Well water · 5 min
Private well water testing checklist for Canadian homeowners
Private well checklist: bacteria, nitrates, hardness, iron, manganese, sulphur, pH and TDS — plus when to add PFAS or arsenic testing.
By WaterFilterHelp Editorial Team · Reviewed by WaterFilterHelp Standards Review · Last reviewed 2026-08-23
Test at least twice a year
Spring runoff and fall are common windows. Test after floods, well work, or unexplained illness.
Core panel
- Total coliforms & E. coli
- Nitrates
- Hardness
- Iron & manganese
- Sulphur / odour
- pH & TDS
Add-ons by region
- PFAS near airports or industry
- Arsenic / uranium in parts of Atlantic Canada and the Shield
- Sodium / chloride near coasts
Bring results to a local water treatment pro — we can match you with one.