WEST CARLETON – Ottawa Public Health (OPH) wants to encourage private well owners to get their water tested every spring, summer and fall, but not during flooding.

“Snow melt and spring showers can contaminate a well if it is not properly maintained, making spring an ideal time for private well owners to test their well water,” OPH released in a statement. “Contaminated well water can contain harmful bacteria that causes stomach cramps, diarrhea and other health concerns. Private well owners who live in flood-prone areas should have their water tested before any residential flooding occurs.”

On Tuesdays, residents can drop off their water samples for testing at one of the below Ward 5 locations. Pick up of new bottles for future testing can be done any day during each location’s hours of operation:

Carp Library, 3911 Carp Road – Tuesday: 10 am to 8:30 pm

Darvesh Grocery, 3084 Kinburn Side Road: Tuesday: 7 am to 8 pm

MacEwen Gas, 1794 Dunrobin Road: Tuesday: 5:30 a.m. to 11 pm

Nicholls General Store, 3798 Dunrobin Road: Tuesday: 6 am to 10 pm

Kinburn Client Service Centre, 5670 Carp Road: Tuesday: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Lighthouse Restaurant, 655 Bayview Drive: Tuesday: 7 am to 9:30 pm