Web Archive
July 28, 2009
For immediate release
More Than 300 Tests To Date at Free Nitrate Clinics
Environment, Energy & Forestry
These testing clinics allow people a convenient and quick way to check the nitrate levels of their well water and it also provides the provincial government with some insight into areas where ground water nitrate can be a concern, said Richard Brown, Minister of Environment, Energy and Forestry.
This is the second year in which the department has offered nitrate clinics with a total of 16 clinics planned from Tignish to Souris. The clinics were implemented following an early recommendation from the Commission on Nitrates in Groundwater.
As of Friday, July 24, 10 clinics had been held with the following results:
Over 300 water samples were tested for nitrate-nitrogen levels with the help of local watershed group volunteers;
Of these water samples, 64% (195 samples) tested at less than 5 mg/L of nitrate-nitrogen;
11.5% (35 samples) tested at a nitrate-nitrogen level of 8 mg/L or greater and require a confirmation sample;
5% of these samples had a nitrate-nitrogen level of above the maximum acceptable concentration of 10 mg/L.
Health Canada advises that water with nitrate levels over 10 mg/L should not be drank. Households whose samples read above 8 mg/L are advised to have a second test conducted.
Upcoming nitrate testing clinics are scheduled for:
Tuesday, August 4 (2-7 p.m.), at Morell Fire Hall, in cooperation with Morell River Management Co-operative;
Wednesday, August 5 (2-7 p.m.) at Riverview Community Center (Clyde River), in cooperation with Cornwall and Area Watershed Group;
Thursday, August 6 (2-7 p.m.) at Dr. Roddy Community Center (St. Peters) in cooperation with Morell River Management Co-operative.
