This post was submitted by Alan Wiebe, Watershed Assistant at the Seine-Rat River Conservation District
They say that everything comes to an end – except for farmer sausage, which has two ends. Now that the wurst of the winter months have come and gone, we are looking forward to the beginning of a brand new season.
Every spring and summer, the Seine-Rat River Conservation District (SRRCD) offers a private well water testing program to all residents in our district. You can have your private well water tested for the presence of E. coli and Coliform bacteria. Horizon Lab Ltd. will test your private well water at a rate subsidized by the Province of Manitoba.
It is a good idea to know what is in your drinking water. The Province of Manitoba recommends that you test your private well water every spring after the snow melt and spring runoff, or after any flooding events.
RM Private Well Water Testing Days
We offer this program once a month throughout the spring and summer. Taking advantage of this program can save you a trip to Winnipeg. SRRCD staff will take your sample to Winnipeg for you on the testing day. Our private well water testing days are on the following dates:
- May 7
- June 4
- July 2
- August 6
- September 3
Here’s what you need to do:
You can pick up a water sample bottle in advance from your local RM office. There are two short forms you need to fill out with your sample. Follow the sampling instructions on the “Chain of Custody” form and drop off your sample at your local RM office on the testing day. You need to drop off your samples before 11:00 a.m. If you live in the RM of Piney, you need to drop off your sample before 10:00 a.m. at the RM of Piney office in Vassar.
The cost of the program is $21.26 (including tax). The lab accepts payment by cash or cheque. Cheques must be made payable to Horizon Lab Ltd.
Participating RMs
Here is a list of participating RMs and drop-off locations:
- SRRCD office, 123 Simard St. – La Broquerie
- R.M. of Ste. Anne office, 395 Traverse Road – Ste. Anne
- R.M. of Hanover office, 28 Westland Dr. – Steinbach
- R.M. of DeSalaberry office, 466 Sabourin St. – St. Pierre-Jolys
- Town of Niverville office, 86 Main St. – Niverville
- R.M of Taché office, 1294 Dawson Rd. – Lorette
- R.M of Ritchot office, 352 Main Street – St. Adolphe
- SRRCD office, R.M of Stuartburn, 108 Main Street N – Vita
- R. M of Franklin office, 115 Waddell Ave. East—Dominion City
- R.M of Piney office, 6092 Boundary St. – Vassar
You can contact your local RM office if you have any questions. You can also contact our office in La Broquerie at (204) 424-5845, or in Vita at (204) 425-7877. You can also visit us online at www.srrwd.ca.
Wishing you Well
Each new season starts with the highest hopes for a fresh beginning. The SRRCD would like to wish you the very best of a wonderful summer filled with outdoor activities, summer travels, and delicious barbeques. Just remember that even hot dogs are shocked by how they are made.