NLIS 2
June 13, 2005
(Environment and Conservation)


Well owners reminded to test their water wells

Tom Osborne, Minister of Environment and Conservation, today reminded private well owners in the province to test their wells to ensure the water is safe for drinking.

"Spring is a good time for well owners to test their wells and make sure that the water is clean and safe to consume," said Minister Osborne. " Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who own private wells are responsible for ensuring their wells are properly constructed, maintained and tested regularly. Testing should be done when chances of contamination are greatest such as after heavy rains, floods or long periods without use."

Wells should be tested every six months for bacteria. Wells should also be tested at least once for impurities such as arsenic, uranium, lead, fluoride, barium and nitrate. Testing should be done more often if changes in colour, taste and clarity are detected or if chemical testings show higher levels of impurities. If an owner believes their well water may be contaminated with bacteria, the water should be boiled for one minute before drinking it.

Well owners are also reminded that a special sterile bottle should be used for bacteria testing which can be obtained from Government Service Centres around the province or the Newfoundland Public Health Laboratory (Leonard A. Miller Centre) in St. John�s. Bacterial water quality testing is a free service provided by the Department of Health and Community Services. Chemical samples should be brought to an accredited laboratory for testing. A standard set of chemical tests currently costs about $175.

Minister Osborne added: "Government takes the issue of safe drinking water very seriously, no matter what the source. We all have to do our part to ensure our water is clean and safe to drink and, therefore, we want to encourage private well owners in the province to always test their wells regularly and treat it if necessary."

The minister noted that officials in the Water Resources Division of the Department of Environment and Conservation or from Government Services throughout the province are available to provide advice concerning private water wells or test results. Brochures on wells are also available at Government Service Centres or on the provincial government Web site at: www.env.gov.nl.ca/Env/env/waterres/Groundwater/brouchure.asp

Media contact: Sonia Glover, Communications, (709) 729-2575, 685-6612

2005 06 13                                       11:05 a.m.


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