The drinking water supply for any tourism accommodation establishment must be tested for bacteria before becoming licensed and every three months when operating.

The PEI Analytical Laboratories of provincial government must conduct all water tests as it is the only lab in the province accredited by Standards Council of Canada.

Steps for collecting and submitting a water sample

1. Pick up a water sampling kit that includes a sterilized plastic bottle and the required form at the PEI Analytical Laboratories in West Royalty or any Access PEI site.
2. When possible, collect samples from an indoor faucet in the morning (outdoor faucet only acceptable if garden hose removed before sample collected). Deliver the sample immediately to a drop-off location (listed below).
3. Keep the sealed cover on the bottle until you collect the sample. The white powder inside the bottle is a chemical dechlorinating agent (sodium thiosulfate) that neutralizes residual chlorine so that it does not interfere with true bacteria. Do not dump this out.
4. Remove the strainer/aerator assembly from the end of your faucet, including the rubber o-ring. Swab the end of the faucet with a mixture of bleach and water or quickly pass a lighter (flame) under the outlet to kill any bacteria present.
5. Allow cold water to run at full flow for 10 to 15 minutes and then back off to a slow steady stream.
6. With clean hands, fill the sample bottle to the neck or fill line, being careful not to touch the bottle to the tap. Tightly secure the cover. To prevent false results, do not touch the inside of the bottle cap.
7. Complete the enclosed form for a bacterial analysis including the establishment’s name and signature. It is very important to indicate that the sample is for a ‘tourism operator’ so that Tourism PEI staff can access your results electronically to ensure compliance.
8. The lab will accept samples within 24 hours if kept refrigerated. If you cannot deliver the sample right away, keep it in a cooler or bag with ice to keep the temperature at or below 15 °C (not freezing).

Drop off locations

Water samples can be dropped at any of these locations before 3:30 pm on the noted days:

• Access PEI Summerside (Monday to Friday)
• Access PEI O’Leary (Monday to Friday)
• Access PEI Montague (Monday, Wednesday, Friday)
• Access PEI Souris (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday)
• Access PEI Tignish (Tuesday) Access PEI Alberton (Tuesday)
• Access PEI Wellington (Tuesday)
• PEI Analytical Laboratory (Monday to Friday)

Please note: The Cavendish Visitor Centre has kits available for pick up. However, samples can no longer be dropped off at the VIC. Water samples must be dropped off at one of the other listed locations above.

Cost

See water testing fee schedule for up-to-date pricing for bacterial water testing.

Getting your results

You will receive the results of your water sample by mail. It is very important to check off to indicate that the sample is for a ‘tourism operator’ so that Tourism PEI staff can access your results electronically to ensure compliance.

Water Test Results Issues

If your water sample results in high levels of bacteria, you will be issued a Boil Water Advisory by Environmental Health. In order for a boil water advisory to be lifted, you must have two consecutive water samples that are clear, with at least one day between sampling. If you have a working UV treatment device on your well, only one clear re-sample is needed. Environmental Health will notify you, as soon as possible, when the boil water advisory is lifted. If you receive a boil water advisory, you must post a notice at each tap, faucet or source of water supply at your tourism property to indicate that the water is not fit for human consumption. View sample boil water guest advisory.

If your drinking water is contaminated with bacteria, it is essential to inform staff and guests of the following steps to prevent anyone from becoming ill:

Drinking water and food preparation - Bring all drinking water to a rolling boil for two minutes. Do not rely on automatic shut-off kettles as they do not boil the water long enough to be safe. Boil all water used for the following:

• washing fruits or raw vegetables
• ice cubes
• brushing teeth
• preparing baby formula
• making juices or preparing tea or coffee

Bottled water is acceptable for use and should be made available at a front desk or office area.

Bathing - Avoid getting water in your mouth during a shower. Disinfect water for bathing by adding one ounce (30 ml) of 5.25 percent household bleach to an average-sized tub half-filled with water. Mix and let stand for 15 minutes before bathing.

Hand Washing - Wash hands with boiled or bottled water or thoroughly wipe hands with an alcohol-based antiseptic wipe. Apply a liquid hand sanitizer to hands. Immerse hands in water disinfected with liquid household bleach (one tsp/L water) for twenty seconds.

Dishwashing - Dishes may be safely washed in hot water and dish detergent. Once dishes are washed, fully rinse and then treat the dishes by soaking them for a minimum of two minutes in a solution of one ounce (30ml) liquid household bleach to three gallons (15 L) of water – an average sink full of water. Residential dishwashers may be used by adding one ounce (30ml) liquid household bleach to the final rinse cycle. If you don’t know when the final rinse cycle takes place, soak the dishes as described above.

Tips to Keep Your Well Clean and Clear of Bacteria

The following actions can help prevent water quality and safety issues.

• Disinfect your well each year, especially after periods of inactivity.
• If there are any changes in taste, odour or appearance or water, get it tested immediately.
• Inspect the well cap and joints for cracks, dirt, and bugs. It is important to maintain a tight vermin-proof seal.
• Make sure the grade of the land slopes away from the well and that water does not pool around the surface of the well.