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Water Testing

You can’t tell whether water is safe to drink by looking at it, smelling it or tasting it. You need to have it tested.

Nova Scotia Environment recommends that Nova Scotians on well water have it tested for bacteria every six months, and every two years for chemical parameters.

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Water Testing banner

Available tests and associated fees

Bacterial Analysis

Total Coliform & E.coli (P/A = Presence/Absence)
$ 30.00
*Note that the requisition form in the Halifax area and West Hants combine the price of package #2 and bacterial analysis for a total of $81.39

Total Coliform & E.coli (MPN = Most Probable Number)
$ 40.00

Chemical Analysis

Package #1        
Arsenic, Uranium                                                                    
$32.72

Package #2        
Arsenic, Uranium, Lead, Nitrate/Nitrite, Fluoride
$51.39
*Note that the requisition form in the Halifax area and West Hants combine the price of package #2 and bacterial analysis for a total of $81.39

Package #3        
Calcium, Magnesium, Aluminum, Boron, Barium, Beryllium, Cadmium, Cobalt, Chromium, Copper, Iron, Manganese, Hardness, Nickel, Lead, Antimony, Selenium, Tin, Vanadium, Zinc, Arsenic, Uranium, Titanium, Molybdenum, Strontium, Silver, Thallium, Sodium, Potassium, Nitrate/Nitrite, Fluoride
$104.93

Package #4        
All parameters in Package #3 plus Chloride, Sulfate         
$120.67

For more information on chemical analysis, please contact Nova Scotia Environment at 1-877-936-8476.

Registered and Municipal Water Clients

  • As of July 30, 2020 Registered and Municipal water samples for chemical analysis are now to be hand delivered or couriered directly to the Mackenzie Building Environmental Laboratory. Chemical samples from Registered or Municipal clients are no longer to be dropped off at any other NSH Facility as per directive from Nova Scotia Environment.
  • If you are a registered supplier, you must provide your Nova Scotia Environment (NSE) registration number. If you don't, you won't meet NSE requirements. Without this number, the laboratory can't speak with NSE and you won’t be notified regarding potential issues.
  • Samples for chemical analysis can be dropped off at the Mackenzie Building in Halifax. For drop off hours, please check the "Mackenzie Building" listing on the water testing pick-up /drop-off sites map.

Mandatory Registered and Municipal water testing requisition form (.pdf)

Forms of Payment Accepted

Nova Scotia Health accepts cash, debit, credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), and cheque/money order.  

Learn more about NSH fees and bill payments here.

*Please note that all sites do not have the ability to accept cash.
**Water testing results are only released upon reception of payment.

Service Statuses

There are currently no service advisories or disruptions for this category.

Visit the Service Statuses, Closures, and Cancellations page for a full listing of all advisories and disruptions affecting clinics, programs, services or locations.

Water testing pick-up/drop-off sites Map

Water testing pick-up/drop-off sites

Aberdeen Hospital

sun Closed
mon 8:00 am - 9:00 am
tue 8:00 am - 9:00 am
wed 8:00 am - 9:00 am
thu 8:00 am - 9:00 am
fri Closed
sat Closed

No water testing available on Fridays, weekends, holidays or the day before a holiday.

902-752-7600 x4300

Samples must be collected using the water sample bottles and requisition provided by NS Health. E.Coli & Coliform testing is a white top 100 ML bottle / Chemical & Mineral testing is a black top 200 ML bottle. Include a completed Aberdeen Hospital Environmental Services request form (pdf).

Sample Bottle Pick-Up for Water Testing

Business Office Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. or Security desk in the front lobby. 

Annapolis Community Health Centre

fri Nov 22 Closed
sat Nov 23 Closed
sun Nov 24 Closed
mon Nov 25 10:00 am - 11:00 am
tue Nov 26 10:00 am - 11:00 am
wed Nov 27 10:00 am - 11:00 am
thu Nov 28 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Water sample must be collected the same morning as drop-off and not the evening before using the water testing bottles and requisition provided by NS Health. E.Coli & Coliform testing is a white top 100 ML bottle / Chemical & Mineral testing is a black top 200 ML bottle

(902) 752-7600 x4300

Sample bottles for water testing can be picked up at the front desk from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Barrington Town Offices

Samples must be collected using the water sample bottles provided by NS Health. E.Coli & Coliform testing is a white top 100 ML bottle

Tel: (902) 637-2015

Sample bottle pick-up is available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Closed for lunch from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.)

