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. |