As part of Drinking Water Week, running from May 4 to 10, the Manitoba government is urging residents with private wells or cisterns to test their drinking water.
Manitobans are advised to test their water at least once a year — especially in the spring after snowmelt, flooding, or heavy rain, or if there are noticeable changes in water quality, such as taste, colour, or odour.
To support this effort, the province is continuing its Private Well Testing Subsidy Program in partnership with Duracan Laboratory. This year, the government has reduced the cost of the test to $17.67, a savings of more than $7 from last year. The test screens for total coliforms and E. coli.
If contamination is detected, homeowners are notified promptly, provided with disinfection instructions, and offered a free retest.
Duracan Laboratory, located at 862 Dufferin Avenue in Winnipeg, administers the program. Residents can call (204) 960-9995 or visit duracan.ca/contact.
