Wells, Water Quality and Health
If you have a septic system in New Brunswick, you almost certainly have a private well too. The two are managed together.
20 questions in this section
- How often should I test my private well water?
- What should I test for besides bacteria?
- I just had a well drilled. Is testing covered?
- What does a positive E. coli result mean?
- What does total coliform without E. coli mean?
- What are nitrates and why do they matter?
- Why is a dug well set back further than a drilled well?
- Can my septic system contaminate my neighbour's well?
- What health risks come from a failing septic system?
- Is it safe for children or pets to play near the drain field?
- Can septic gases get into my house?
- Should I shock chlorinate my well?
- Do I need a water treatment system?
- Where can I get my water tested in New Brunswick?
- How do I contact Health Protection Services?
- Does a septic system affect lake water quality?
- What is BOD and why does it appear in the rules?
- What are total suspended solids?
- Do I need to sample my system's effluent?
- My well and septic are close together on a small old lot. What now?
How often should I test my private well water?
New Brunswick recommends testing for total coliform and E. coli twice a year - after the spring thaw and during the autumn rainy season, when the supply is most at risk. Inorganic testing should preferably be done every two to three years.
What should I test for besides bacteria?
Inorganic compounds including arsenic, uranium, fluoride and nitrates. Test more often if previous results were near health advisory levels.
I just had a well drilled. Is testing covered?
When a well is drilled, deepened or repaired, the homeowner receives a testing voucher from the well contractor - a requirement under the Potable Water Regulation of the Clean Water Act. It covers inorganic and microbiological analysis, and homeowners are strongly encouraged to use it within twelve months.
What does a positive E. coli result mean?
It indicates contamination of faecal origin and the water should not be consumed without treatment. Stop drinking it, use bottled or boiled water, and contact Health Protection Services. Investigate nearby septic systems, well construction and surface water intrusion.
What does total coliform without E. coli mean?
Coliform bacteria are common in soil and surface water. Their presence usually indicates a pathway for surface water into the well - a cracked casing, a poor seal or a shallow well - rather than sewage specifically. It still needs investigation.
What are nitrates and why do they matter?
Nitrate is a nitrogen compound that septic systems and fertilizers release into groundwater. Elevated nitrate is a particular risk for infants. It is one of the reasons setbacks between systems and wells exist.
Why is a dug well set back further than a drilled well?
Because dug and sandpoint wells are shallow and therefore far more susceptible to surface water contamination. New Brunswick requires 30 metres from both the tank and the field, versus 15 and 23 metres for a drilled well.
Can my septic system contaminate my neighbour's well?
It can if it is failing or was sited too close. That is precisely what the separation distances are designed to prevent, and why an abandoned well within the setbacks must be decommissioned before approval.
What health risks come from a failing septic system?
Exposure to untreated sewage carries bacteria, viruses and parasites that cause gastrointestinal illness, hepatitis A and other infections. Surfacing effluent, contaminated well water and sewage backups are all direct exposure routes.
Is it safe for children or pets to play near the drain field?
Over a properly working field, yes - it is just lawn. If effluent is surfacing or the ground is soggy and smells, keep everyone away until it is repaired.
Can septic gases get into my house?
They can if a plumbing trap dries out, a vent is blocked or a seal fails. Hydrogen sulphide and methane are both hazardous. Persistent sewer odour indoors should be investigated promptly.
Should I shock chlorinate my well?
Shock chlorination can address a one-time contamination event, but it does not fix an ongoing source. If bacteria return after shocking, find and fix the cause rather than repeating the treatment.
Do I need a water treatment system?
It depends entirely on your test results. Treat for what you actually have. Note that softener and filter backwash affect septic design, so factor that in before installing anything.
Where can I get my water tested in New Brunswick?
Through Health Protection Services and accredited laboratories. Contact your regional Health Protection Services office for current sampling instructions and bottle pickup.
How do I contact Health Protection Services?
East Regional Office (506) 856-2814; Central Regional Office 1-844-553-2830; North Regional Office (506) 737-4400; South Regional Office 1-888-652-1333.
Does a septic system affect lake water quality?
Yes, which is why systems near a designated potable water supply must be 75 to 90 metres back. Nutrient loading from nearby septic systems contributes to algae growth in lakes, a live issue at many New Brunswick cottage lakes.
What is BOD and why does it appear in the rules?
Biochemical oxygen demand measures how much oxygen the wastewater will consume as it breaks down - a proxy for organic strength. New Brunswick assumes 300 mg/L for domestic influent. Stronger waste needs more treatment.
What are total suspended solids?
The particulate matter carried in the wastewater, assumed at 350 mg/L for domestic influent in New Brunswick. High TSS reaching the field is what clogs soil.
Do I need to sample my system's effluent?
All systems except lagoons must include an effluent testing port or an accessible sampling location downstream of any effluent filter. Where the anticipated wastewater strength exceeds typical domestic wastewater, effluent must be tested once the system is commissioned.
My well and septic are close together on a small old lot. What now?
Have a licensed installer assess it. For lots with existing services, an exemption may be granted where distances cannot be met, but only if the proposed design reduces the risk of a health hazard, following a Department risk assessment.
Have a question about your own property? General answers only go so far — your soil, slope, water table and setbacks are specific to your lot. Call (506) 233-6272 or send us the details.
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Serving homeowners, builders, and property owners throughout Greater Moncton and southeastern New Brunswick.