If your home draws from a private well — common in rural BC — you're responsible for your own water quality and supply. That means testing and protecting it yourself, since no utility does it for you.
Test your water
Test well water at least annually for bacteria (like coliform and E. coli) and periodically for minerals, nitrates, and metals. Test after any flooding, repairs, or changes in taste, smell, or colour. Labs and provincial programs provide test kits.
Treat as needed
Common treatments include disinfection (UV or chlorination) for bacteria, softeners for hard water, and filters for sediment, iron, or specific contaminants. Match the treatment to what your tests actually find rather than guessing.
Protect the wellhead
Keep the wellhead above grade and sealed so surface water and contaminants can't get in, and keep hazards like fuel, fertilizer, and septic fields a safe distance away. Maintain the pump and pressure tank for reliable supply.