Is your well water safe to drink? Don't guess Test!
Environment Canterbury media release: 12th October 2026
If your family’s drinking water comes from a private supply, regular testing is the only way to know if it’s safe to consume. Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury) is encouraging well and bore owners to make drinking water testing a habit, as contaminants often can’t be seen, smelt or tasted.
When was the last time you tested your private drinking water supply?
Environment Canterbury Water and Land Science Manager Dr Elaine Moriarty said regular testing was one of the simplest ways to protect household health.
"Private wells can become contaminated with harmful bacteria and viruses, such as E. coli, as well as nitrate, heavy metals and other chemicals," she said.
"Some contaminants occur naturally, while others come from human activities. Because many can't be seen, smelt or tasted, testing is the only way to know for sure if your well water is safe to drink."
If you own a private drinking water supply, it is your responsible to ensure the water is safe to drink.
Depending on how many people use your drinking water supply, you may also need to register it with the Water Services Authority – Taumata Arowai.
Find out more about registering your drinking water supply with Taumata Arowai.
How often should you test water
Environment Canterbury recommends testing private drinking water:
- Every three months for E. coli.
- Every year for nitrate.
- Every three years for heavy metals and organic chemicals.
Additional testing is also recommended after heavy rain events or flooding.
"Floodwater can contain sewage, animal waste, agricultural runoff and disease-causing microorganisms that can enter wells or groundwater supplies," Dr Moriarty said.
"That fast-flowing water can wash contaminants into groundwater supplies, especially if the wellhead casing is not securely sealed, which is why it’s important to check your wellhead regularly,” she said.
The wellhead should be elevated, at least half a metre above the ground, surrounded by a concrete apron, and securely sealed.
Testing your water is easy
Testing your private drinking water supply is straightforward, so it's just a matter of getting into a habit of testing.
Well owners can order a testing kit from an accredited laboratory, collect a sample following the instructions provided, and return it to the lab for analysis.
Get more information on drinking water supplies