking...

Manganese occurs naturally in PEI rocks and soils. Usually it is not easily dissolved from these sources and its concentration in well water is low. In some cases, particularly in swampy areas where oxygen levels in groundwater are low, manganese is...

Nitrate is a naturally occurring form of nitrogen that is commonly found throughout the environment. It is present at low levels in most groundwaters, but can be present significantly higher levels in areas with extensive use of fertilizers, storage...

PEI Analytical Laboratories (PEIAL) provides chemical and microbiological analysis for water, soil, dairy, animal feed, seed, plant tissue, manure, and compost samples, and disease identification service for crops. The lab is accredited by the...

What are PFAS? Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of over 4,700 synthetic chemicals known for their stability and persistence in the environment, earning them the nickname "forever substances." First used in the 1940s, PFAS are...

Selenium is a naturally occurring element that is widely distributed throughout the Earth’s rocks and soils and is found in trace quantities in most plant and animal tissues. Selenium can be dissolved by weathering of minerals in the soil or rock or...

Sodium is a naturally occurring element that is widely distributed throughout the Earth’s rocks and soils, most often found in combination with chloride in the form of salt (sodium chloride). The presence of sodium in groundwater can result from a...

Do I need to have my drinking water tested? It is generally recommended that homeowners using drinking water from their own well should get their water tested for bacteria at least once a year and should have a chemical analysis of their well water...

Uranium is a naturally occurring element that is widely distributed throughout the Earth’s rocks and soils. Uranium can be dissolved from minerals in the soil or rock and be present in groundwater. The concentration of uranium in water is typically...

Sample bottles for chemistry and bacterial analysis and the required forms are available at Access PEI sites or at the PEI Analytical Laboratories, 23 Innovation Way, Charlottetown. There are two analysis bottles available: Bacteria analysis uses a...

When do I need a Well Contractor’s or a Well Driller's License? Any person who undertakes in the drilling, construction or reconstruction of a water or geothermal well, needs a Well Driller's License. Holders of a Well Driller’s License must be...

Do I need a permit to drill a well? Depending upon the capacity, depth and the location of the well, a permit to drill a well may be required. A Well Permit is required if the well(s) are to be: located in one of the water well restricted areas (map)...