Getting Water Tested

Safe drinking water is important to all Saskatchewan residents. The Roy Romanow Provincial Laboratory has been testing water quality in the province since 1905. The laboratory performs a wide range of bacteriological and chemical tests on drinking water supplies, such as drinking water, surface water, groundwater, and sewage water.

Water testing is available to:

• Private well owners;
• Municipalities as regulated by Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment e.g. municipal water treatment plans;
• Semi-public water supplies as regulated by Saskatchewan Ministry of Health and the Saskatchewan Health Authority (e.g., drinking water supplies in schools, restaurants);
• Recreational waters e.g. swimming pools;
• Industries and mining companies;
• Consulting companies;
• Manufacturers; and
• Other small businesses.

Submitting Samples

Submit samples to:
Roy Romanow Provincial Laboratory
5 Research Drive
Regina SK S4S 0A4

If you have specific questions regarding water testing, please call 1-306-787-7138.

Confidentiality

Every effort is made to ensure your information and data remain confidential. No personal information will be released to others without your consent. However, the lab retains the right to release personal information and test results to the Saskatchewan Health Authority in order that appropriate actions are taken when test results indicate that to consume this water may harm your health.

Where to Obtain a Sample Bottle to Have Your Water Tested

To have your drinking water tested for total coliform bacteria and nitrate, you must use a special, sterilized container. The Roy Romanow Provincial Laboratory distributes sample bottles to RM offices and public health offices throughout the province. If you wish to have your water tested for other parameters, visit the SaskH2O website. To ensure your testing results are correct and to prevent sample contamination, it is important to follow proper procedures for collection of water samples. Detailed sampling procedures are printed on the back of requisition forms. Read the instructions before sample collection.

How to Submit Water Samples to the Lab

To ensure accurate test results, it is important to follow instructions for submitting water samples. Detailed sample submission instructions are printed on the back of requisition forms. Read the instructions before sample submission.

Please note: Samples must be submitted in insulated coolers with ice packs to ensure samples are cool but not frozen during overnight transportation. When a sample is dropped off at the lab within six hours of collection, a cooler is not required. Cooler and coolants are returned to submitter as soon as possible, and the Roy Romanow Provincial Laboratory is responsible for the cost of returning. Use a "flip-top" style label with the laboratory address on one side and the submitted address on the other side. The Roy Romanow Provincial Laboratory does NOT supply coolers. However, the lab does pay for costs of returning coolers.

Water Samples Have to Arrive at the Lab within 48 hours of Collection
Scientific studies have shown that the numbers of bacteria in water decrease with the passage of time, especially when the sample temperature is high. Testing your water within 48 hours will greatly reduce the chance of false results.

What Tests to Request

Private water supplies should be tested annually for total coliform bacteria and nitrate. There are many other tests that may be required depending on the type and location of the water source. For example, dugouts and shallow wells on farms are susceptible to contamination by pesticides. Some groundwater sources contain elevated levels of arsenic.

How Much it Costs to Have Your Water Tested

The cost varies depending upon the type and number of tests being performed. Service charges for testing may be found at Testing Scope and Service Charges. Payment may be made by credit card or cheque/money order payable to the Minister of Finance.

Related Items

• Municipal Water Security Agency Drinking Water Bacteria Requisition - Form for ordering tests of water from municipal water systems for bacteria (coliform, E.coli), nitrates and fluoride
• Private Users Drinking Water Bacteria Analysis Requisition - Form for ordering drinking water analysis tests for coliform, E.coli, pseudomonas, nitrates and fluoride. For use by individuals and organizations. (Not for municipal water or public health officers.
• Public Health Water Bacteria Analysis Requisition - For internal use by public health offices. Water bacteria analysis requisition form.
• Water Sampling Supplies Requisition - Requisition form for water testing supplies form the Roy Romanow Provincial Laboratory. Plastic bacteriological testing bottle. THM bottle and plastic water bottles