People routinely leave their homes and do not consider the possible risks posed by their jet pump. A scenario where the jet pump runs dry, overheats and catches fire, potentially burning down the house, is possible under the right conditions.

Have you considered what might be in your well water?

I have observed a recurring theme in my twenty years of experience with regards to water quality. There are a multitude of perceptions that have been expressed by people regarding the water at their home or cottage. For some the idea that their well water is clean, clear and safe is literally passed from generation to generation. 

Boil water advisories, rising water costs, declining lake levels, incidents of Blue Green Algae, Zebra Mussels, E-Coli and Coliform, adverse well water quality and dry wells have become regular occurrences on Manitoulin Island and throughout the province of Ontario. Rainwater Harvesting provides a viable, cost saving and environmentally sound alternative for water usage. Rainwater is a valuable source and a great way to conserve water in your home or cottage.

Public Health Sudbury & Districts have indicated that Lake Kagawong on Manitoulin Island has tested positive for blue-green algae. The health unit says samples taken by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks on September 17th 2018 have tested positive for the species of bacteria that can produce toxins.

The drilling of a well is a welcomed act for many people as it provides the necessity of water for their home or cottage. In Canada we are fortunate to have an abundance of groundwater that can provide a reliable, year round source of water for many municipalities and rural owners. The need for properly installed water treatment devices is no longer one of perceived need but one of necessity to ensure the safety of water for the consumer.

Groundwater is variable and subject to seasonal, environmental and human fluctuations.

Buyers will often trust the seller or realtor when a water sample is submitted to the local health unit. In some cases, the buyer will simply receive the test results through their lawyer. The goal of this publication is to raise awareness for the possibility of tampering with a water sample and the potential for illness to occur. When it comes to water, safety is of paramount concern and too often buyers purchase a home with a good water sample and never consider to test the water again. Unfortunately, the consequences can lead to illness and sometimes be costly.

Consider a third party to test the water in a real estate transaction.

When you purchased a UV System it was to protect the water in your home, cottage or business from bacteria present in water. It is likely that no one informed you of the risk associated with Power Outages or Proper Maintenance and the assumption is made that if the power light is on, the system is working properly and treating the water. This is not always the case.

There are many risks for water cross contamination in a home.

Over the last 25 years the use of Ultra Violet Disinfection Systems has become common place for keeping bacteria out of rural water supplies. If you own a home in the country, it is very likely that a UV System (also known as Blue Light or Sterilizer) is installed either at the kitchen sink or where the water enters the house.

All ultra violet disinfection systems require proper maintenance and setup to be effective.