VANCOUVER
Water Testing Laboratory
Water Test Labs for the Vancouver Area
Water Resource Center for Water Testing in Vancouver
Vancouver | South Vancouver | North Vancouver | West Vancouver | Richmond
Water Resource Center for Water Testing in Vancouver
Vancouver | South Vancouver | North Vancouver | West Vancouver | Richmond
Vancouver Water Testing Laboratory
Should I Have My Water Tested in Vancouver?
This is a very commonly asked question, it really depends on a few factors. If you have a private water source or a water well in Vancouver and if, the quality of the water concerns your health and the health of your family, you need to be aware of some important facts about water testing and water quality of private systems. If your water is drawn from private water well in Vancouver either a drilled water well or a shallow well, it should be tested by a water testing laboratory to verify your water is safe to use for normal domestic purposes, such as drinking water, cooking, washing of food, bathing, pets, etc. Who's Responsible for Testing My Water in Vancouver? For those who have a private water well or water supply, the responsibility for safety and treatment is the sole responsibility of the homeowner. Are you a home owner in the Vancouver area with private water well? You are solely responsible for assuring the safety of your water, as is the same throughout British Columbia. |
Vancouver Water Testing Laboratory - Contaminated Water Can Make You Sick
Unsafe drinking water can make you and others ill. Even if you’re not affected right now, your well water may not be safe for human consumption. Some contaminants found in water can cause long term health concerns. Have there been unexplained illnesses in your home?
In addition to possibly becoming sick, a variety of less concerning water quality issues such as taste, colour, odor and staining of clothing or fixtures are a possible indication of poor water quality.
Also to consider is the location of your water well in relation to a septic-system and the composition of your home’s plumbing materials.
Even if you are not on a water well do you have a home with older plumbing perhaps with lead or brass fittings? Have you considered testing your Vancouver tap water for lead?
Unsafe drinking water can make you and others ill. Even if you’re not affected right now, your well water may not be safe for human consumption. Some contaminants found in water can cause long term health concerns. Have there been unexplained illnesses in your home?
In addition to possibly becoming sick, a variety of less concerning water quality issues such as taste, colour, odor and staining of clothing or fixtures are a possible indication of poor water quality.
Also to consider is the location of your water well in relation to a septic-system and the composition of your home’s plumbing materials.
Even if you are not on a water well do you have a home with older plumbing perhaps with lead or brass fittings? Have you considered testing your Vancouver tap water for lead?

How Can Water Become Contaminated?
Disease-causing organisms can be carried in the digestive-system of humans and animals. These organisms can enter surface-water sources from species of animals like cows, bears, or beavers, or from possible human sources, such as septic systems, runoff, sewage pipes and landfills just to name a few land-use sources.
Contaminated drinking water can spread water-borne diseases. Even deep drilled wells in the Vancouver or Richmond may be vulnerable and susceptible to contamination.
Vancouver Water Testing Laboratory - What is a Water-Borne Disease?
Water-borne diseases are caused by drinking contaminated water with bacteria, viruses or small parasites (protozoa). These bacteria are very small, even sub-micron and cannot be tasted, smelled, or seen. Some more common examples of water-borne diseases are Campylobacter, Cholera, Amoebic Dysentery, Cryptosporidium or Giardia (Beaver Fever)
Why Is It Important to Test Your Vancouver Water Well?
Every private water well is completely independent from surrounding wells, you may think that because your neighbors well has been tested and found to be safe, yours is too. This does not mean that your water quality is safe for consumption too. The safety of your well water depends on surrounding land-use and underground geology, the depth and construction of the well may play a factor but there are others such as leaking water well casings that are common throughout British Columbia.
Disease-causing organisms can be carried in the digestive-system of humans and animals. These organisms can enter surface-water sources from species of animals like cows, bears, or beavers, or from possible human sources, such as septic systems, runoff, sewage pipes and landfills just to name a few land-use sources.
Contaminated drinking water can spread water-borne diseases. Even deep drilled wells in the Vancouver or Richmond may be vulnerable and susceptible to contamination.
Vancouver Water Testing Laboratory - What is a Water-Borne Disease?
