Extensive overland flooding in southeastern Manitoba in recent weeks has caused some wells to become contaminated. Jodi Goerzen, District Manager of the Seine/Rat River Conservation District, says people in the affected areas will want to have their water tested.

"We actually do have quite a bit of groundwater infiltrating wells and it's causing some water quality issues in those wells with E.coli and coliform bacteria. We really want people to be aware of that, to take precautions and have their water tested."

Goerzen says the conservation district is offering free water testing on November 7th for residents of all member municipalities. Samples must be collected that day and

be dropped off at participating municipal offices and locations by 10:00 a.m. There's more information on the conservation district's website.

Goerzen also urges anyone with concerns to contact the Office of Drinking Water with the Province of Manitoba.

"There is an office in Steinbach. Ryan Hewitt is a great contact. They are the experts when it comes to drinking water safety."

She adds contamination can often be cleared with a chlorination treatment.

"Generally, the first line of defence is a shock chlorination treatment. Anyone that deals with wells can perform that for you or you can do it yourself, following the Province of Manitoba guidelines. Just contact the Office of Drinking Water."