Families who live in rural areas should have their well water tested before or during pregnancy for bacteria, fluoride and nitrates. Information about how to test your water for bacteria and how to interpret the results can be found in the Water Safety section of the website. This is a helpful section dealing with all aspects of safe drinking water. Fluoride information is available through the Dental section of this website.

If you are using well water to make infant formula, you should have your well water tested for nitrates. Babies under six months of age may become ill when they consume water that is high in Nitrates. Boiling well water does not reduce the amount of nitrates. If you have a well that supplies water to your home, have the water tested for nitrates. If the level is 10 mg/l or higher do not use the water to feed your baby. In place of water that is high in nitrates, prepare baby formula with water from an alternative source that is known to be safe.

Recently, concern has been raised about Lead in drinking water. Although high concentrations of lead can be harmful to all people, fetuses and children up to six years of age are most susceptible to the adverse health effects of lead. If your water does have elevated lead levels, you should prepare baby formula with water from an alternative source that is known to be safe.

Call the Health Unit for more information.