Water-borne diseases are caused by drinking contaminated water with bacteria, viruses or small parasites (protozoa). These bacteria are very small, even sub-micron and cannot be tasted, smelled, or seen. Some more common examples of water-borne diseases are Campylobacter, Cholera, Amoebic Dysentery, Cryptosporidium or Giardia (Beaver Fever)
Why Is It Important to Test Your Vancouver Water Well?
Every private water well is completely independent from surrounding wells, you may think that because your neighbors well has been tested and found to be safe, yours is too. This does not mean that your water quality is safe for consumption too. The safety of your well water depends on surrounding land-use and underground geology, the depth and construction of the well may play a factor but there are others such as leaking water well casings that are common throughout British Columbia.
Why Might My Water Not Be Safe?
The water from your well may taste and apprear fine, however, there may be many harmful substances that you don't see, taste, or smell, such as bacteria and chemicals that can affect human health. These contaminants can enter a water well both from the surface and the ground, they can be from natural sources or human activities.
Greater Vancouver farming and agricultural activities or septic systems may affect water quality, if built or maintained improperly they can lead to increased nitrates and even fertilizer seeping quickly into soil and contaminating a water well.
Poor water well maintenance may also cause contamination of well water, it's important to maintain your well and test you well water for safety.
Richmond Water Testing Laboratory - How Often Should a Well Be Tested?
Private water wells in Vancouver or Richmond area should be tested at minimum of once-a-year. Drinking water sources obtained from shallow wells (dug wells) and surface water sources should be tested more often (i.e. seasonally), they are far more susceptible to contamination. It would be wise to not drink raw-water from a shallow well unless it's quality was absolutely assured.
It's important to test drinking water at the tap and at the source. Testing both will help you determine if your home water treatment system is performing as required, the result will also indicate if quality of the raw water has changed.
Testing is best during the wet seasons, the rainy season will cause an elevated potential for contamination... far higher than the dry summer months.
The water from your well may taste and apprear fine, however, there may be many harmful substances that you don't see, taste, or smell, such as bacteria and chemicals that can affect human health. These contaminants can enter a water well both from the surface and the ground, they can be from natural sources or human activities.
Greater Vancouver farming and agricultural activities or septic systems may affect water quality, if built or maintained improperly they can lead to increased nitrates and even fertilizer seeping quickly into soil and contaminating a water well.
Poor water well maintenance may also cause contamination of well water, it's important to maintain your well and test you well water for safety.
Richmond Water Testing Laboratory - How Often Should a Well Be Tested?
Private water wells in Vancouver or Richmond area should be tested at minimum of once-a-year. Drinking water sources obtained from shallow wells (dug wells) and surface water sources should be tested more often (i.e. seasonally), they are far more susceptible to contamination. It would be wise to not drink raw-water from a shallow well unless it's quality was absolutely assured.
It's important to test drinking water at the tap and at the source. Testing both will help you determine if your home water treatment system is performing as required, the result will also indicate if quality of the raw water has changed.
Testing is best during the wet seasons, the rainy season will cause an elevated potential for contamination... far higher than the dry summer months.
Water Testing in Vancouver & Water Quality Changes

You should test your well water if you suddenly notice changes in your water (ex: strong colour, odor or a change in taste or clarity) especially after a heavy downpour of rain or flooding.
For this reason, being registered for a routine water testing program with a Vancouver Water Testing Laboratory and testing for a few of the most common contaminants on a regular basis is highly recommended.
Even if your water supply is currently deemed safe, regular water testing is important as it establishes a track-record of the quality of water from your well. Keeping a water quality record can be very useful when solving any future problems and in obtaining compensation if somehow your water supply becomes damaged.
Keeping regular water quality records for your water well is extremely important when selling real estate in Vancouver with a private water source, most wells are tested for water quality and inspected upon-the-sale of a property. Having a file or water testing reports available will certainly indicate whether you can expect to have a water well issue when attempting to sell your property.
For this reason, being registered for a routine water testing program with a Vancouver Water Testing Laboratory and testing for a few of the most common contaminants on a regular basis is highly recommended.
Even if your water supply is currently deemed safe, regular water testing is important as it establishes a track-record of the quality of water from your well. Keeping a water quality record can be very useful when solving any future problems and in obtaining compensation if somehow your water supply becomes damaged.
