Health Unit Reminds Residents to Test Private Drinking Water After Flooding Events

NORTH BAY, ON – Following recent periods of heavy rainfall and localized flooding, the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (Health Unit) is urging residents who rely on private drinking water systems to test their drinking water.

Significant weather events, such as flooding, heavy rain, rapid snowmelt or saturated ground, can overwhelm natural soil filtration and introduce harmful bacteria into drinking water supplies. Contamination can occur without any changes in taste, colour, or odour, making testing the only reliable way to confirm water safety.  These bacteria can cause serious gastrointestinal illness, particularly in young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.

The Health Unit provides free drinking water testing for bacteria in private drinking water systems.

Residents can:

• Pick up free water sample bottles and drop off bottled samples in Burk’s Falls, Parry Sound, North Bay or Sturgeon Falls
• Access results securely once testing is complete

Test sample bottle pick‑up locations, drop‑off locations, and submission times are listed on the Health Unit’s website at myhealtunit.ca.

Residents who have questions about their private drinking water are encouraged to contact the Health Unit’s Environmental Health Program at 705-474-1400 Ext. 5400 or environmental.health@healthunit.ca.

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