04/29/2026
Bulletin #2026-15
ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Important Notice to All Elected Officials and/or Chief Administrative Officers
Private Well Water Testing REMINDER
Many Manitobans rely on private wells for their household drinking water. Unlike municipal or larger water systems, private wells are the responsibility of the property owner and are not routinely monitored or regulated by the province to ensure safety.
The Office of Drinking Water is reminding municipalities of the importance of encouraging private well owners to test their drinking water and to help reduce barriers to testing.
Testing is especially important:
• after spring snowmelt, flooding, or heavy rainfall;
• where a well is located near rivers, lakes, or other surface water where water intrusion may occur; or
• when there is a noticeable change in water colour, clarity, odour, or taste.
To support messaging, a resident-focused information sheet is attached. Municipal leaders are encouraged to distribute it through local channels. It includes information on Manitoba’s Private Well Testing Subsidy Program, which provides low-cost testing for harmful bacteria through Duracan Laboratory.
To further support residents, municipalities may wish to work with Duracan or other accredited laboratories directly to coordinate local pick-up locations for sampling supplies. A list of accredited laboratories is available at: www.gov.mb.ca/sd/water/drinking-water/lab
More Information
Drinking water safety in Manitoba: www.gov.mb.ca/sd/water/drinking-water
Flood forecasts, reports, and interactive flood map: www.gov.mb.ca/flooding
Questions about the Private Well Testing Subsidy Program or Duracan Ltd.:
204-960-9995 www.duracan.ca/contact
Watershed Districts: https://manitobawatersheds.org
Health-related questions: Health Links – Info Santé
Winnipeg: 204-788-8200 Toll-free: 1-888-315-9257