Keeping regular water quality records for your water well is extremely important when selling real estate in Vancouver with a private water source, most wells are tested for water quality and inspected upon-the-sale of a property. Having a file or water testing reports available will certainly indicate whether you can expect to have a water well issue when attempting to sell your property.
Do You Have a New Baby in the Home?
Testing your water for nitrate in the early months of pregnancy is important and again prior to bringing a new-born home, it might be warranted in some areas to repeat the nitrate test during the first 6-months of the infant's life. The best time to test for nitrate is during the spring or summer following a rainy period.
Does Your Vancouver Water Have a Odor, Taste or a Staining Issue?
Testing for sulfide, chloride, iron (Fe), manganese (Mg), water hardness and corrosion, every 2 to 4 years is generally acceptable. If you suspect other contaminants include them in the test, the water testing cost does not increase greatly when checking a additional contaminates.
Experienced a Chemical or Fuel Spill or Leak Near Your Water Supply?
Water Testing will be necessary for chemical contaminants, such as volatile organic-compounds. This specific type of water testing can be costly; limit the tests to the potential issues that are considered specific to your water supply.
Consult with your Vancouver Water Testing Laboratory or speak with an expert.
Contact Vancouver drilling contractors if you've had a chemical spill near a well for further advice.
Testing your water for nitrate in the early months of pregnancy is important and again prior to bringing a new-born home, it might be warranted in some areas to repeat the nitrate test during the first 6-months of the infant's life. The best time to test for nitrate is during the spring or summer following a rainy period.
Does Your Vancouver Water Have a Odor, Taste or a Staining Issue?
Testing for sulfide, chloride, iron (Fe), manganese (Mg), water hardness and corrosion, every 2 to 4 years is generally acceptable. If you suspect other contaminants include them in the test, the water testing cost does not increase greatly when checking a additional contaminates.
Experienced a Chemical or Fuel Spill or Leak Near Your Water Supply?
Water Testing will be necessary for chemical contaminants, such as volatile organic-compounds. This specific type of water testing can be costly; limit the tests to the potential issues that are considered specific to your water supply.
Consult with your Vancouver Water Testing Laboratory or speak with an expert.
Contact Vancouver drilling contractors if you've had a chemical spill near a well for further advice.
Where Can I Have My Water Tested in Vancouver?
It's important to only use an accredited, certified analytical water testing lab in Richmond for water testing. A certified lab will generally have invested several million dollars in professional water testing and analytical equipment, lab technicians, scientists and a large laboratory facility.
Who Should Not Be Controlling Water Samples?
About Water Tests and Home Water Treatment Services
Many home water treatment companies in British Columbia provide in-house water test services as a method of capturing leads for home water treatment systems. Testing of water could be done in a small room with inexpensive mass market water testing kits that are not certified for professional use. A water treatment company may accept water samples by becoming a 3rd party to the samples by sending the water samples to an accredited water testing lab.
Once possession of water samples is given to another party (water treatment company) they will often manage the Chain of Custody (COC) which gives them full control of the water samples and the water test report. There is no guarantee that the water samples will not be tampered with or contaminated triggering a failed drinking water test report which may not be accurate.
There are numerous reasons why water tests initiated by home water treatment companies is can be questionable and should be avoided due to a possible conflict of interest because of the lack of accreditation and a host of other issues. You've heard the saying, "a fox in the chicken-coop?"
Home water treatment companies are in the business of selling and installing home water treatment systems, giving reason why they handle water tests when possible, but as mentioned the documented results may not be legitimate. It's pretty much buyer beware - manage your water samples, keep your samples at arms-length.
It's really not unlike blood-testing, everything is independent and always kept at arm's length. The Doc is not sampling your blood, handling your lab work then selling you some little green pills in the backroom - right? The same really holds true with your water samples!
Real Estate and Water Testing in Vancouver
It's important to only use an accredited, certified analytical water testing lab in Richmond for water testing. A certified lab will generally have invested several million dollars in professional water testing and analytical equipment, lab technicians, scientists and a large laboratory facility.
Who Should Not Be Controlling Water Samples?
About Water Tests and Home Water Treatment Services
Many home water treatment companies in British Columbia provide in-house water test services as a method of capturing leads for home water treatment systems. Testing of water could be done in a small room with inexpensive mass market water testing kits that are not certified for professional use. A water treatment company may accept water samples by becoming a 3rd party to the samples by sending the water samples to an accredited water testing lab.
