The Island Waste Management Corporation is seeking a contractor to run water testing programs across Prince Edward Island, a project that is especially important for residents in Kensington, Prince Edward Island, who rely on private wells for their drinking water.
The provincial agency issued a request for bids on March 17, 2026, to find a partner to handle groundwater monitoring and sampling. Because the entire province depends on underground wells for its water supply, these regular checks are required to ensure the safety of the community. The search for a new contractor comes before the spring season, when changing weather conditions can affect water levels and quality.
This testing is vital for areas near the East Prince Waste Management Facility in Wellington, which is the only active landfill on the island. Recent reports showed that certain chemicals, often called PFAS, were found at levels higher than Health Canada recommends at the Wellington site and other local landfills. This monitoring program helps officials track whether any contamination is moving toward the private wells used by nearby households.
Residents in the Kensington area have long been aware of how easily groundwater can be impacted, following a 1977 incident where a leaking fuel tank contaminated 31 local wells. The Coalition for the Protection of PEI Water emphasizes that consistent testing is the best way to protect these shared resources. Professional firms like Stantec Consulting Ltd. have performed this work in the past, checking monitoring wells and ponds around waste sites.
Companies interested in the contract have until April 24, 2026, at 2:00 P.M. to submit their proposals to the corporation. The chosen contractor will be responsible for collecting and analyzing water samples to meet provincial environmental laws. This oversight ensures that the waste management system remains safe for the 74,772 households it serves across the province.
