The event will take place at the Conservation Halton office at 2596 Britannia Rd. W. in Lowville.

Those interested are invited to drop in anytime between 3:30 and 9 p. m.

The health department believes the session is important because according to its 2007 rural well water survey, 43 per cent of samples taken from dug wells and 31 per cent of samples taken from drilled wells were contaminated with bacteria and considered unsafe to drink.

“Prevention is the best way to protect your family against any diseases,” said Halton Medical Officer of Health Dr. Bob Nosal. “We encourage owners of private wells to take advantage of these information sessions.”

Residents who attend the information session will have an opportunity to:

• Talk to public health inspectors about well water quality concerns

• Bring one cup of well water in a sterilized jar to have it tested for nitrates

• Drop off a sample to be sent in for bacteria testing. Call the Region at (905) 825-6000 or visit www.halton.ca/health to find out where to get an approved water sample bottle.

• Pick up approved water sample bottles for future bacteria testing

• Learn about water treatment systems such as ultra violet, reverse osmosis and chlorination from water treatment company representatives

• Talk to staff from the Region’s Planning and Public Works department to discuss water conservation principles

• Observe well drilling equipment and learn about well drilling from professionals from the Ontario Ground Water Association

• Learn the results from the 2007 well water study.

For more information contact the Region at (905) 825-6000 or visit www.halton.ca/health .