Once possession of water samples is given to another party (water treatment company) they will often manage the Chain of Custody (COC) which gives them full control of the water samples and the water test report. There is no guarantee that the water samples will not be tampered with or contaminated triggering a failed drinking water test report which may not be accurate.
There are numerous reasons why water tests initiated by home water treatment companies is can be questionable and should be avoided due to a possible conflict of interest because of the lack of accreditation and a host of other issues. You've heard the saying, "a fox in the chicken-coop?"
Home water treatment companies are in the business of selling and installing home water treatment systems, giving reason why they handle water tests when possible, but as mentioned the documented results may not be legitimate. It's pretty much buyer beware - manage your water samples, keep your samples at arms-length.
It's really not unlike blood-testing, everything is independent and always kept at arm's length. The Doc is not sampling your blood, handling your lab work then selling you some little green pills in the backroom - right? The same really holds true with your water samples!
Real Estate and Water Testing in Vancouver

I have almost 30 years of experience with real estate and water well consulting, I have no tolerance for real estate agents who like to manage their client's water samples.
It’s a serious conflict of interest in my opinion and likely that of any lawyer in the know, it's not good for the the buyer or the seller.
Fortunately most but not all agents never consider sampling water on behalf of a purchaser, they understand the potential of liability is just to great.
Most real estate deals in Vancouver that include a water well on the property may not be sampled for testing until a week or 2 prior to completion of sale, sometimes not at all.
No one is interested in a failed water quality report, especially the real estate agent. A water report failure can cause a few problems including the loss of a sale or often unexpected delays.
Water Samples and Conflict of Interest Concerns
It's even occurred when water samples have not be taken from the "subject property" but instead replaced with a potable water sample containing a chlorine residual (from a city water tap), naturally a purchaser would never suspect tampering with samples, it's a known tactic in the real estate profession. It's obvious why agents will generally not become entangled with water testing.
We could have a long discussion about real estate and water wells, please know that my advice is supported by many years of experience. Regardless, if you’re the purchaser or the vendor, it doesn’t matter - control your samples.
Also, if purchasing property in Vancouver with a private water system don't accept previous water testing laboratory reports for the same reasons as I've mentioned. Water well problems can literally cost thousands of dollars to repair or even replace, many purchasers unknowingly inherit water well issues when they take possession of a property.
If you require water testing in Vancouver it’s vital to control water samples from the beginning. With complete and easy sampling instructions, you’re very capable of requesting a water testing kit and sampling your own water.
Submitting your completed water testing kit to a lab isn't complicated either. Vancouver Water Testing Services has a simple system that makes water sampling quick and easy for just about anyone.
It’s a serious conflict of interest in my opinion and likely that of any lawyer in the know, it's not good for the the buyer or the seller.
Fortunately most but not all agents never consider sampling water on behalf of a purchaser, they understand the potential of liability is just to great.
Most real estate deals in Vancouver that include a water well on the property may not be sampled for testing until a week or 2 prior to completion of sale, sometimes not at all.
No one is interested in a failed water quality report, especially the real estate agent. A water report failure can cause a few problems including the loss of a sale or often unexpected delays.
Water Samples and Conflict of Interest Concerns
It's even occurred when water samples have not be taken from the "subject property" but instead replaced with a potable water sample containing a chlorine residual (from a city water tap), naturally a purchaser would never suspect tampering with samples, it's a known tactic in the real estate profession. It's obvious why agents will generally not become entangled with water testing.
We could have a long discussion about real estate and water wells, please know that my advice is supported by many years of experience. Regardless, if you’re the purchaser or the vendor, it doesn’t matter - control your samples.
Also, if purchasing property in Vancouver with a private water system don't accept previous water testing laboratory reports for the same reasons as I've mentioned. Water well problems can literally cost thousands of dollars to repair or even replace, many purchasers unknowingly inherit water well issues when they take possession of a property.
If you require water testing in Vancouver it’s vital to control water samples from the beginning. With complete and easy sampling instructions, you’re very capable of requesting a water testing kit and sampling your own water.
