Private Water Systems

Private water systems within the remainder of the Township draw water from wells, cisterns, lakes and rivers.

Well Water Sample Testing

Drinking water from private residences and cottages can be tested for free. Sample bottles are available at the Regional Public Health Laboratory, Peterborough Public Health, and township offices.

Water sample kits are available for pickup at the Selwyn Township Municipal Office, located at 1310 Centre Line, Selwyn, during regular business hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM).

Once completed, water sample kits can be dropped off at:

  • Guardian Pharmacy at 871 Ward Street, Bridgenorth 
  • Public Health Ontario Laboratory at 99 Hospital Drive, Peterborough between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM.
  • Peterborough Public Health at 185 King Street, Peterborough, between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM Monday through Thursday, and from 8:30 AM to 12:00 Noon on Fridays.

Resources
  • Well Disinfection Tool - The well disinfection tool from Public Health Ontario provides an easy way to calculate the amount of chlorine product that is needed to disinfect a well. The tool also provides the procedures and precautions to take when disinfecting the well.
  • Well Records Map - This map allows you to search and view well record information from reported wells in Ontario
  • Water Supply Wells: Requirements and Best Practices - This manual provides best management practices and recommended techniques that help a person constructing a well to go beyond the minimum standards set by the Wells Regulation and better protect and minimize adverse impacts to our environment.
  • Blue-Green Algae - What is Blue Green Algae? What are the health risks? What precautions should I take?

Private Wastewater Systems

Privately owned sewage disposal systems such as privies, leaching pits, cesspools, septic tank systems and holding tanks must be installed and maintained in accordance with the Ontario Building Code.

Permits and inspections are required for installations of sewage systems and alterations to buildings or sewage systems under the code. Peterborough Public Health is the agency responsible for privately owned sewage systems in the County and City of Peterborough.

What Not to Flush! 
Wastewater treatment equipment is designed for toilet paper and human waste. Items like fats, oils, greases, feminine hygiene products, and wipes of any kind should never be flushed down the toilet or poured down a drain. Flushing these items causes equipment to fail, poses a health and safety risk to staff – and can even put your home at risk of sewage back-ups.
Protect Your Pipes
  • Use toilet tissue mist that adds moisture to toilet paper and can be used instead of personal wipes. Wipes clog pipes, and should never be flushed, even if the packaging says you can.
  • Use a washable microfibre e-cloth, which can be used instead of disposable cleaning wipes.
  • Use reusable baby wipes that can be washed and dried.
  • Use menstrual cups or washable cloth menstrual pads, which are environmentally-friendly alternatives to feminine hygiene products. Never flush any feminine hygiene product or its packaging.
  • Keep cooking fats, oils and greases (FOG) out of the drain. Food scraps, butter, cooking oil, soups and sauces are all types of FOG. When poured down the drain, they solidify and build-up inside plumbing pipes and can create a sewer back-up in your home.
  • Use a hair trap for your shower and bathroom sink that can capture hair that otherwise clogs your plumbing and gets caught in lift-station pumps.
  • Other top clog offenders that should never be flushed include paper towels, rags, dental floss and hypodermic needles. 
Resources

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