Well Water Testing UPDATE

💧 Free Well Water Testing for Residents 💧

The RM of Rockwood is providing well water testing kits for the 100% subsidized well testing program for residents.

📍 Pick up your testing kit at the Municipal Office (285 Main Street) Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Staff will provide the required forms and instructions. Residents may collect their own water samples and deliver them directly to Duracan Labs located at 862 Dufferin Ave. Winnipeg, MB. 

⚠️ Important: Water samples must be collected and received at Duracan Labs within 24 hours of sample collection to ensure accurate testing results.

Notice to Flood-Affected Private Well Owners: Test Your Drinking Water

Residents whose private wells may have been impacted by flooding are reminded that floodwater can carry bacteria and other contaminants into wells. To protect your household’s health, do not drink or use well water for consumption until it has been properly tested and confirmed safe.

Important Steps After a Flood

·         If your well may have been affected by floodwater, boil water for at least one minute before using it for drinking, preparing food, brushing teeth, or making ice.

·         Continue boiling water until laboratory test results confirm the water is safe.

·         Wait until floodwaters have fully receded before collecting a well water sample.

·         Have your well water tested for total coliforms and E. coli.

·         If bacteria are found, follow the instructions provided for disinfecting your well and retest before resuming normal use.

Free Testing for Eligible Flood-Impacted Private Wells

The Manitoba government has increased the private well water testing subsidy to 100% for eligible flood-impacted private well owners. The subsidy applies to one bacteriological test per private well owner for samples submitted to Duracan Laboratory between June 15 and August 31, 2026. Eligibility is limited to flood-impacted wells, and verification is required.

How to Access Testing

Duracan Laboratory administers the Private Well Testing Subsidy Program and can assist with sampling kits, local pick-up and drop-off options, and sample submission. For testing information, contact Duracan Laboratory at 204-960-9995 or visit the Duracan contact page. Residents may also review Manitoba’s drinking water safety information and the Province’s notice for flood-affected private well owners.

Why Testing Matters

Flooding can compromise private wells even when the water looks, smells, or tastes normal. Testing is the only reliable way to confirm whether harmful bacteria are present. Taking precautions after a flood helps protect residents, families, and visitors from waterborne illness.

Learn more: https://www.gov.mb.ca/sd/water/drinking-water/well-videos/index.html