Municipal Affairs and Environment
April 05, 2017

Public Advisory: Department Advises of Interruption in Chemical Water Testing in Central Region

The Department of Municipal Affairs and Environment is advising the public of an interruption in chemical water testing in the central region from June 2016 to the present. The region includes the Baie Verte Peninsula to the Notre Dame Bay area, including Fogo Island and the south coast.

Departmental staff will commence the chemical water testing process in these areas this week. Sampling is expected to be completed within 10 days and results will be made available to communities and the public. Chemical testing is used to monitor basic chemical parameters of water as well as disinfection byproducts in water systems over time.

There is no indication of a risk to public health and safety as a result of this interruption in testing. Service NL undertakes regular bacteriological testing. This testing has continued uninterrupted and appropriate corrective measures, such as boil water advisories, have been implemented, as determined necessary. Bacteriological contamination presents the most risk in causing acute waterborne illnesses.

Municipalities in this region have been advised of this issue; if residents have questions or concerns regarding water quality in communities, they are asked to contact their municipality for further information.

- 30 -

Media contact:

Lynn Robinson Municipal Affairs and Environment 709-729-5449, 691-9466 lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca

2017 04 05                              3:35 p.m.