Bayers Road Centre

fri Nov 22 7:00 am - 12:00 pm
sat Nov 23 Closed
sun Nov 24 Closed
mon Nov 25 7:00 am - 7:30 pm
tue Nov 26 7:00 am - 7:30 pm
wed Nov 27 7:00 am - 7:30 pm
thu Nov 28 7:00 am - 7:30 pm

(902) 454-1661

E.Coli & Coliform testing is a white top 100 ML bottle / Chemical & Mineral testing is a black top 200 ML bottle provided my NS Health

Pick Up and Drop-off hours are the same

Cape Breton Regional Hospital

fri Nov 22 Closed
sat Nov 23 Closed
sun Nov 24 Closed
mon Nov 25 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
tue Nov 26 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
wed Nov 27 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
thu Nov 28 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

(902) 567-8000 x2412

Bacterial testing is currently not available at this location. Please drop samples to Bureau Veritas Laboratories, 465 George St, Sydney, NS (902-567-1255). Chemical testing is still available through the NSH clinical laboratories and sent to CZ Environmental Services.

Clare Municipal Offices

(902) 769-2031

Samples must be collected using the water sample bottles provided by NS Health. E.Coli & Coliform testing is a white top 100 ML bottle

Sample bottle pick-up services only are available from Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Cobequid Community Health Centre

fri Nov 22 7:00 am - 12:00 pm
sat Nov 23 Closed
sun Nov 24 Closed
mon Nov 25 7:00 am - 12:00 pm
tue Nov 26 7:00 am - 12:00 pm
wed Nov 27 7:00 am - 12:00 pm
thu Nov 28 7:00 am - 12:00 pm

Samples must be collected using the water sample bottles provided by NS Health. E.Coli & Coliform testing is a white top 100 ML bottle / Chemical & Mineral testing is a black top 200 ML bottle

Tel: (902) 869-7120

Water sample bottles available for pick-up Monday to Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Colchester East Hants Health Centre

fri Nov 22 Closed
sat Nov 23 Closed
sun Nov 24 Closed
mon Nov 25 8:30 am - 9:15 am
tue Nov 26 8:30 am - 9:15 am
wed Nov 27 8:30 am - 9:15 am
thu Nov 28 8:30 am - 9:15 am

(902) 893-4321 x45513

Samples must be collected using the water sample bottles provided by NS Health. E.Coli & Coliform testing is a white top 100 ML bottle / Chemical & Mineral testing is a black top 200 ML bottle

Water sample bottles for pick-up are available at the lab (2nd) floor, Mon-Fri from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre

fri Nov 22 Closed
sat Nov 23 Closed
sun Nov 24 Closed
mon Nov 25 8:30 am - 9:00 am
tue Nov 26 8:30 am - 9:00 am
wed Nov 27 8:30 am - 9:00 am
thu Nov 28 8:30 am - 9:00 am

(902) 667-3361

Samples must be collected using the water testing bottles provided by NS Health. E.Coli & Coliform testing is a white top 100 ML bottle / Chemical & Mineral testing is a black top 200 ML bottle

Sample Bottle Pick-Up for Water Testing

Business Office Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. or South Cumberland Community Care, Bayview Memorial Hospital, North Cumberland Memorial Hospital and All Saints Springhill Hospital.