Submitting your completed water testing kit to a lab isn't complicated either. Vancouver Water Testing Services has a simple system that makes water sampling quick and easy for just about anyone.
Water Testing in Vancouver
Vancouver Water Testing Services is a simple online system that solves water testing issues by removing the complications and confusion.
Water Testing Laboratory for Vancouver
Water testing laboratories generally require the use of their sample containers. Use the containers provided and carefully follow the instructions given for collecting, preserving and handling water samples. The number of water samples to be drawn will completely depend on the water test kit and required tests.
What is the Cost for Water Testing in Vancouver?
The cost of testing your water in Vancouver is determined by the scope of the water test kit and testing package you choose. Water test can range from a basic coli form test to a full drinking water quality package. Many people opt for a mid-range package through a Vancouver Water Testing Laboratory.
Vancouver Water Testing Laboratory - How Do I Order My Water Test Kit?
Water testing kits are easy to order online, they are provided as a complete package with a prepaid shipping label to return the completed water test kit back to the lab. Vancouver Water Testing Service has done a great job of simplifying the entire water testing process while giving full-control of a water testing kit to the property owner.
Vancouver Drinking Water & Water Quality Resources
Canadian Drinking Water Guidelines
Approved Water Quality Guidelines for British Columbia
Vancouver Coastal Health - Drinking Water
Vancouver Water Testing Laboratory Directory
Vancouver Well Drilling Services and Resources
Water Testing Laboratory for Vancouver
Water testing laboratories generally require the use of their sample containers. Use the containers provided and carefully follow the instructions given for collecting, preserving and handling water samples. The number of water samples to be drawn will completely depend on the water test kit and required tests.
What is the Cost for Water Testing in Vancouver?
The cost of testing your water in Vancouver is determined by the scope of the water test kit and testing package you choose. Water test can range from a basic coli form test to a full drinking water quality package. Many people opt for a mid-range package through a Vancouver Water Testing Laboratory.
Vancouver Water Testing Laboratory - How Do I Order My Water Test Kit?
Water testing kits are easy to order online, they are provided as a complete package with a prepaid shipping label to return the completed water test kit back to the lab. Vancouver Water Testing Service has done a great job of simplifying the entire water testing process while giving full-control of a water testing kit to the property owner.
Vancouver Drinking Water & Water Quality Resources
Canadian Drinking Water Guidelines
Approved Water Quality Guidelines for British Columbia
Vancouver Coastal Health - Drinking Water
Vancouver Water Testing Laboratory Directory
Vancouver Well Drilling Services and Resources
VANCOUVER WATER TESTING SERVICES:
Vancouver Water Testing Services Includes: Vancouver | North Vancouver | West Vancouver | Richmond Contact Vancouver Water Testing Website: Vancouver Water Testing Services Phone: 604-670-3033 - Water Testing Laboratory Division |
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VANCOUVER WATER TESTING LABORATORY DIRECTORY
Vancouver Water Testing Laboratory: West Point Grey | Kitsilano | Arbutus Ridge | Dunbar | Kerrisdale | Mount Pleasant | Oak Ridge | Marpole | Sunset | South Vancouver | Hastings | Eastside | Killarney
North Vancouver Water Testing Laboratory: Lynn Valley | West Lynn | Capilano Highlands | Canyon Heights | Deep Cove | Cove Cliff | Forest Hills | Delbrook | North Lonsdale | Dollarton
West Vancouver Water Testing Laboratory: Sentinal Hill | Cedardale | Park Royal | Hollyburn | Dundarave | Westmount | Sandy Cove | Cypress Park | Caulfield | Eagle Harbor | Glen Eagles | Horseshoe Bay
Richmond Water Testing Laboratory: Water Testing for Richmond and the surrounding communities.
North Vancouver Water Testing Laboratory: Lynn Valley | West Lynn | Capilano Highlands | Canyon Heights | Deep Cove | Cove Cliff | Forest Hills | Delbrook | North Lonsdale | Dollarton
West Vancouver Water Testing Laboratory: Sentinal Hill | Cedardale | Park Royal | Hollyburn | Dundarave | Westmount | Sandy Cove | Cypress Park | Caulfield | Eagle Harbor | Glen Eagles | Horseshoe Bay
Richmond Water Testing Laboratory: Water Testing for Richmond and the surrounding communities.