News Contamination Water Issues
Newfoundland and Labrador begin pilot testing project for province’s well owners

Newfoundland and Labrador – Chemical testing kits are being provided to private well owners in the province to collect baseline groundwater data as part of a new pilot project.

It will provide well owners with detailed information about their drinking water, in hopes of lowering the health risk to the public related to consuming groundwater with naturally occurring contaminants.

The Water Resources Management Division, with the Department of Environment and Climate Change, have collaborated with the Departments of Digital Government and Service NL, Health and Community Services and the Geological Survey, with the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology to distribute approximately 2,000 chemical test kits at various Digital Government and Service NL regional offices, and are available to be picked up at no cost to well owners.  Participants will be asked to fill out a sample record form, collect water in the bottle provided and return the completed kit to the nearest regional office. A listing of government service centres can be found here: www.gov.nl.ca/dgsnl/department/contact/#locations

In addition, a free bacteriological testing service is currently available in the province for all well owners. The service provides results of either the presence or absence for total coliform bacteria or E. coli.

“Drinking water safety is extremely important from a public health perspective and testing should be completed regularly,” Tom Osborne, minister of health and community services, said. “Private wells should be tested not only for short-term biological safety through the public health lab, but residents should also test for chemical safety to protect the health of families from long-term exposure to naturally occurring elements such as lead or arsenic. We can only address potential hazards when they are known.”

For more information, visit: publichealthlab.ca/water-testing/