Dartmouth General Hospital

fri Nov 22 7:00 am - 12:00 pm
sat Nov 23 Closed
sun Nov 24 Closed
mon Nov 25 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
tue Nov 26 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
wed Nov 27 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
thu Nov 28 7:00 am - 5:00 pm

(902) 465-8305

Samples must be collected using the water testing bottles provided by NS Health. E.Coli & Coliform testing is a white top 100 ML bottle / Chemical & Mineral testing is a black top 200 ML bottle

Sample Bottle Pick-Up for Water Testing

Front desk blood collection Monday to Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 
Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Digby General Hospital

fri Nov 22 Closed
sat Nov 23 Closed
sun Nov 24 Closed
mon Nov 25 8:00 am - 10:00 am
tue Nov 26 8:00 am - 10:00 am
wed Nov 27 8:00 am - 10:00 am
thu Nov 28 8:00 am - 10:00 am

(902) 245-2501

Water sample must be collected the same morning as drop-off and not the evening before using the water testing bottles and requisition provided by Nova Scotia Health. E.Coli & Coliform testing is a white top 100 ML bottle / Chemical & Mineral testing is a black top 200 ML bottle

Sample Bottle Pick-up for Water Testing

Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (Closed for lunch from 1:00 p.m.to 1:30 p.m.).

Eastern Memorial Hospital

fri Nov 22 Closed
sat Nov 23 Closed
sun Nov 24 Closed
mon Nov 25 7:30 am - 8:00 am
tue Nov 26 7:30 am - 8:00 am
wed Nov 27 7:30 am - 8:00 am
thu Nov 28 7:30 am - 8:00 am

(902) 336-2794

Samples must be collected using the water testing bottles provided by NS Health. E.Coli & Coliform testing is a white top 100 ML bottle / Chemical & Mineral testing is a black top 200 ML bottle

Bacterial testing is currently not available at this location. Please drop samples to Bureau Veritas Laboratories, 465 George St, Sydney, NS (902-567-1255). Chemical testing is still available through the NSH clinical laboratories and sent to CZ Environmental Services.

Sample Bottle Pick-Up for Water Testing

Eastern Memorial Laboratory from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Eastern Shore Memorial Hospital

fri Nov 22 Closed
sat Nov 23 Closed
sun Nov 24 Closed
mon Nov 25 7:30 am - 10:30 am
tue Nov 26 7:30 am - 10:30 am
wed Nov 27 7:30 am - 10:30 am
thu Nov 28 7:30 am - 10:30 am

(902) 885-3612

Samples must be collected using the water testing bottles provided by NS Health. E.Coli & Coliform testing is a white top 100 ML bottle / Chemical & Mineral testing is a black top 200 ML bottle

Pick Up and Drop-off hours are the same

Guysborough Memorial Hospital

fri Nov 22 Closed
sat Nov 23 Closed
sun Nov 24 Closed
mon Nov 25 7:30 am - 9:30 am
tue Nov 26 7:30 am - 9:30 am
wed Nov 27 7:30 am - 9:30 am
thu Nov 28 7:30 am - 9:30 am

(902) 533-3702

Bacterial testing is currently not available at this location. Please drop samples to Bureau Veritas Laboratories, 465 George St, Sydney, NS (902-567-1255). Chemical testing is still available through the NSH clinical laboratories and sent to CZ Environmental Services.

Sample Bottle Pick-Up for Water Testing

Laboratory Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Hants Community Hospital

fri Nov 22 Closed
sat Nov 23 Closed
sun Nov 24 Closed
mon Nov 25 7:00 am - 11:00 am
tue Nov 26 7:00 am - 11:00 am
wed Nov 27 7:00 am - 11:00 am
thu Nov 28 7:00 am - 11:00 am

(902) 792-2037

Samples must be collected using the water testing bottles provided by NS Health. E.Coli & Coliform testing is a white top 100 ML bottle / Chemical & Mineral testing is a black top 200 ML bottle

Lillian Fraser Memorial Hospital

fri Nov 22 Closed
sat Nov 23 Closed
sun Nov 24 Closed
mon Nov 25 7:30 am - 10:00 am
tue Nov 26 7:30 am - 10:00 am
wed Nov 27 7:30 am - 10:00 am
thu Nov 28 7:30 am - 10:00 am

