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Bacterial contamination is the most common water quality problem faced by private well owners. There are many different types of bacteria. The laboratory tests for only two types of “indicator” organisms; total coliform bacteria and E. coli. The results of these two tests tell us...

Climate change is the most pressing issue of our time. Climate change impacts will have consequences for all Islanders, across all sectors of employment and our environment. We must take steps to prepare as the impacts of climate change continue to worsen. What is PEI doing to...

Do I need a permit to drill a well? Depending upon the capacity, depth and the location of the well, a permit to drill a well may be required. A Well Permit is required if the well(s) are to be: located in one of the water well restricted areas (map); or constructed in a manner...

Hardness is commonly referred to as the ability of your water to neutralize soap, or the inability of the water to form soap lather. Hard water is caused by high concentrations of calcium and magnesium in the water, and can cause scale to form on hot water pipes, boilers and...

Arsenic is a naturally occurring element that is widely distributed throughout the Earth’s rocks and soils. Arsenic can be dissolved from arsenic bearing minerals in the soil or rock and be present in groundwater. On a more local basis, arsenic can also be released into water...

Barium is a naturally occurring element that is found in small quantities in a variety of minerals. Varying amounts of barium can be dissolved as water passes through rocks and soils and be present in groundwater. Barium may also be present in the air as a result of industrial...

Iron is a naturally occurring element that is common in PEI rocks and soils. Iron can occur in well water for two reasons; it may be present in fine sediment particles, or it may be present in dissolved form in the water. A reddish-brown colour to the water, or an accumulation or...

Lead is a naturally occurring element that is present in some minerals in rocks and soils, but the main source of lead in drinking water is generally through contact with plumbing components containing lead. The amount of lead dissolved into drinking water depends on a number of...