Bulletin #2026-19
ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Important Notice to
All Elected Officials and/or Chief Administrative Officers
Notice for Flood-Affected Private Wells
Overland flooding in parts of Manitoba has increased the risk of bacterial contamination in private wells. To protect public health, the Manitoba government has implemented a temporary response to support affected private well owners.
A resident-facing notice is attached. Municipalities in flood-affected areas are asked to share it with residents through local communication channels (website, social media, notice boards).
The notice highlights key public health guidance, including:
- Boil water before use if a well may be impacted by flooding;
- Test wells after flood waters have fully receded; and
- Information on how to access testing services.
Free Water Testing for Flood-Affected Private Wells
In response to spring 2026 flooding, Manitoba has increased the private well water testing subsidy to 100% for eligible flood-impacted private well owners:
- Applies to one (1) bacteriological test per private well owner;
- Valid for samples submitted from June 15 to August 31, 2026 to Duracan Laboratory
- Eligibility is limited to flood-impacted wells, with verification processes in place.
Access to Testing Services
Duracan Laboratory administers this Private Well Subsidy program. To improve access, the lab is working with municipal offices and watershed districts to distribute sampling kits and coordinate sample return. Municipalities may be contacted directly or can contact Duracan to help coordinate local pick-up/drop-off locations.
More Information
For questions about the Private Well Testing Subsidy Program, contact Duracan Ltd. at:
204‑960‑9995 or www.duracan.ca/contact
A list of other accredited laboratories that offer well testing services is available at: www.gov.mb.ca/sd/water/drinking-water/lab
Drinking water safety in Manitoba: www.gov.mb.ca/sd/water/drinking-water
Flood forecasts, reports, and interactive flood map: www.gov.mb.ca/flooding
Watershed Districts: https://manitobawatersheds.org