NLIS 5
May 11, 2001
(Executive Council)

Premier will release draft water report in two weeks

Premier Roger Grimes today said that in approximately two weeks he will release a 2001 report on the status of public water supplies in Newfoundland and Labrador. Simultaneously, he will release the 1996 draft report on water quality which has received public attention again in recent days. 

"As I have stated publically, the 1996 report is a draft document which was never finalized because there was disagreement among officials from various departments about its content. Furthermore, the data in that report is dated, and I want to focus on the current situation of the province's drinking water. The Department of Environment has been preparing a new report for several weeks, and I will release both reports at the same time so that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians can get a clear understanding of our province's public water supplies," said Premier Grimes.

"The situation today is much different than it was five years ago with respect to water. Today, the sampling, testing and analysis has expanded and the frequency at which it is conducted has increased. We take a multi-barrier approach to protecting water supplies," said the premier.

Premier Grimes explained that all data on water quality collected by government is publically available. Results of the chemical and physical testing conducted by the Department of Environment are posted on the government Web site and are also sent directly to the municipalities and communities that participate in the testing. Microbiological testing is conducted by the Department of Government Services and Lands. All results are forwarded to affected communities. In a case where higher than accepted amounts of coliforms or chlorine deficiencies are found, the results are immediately communicated to the communities for appropriate action. Information is also passed along to regional medical officers of health to advise that action has been taken with the community, and for any follow up that may be necessary by the public health system. People can also contact the Department of Environment or the Government Service Centre in their area directly to receive a copy of the results or to discuss particular concerns about water in their area. 

"Government has an inter-departmental process for dealing with water. The departments of Environment, Government Services and Lands, Health and Community Services and Municipal and Provincial Affairs are all working together to ensure that the residents of our province have continued access to clean and safe drinking water. I want to assure all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians that, as premier, I will take whatever measures are necessary to ensure that the drinking water for people of Newfoundland and Labrador is safe."

Media contact: Carl Cooper, (709) 729-3960.

2001 05 11                                        2:15 p.m.