(902) 657-0211 x128

Samples must be collected using the water testing bottles provided by NS Health. E.Coli & Coliform testing is a white top 100 ML bottle / Chemical & Mineral testing is a black top 200 ML bottle

Sample Bottle Pick-Up for Water Testing

Front desk registration

Mackenzie Building

fri Nov 22 12:00 am - 3:00 pm
sat Nov 23 Closed
sun Nov 24 Closed
mon Nov 25 Open 24 hours
tue Nov 26 Open 24 hours
wed Nov 27 Open 24 hours
thu Nov 28 Open 24 hours

ph: (902) 473-8466
email: Envirolabservices@nshealth.ca 

Samples must be collected using the water testing bottles provided by Nova Scotia Health. E.Coli & Coliform testing is a white top 100 ML bottle / Chemical & Mineral testing is a black top 200 ML bottle

Notes: 

  • Bacteria samples not accepted after 3:00 p.m. on Fridays
  • To ensure stability samples should be collected same day as drop off.
  • Closed on holidays

Municipality of Chester - water testing pick-up bottle location

(902) 275-3554

This is a pick up location for water testing bottles. Drop off can be done at 5110 St. Margaret's Bay Rd, Suite 204 in Tantallon or 5788 University Avenue in Halifax.

Hours of operation are Monday to Friday 830am- 430pm.

Musquodoboit Valley Memorial Hospital

fri Nov 22 Closed
sat Nov 23 Closed
sun Nov 24 Closed
mon Nov 25 7:30 am - 11:30 am
tue Nov 26 7:30 am - 11:30 am
wed Nov 27 7:30 am - 11:30 am
thu Nov 28 7:30 am - 11:30 am

(902) 384-4111

Samples must be collected using the water testing bottles provided by NS Health. E.Coli & Coliform testing is a white top 100 ML bottle / Chemical & Mineral testing is a black top 200 ML bottle

Sample Bottle Pick-Up for Water Testing

Front desk registration 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Queens General Hospital

fri Nov 22 Closed
sat Nov 23 Closed
sun Nov 24 Closed
mon Nov 25 8:00 am - 9:15 am
tue Nov 26 8:00 am - 9:15 am
wed Nov 27 8:00 am - 9:15 am
thu Nov 28 8:00 am - 9:15 am

(902) 354-3034

Water samples must be collected the same morning as drop-off and not the evening before using the water testing bottle and requisition provided by NS Health. E.Coli & Coliform testing is a white top 100 ML bottle/ Chemical & Mineral testing is a black top 200 ML bottle

Sample Bottle Pick-Up for Water Testing

QGH Business Office Monday to Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. or Thursday and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

QGH Door Screener 7 days a week / 7:30 a.m. until 10:00 p.m.

Roseway Hospital

fri Nov 22 Closed
sat Nov 23 Closed
sun Nov 24 Closed
mon Nov 25 8:00 am - 11:30 am
tue Nov 26 8:00 am - 11:30 am
wed Nov 27 8:00 am - 11:30 am
thu Nov 28 8:00 am - 11:30 am

(902) 875-3011

Water samples must be collected the same morning as drop-off and not the evening before using the water testing bottle and requisition provided by NS Health. 

Sample Bottle Pick-Up for Water Testing

Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

Soldiers Memorial Hospital

fri Nov 22 Closed
sat Nov 23 Closed
sun Nov 24 Closed
mon Nov 25 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
tue Nov 26 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
wed Nov 27 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
thu Nov 28 8:00 am - 12:00 pm

(902) 825-3411

Water samples must be collected the same morning as drop-off and not the evening before using the water testing bottle and requisition provided by NS Health. E.coli & Coliform testing is a white top 100 ML bottle / Chemical & Mineral testing is a black top 200 ML bottle

Sample Bottle Pick-Up for Water Testing

Business Office Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

SMH Switchboard (front desk registration) open 24/7

South Shore Regional Hospital

fri Nov 22 Closed
sat Nov 23 Closed
sun Nov 24 Closed
mon Nov 25 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
tue Nov 26 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
wed Nov 27 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
thu Nov 28 8:00 am - 12:00 pm

(902) 543-4603

Water sample must be collected the same morning as drop-off and not the evening before using the water testing bottle and requisition provided by NS Health.

