Wednesday, April 02, 2014
Grey Bruce Health Unit
Time to Get Your Water Tested
With the arrival of spring, the warmer weather can bring spring-melt and flooding. Lots of surface water and high groundwater can foul private wells and drinking water systems.
With that in mind, the Grey Bruce Health Unit advises anyone using a private drinking water system to have their water tested.
A recent study by Public Health Ontario Laboratories showed that two of six regions in the province with higher than average rates of E Coli contamination are in Grey Bruce. Both areas are on, or close to, the Niagara Escarpment. The study noted that further work is required to positively identify the causes, but it seems likely that the escarpment features of shallow soils and fractured bedrock increase the chances for surface water to affect drinking water supplies.
Regardless of where you live, if your drinking water comes from a private supply, make sure that it is tested this spring and at least three to four times a year. Free testing for E Coli and Total Coliform are conducted by the Public Health Laboratory. Water sampling bottle pick-up and drop-off locations are available throughout Grey Bruce.
For further information, call Public Health at 519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 or visit our website at http://www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca/Water/Private_Drinking/
Media Contact:
Andrew Barton
Manager, Safe Water
Grey Bruce Health Unit
519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext 1353
a.barton@publichealthgreybruce.on.ca
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