City of Steinbach residents with private wells are eligible for a subsidized RM well testing program through the Seine-Rat River Conservation District. The cost for testing for Total Coliform and E.Coli is $8.03, a significant reduction from the $30 regular rate per sample.

Residents wishing to test their well water must drop-off their sample at the closest RM office by 11:00am on the third Thursday of May (16th), June (20th), July (18th) and August (15th). For Steinbach residents, the closest office is RM of Hanover, located at 28 Westland Drive, Steinbach. Water testing bottles are also available at this location.

In order to facilitate a smooth sampling day, it is important that the instructions below are followed:

  • Two forms must be filled out for each well tested per person. The two forms are the Chain of Custody (C.O.C.) form and the Well Water Testing – Application form for the Seine-Rat River Conservation District.
  • The provincial guidelines indicate that only one sample per well is accepted per year. A person can have more than one sample brought in, but each sample must be from a different well source. All additional samples from the same well source will be charged at the regular rate per sample.
  • When samples are brought in, please ensure that the sample time is clearly written on the C.O.C. form and on the bottle. Make sure that the R.M., from which it came from, is written on the C.O.C. form.
  • The sample bottles should be placed in a refrigerator to ensure that a true test can be performed on the water sample at the laboratory, since bacteria multiplies faster at room temperature.
  • One free re-test is allowed per well tested if results come back positive. It is recommended that well owners should shock their well before sending in a retest sample.
  • Additional information regarding positive bacteria tests can be obtained from the Office of Drinking Water in Steinbach at 204-346-6346.
  • The price for a sample that follows the provincial guidelines is $8.03. Please ensure that all cheques are made payable to the Seine-Rat River Conservation District NOT the lab.
  • Payment can be made by cheque or cash. Credit cards will not be accepted.

For more information contact the Seine-Rat River Conservation District at 204-424-5845.

Download the Province of Manitoba Well Water Testing Fact Sheet