Residents Reminded to Check Their Drinking Water

ENVIRONMENT/LABOUR--Residents Reminded to Check Their Drinking Water

All residents whose properties have been affected by recent flooding are reminded that swiftly moving and deep flood water can impact the quality of their well water.

If the well is not tightly capped, sediment and flood water could enter the well and contaminate it. Wells that are more than 10 years old, or less than 50 feet deep are more likely to be contaminated, even if there is no apparent damage.

Residents should not use their well water supply for drinking, cooking, or bathing until the well water has been tested and rendered satisfactory.

A list of certified water testing laboratories is available on the Department of Environment and Labour's Web site at
www.gov.ns.ca/enla/water . Residents who have questions should contact their local environment office.