E.coli & Coliform testing is a white top 100 ML bottle / Chemical & Mineral testing is a black top 200 ML bottle

Sample Bottle Pick-Up for Water Testing

SSRH Business Office Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m.

SSRH Admitting & Switchboard (front desk registration) open 24/7

St. Martha's Regional Hospital

fri Nov 22 Closed
sat Nov 23 Closed
sun Nov 24 Closed
mon Nov 25 8:30 am - 10:30 am
tue Nov 26 8:30 am - 10:30 am
wed Nov 27 8:30 am - 10:30 am
thu Nov 28 8:30 am - 10:30 am

(902) 867-4500 x4311

Samples must be collected using the water sample bottles and requisition provided by NS Health. E.Coli & Coliform testing is a white top 100 ML bottle / Chemical & Mineral testing is a black top 200 ML bottle

Sample Bottle Pick-Up for Water Testing

Business Office Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and/or Main Desk (open 24/7)

St. Mary's Memorial Hospital

fri Nov 22 Closed
sat Nov 23 Closed
sun Nov 24 Closed
mon Nov 25 8:00 am - 9:30 am
tue Nov 26 8:00 am - 9:30 am
wed Nov 27 8:00 am - 9:30 am
thu Nov 28 8:00 am - 9:30 am

(902) 522-2882

Bacterial testing is currently not available at this location. Please drop samples to Bureau Veritas Laboratories, 465 George St, Sydney, NS (902-567-1255). Chemical testing is still available through the NSH clinical laboratories and sent to CZ Environmental Services.

Samples must be collected using the water sample bottles and requisition provided by NS Health. E.Coli & Coliform testing is a white top 100 ML bottle / Chemical & Mineral testing is a black top 200 ML bottle

Sample Bottle Pick-Up for Water Testing

Municipal Office

Strait Richmond Hospital

fri Nov 22 Closed
sat Nov 23 Closed
sun Nov 24 Closed
mon Nov 25 7:00 am - 9:00 am
tue Nov 26 7:00 am - 9:00 am
wed Nov 27 7:00 am - 9:00 am
thu Nov 28 Closed

(902) 625-3100

Chemical and bacterial testing is available through the NSH clinical laboratories and sent to Central Zone Environmental Services. Sample collection must be completed by 5am the same morning of drop-off.

Samples must be collected using the water sample bottles and requisition provided by NS Health. Microbiology (E.Coli & Coliform) testing is a white top 100 mL bottle / Chemical & Mineral testing is a black top 200 mL bottle

Sample Bottle Pick-Up for Water Testing

Monday to Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Valley Regional Hospital

fri Nov 22 Closed
sat Nov 23 Closed
sun Nov 24 Closed
mon Nov 25 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
tue Nov 26 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
wed Nov 27 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
thu Nov 28 8:00 am - 12:00 pm

(902) 679-2657 x3412

Water sample must be collected the same morning as drop-off and not the evening before using the water testing bottle and requisition provided by NS Health. E. coli & Coliform testing is a white top 100 ML bottle / Chemical & Mineral testing it is a black top 200 ML bottle

Sample Bottle Pick-Up for Water Testing

VRH Business Office Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. & 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. or at the Information Desk located in the YRH main lobby

Yarmouth Regional Hospital

fri Nov 22 Closed
sat Nov 23 Closed
sun Nov 24 Closed
mon Nov 25 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
tue Nov 26 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
wed Nov 27 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
thu Nov 28 8:00 am - 2:00 pm

(902) 742-3542 x1118

Water sample must be collected the same morning as drop-off and not the evening before using the water testing bottle and requisition provided by Nova Scotia Health. 

E.coli & Coliform testing is a white top 100 ML bottle / Chemical & Mineral testing it is a black top 200 ML bottle

Sample Bottle Pick-Up for Water Testing

Business Office Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. or at YRH Admitting (open 24/7)

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