The Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment has received results of water sample analysis from 22 homes in Alberton.
The testing was conducted as a precautionary measure after the chemical dichloropropylene was detected in a well adjacent to a strawberry field where two fumigants were applied. The well was resampled and water samples were collected from properties within a 500-foot radius.
Minister of Environment Chester Gillan said results received Monday indicate that dichloropropylene was detected in samples from the original well that tested positive, two adjacent properties, and a well of the property owner who used the fumigant. There was no detection of dichloropropylene in the other 18 wells sampled.
While there is no Canadian drinking water quality guideline for dichloropropylene, Minister Gillan said Health Canada has advised his department to use the California Environmental Protection Agency guideline at this time. The original well that tested positive in Alberton and a well of the property owner who used the fumigant were above that guideline. The others were at or below the guideline value.
"We want to continue to err on the side of caution, so we are advising all four homeowners to follow the water use guidelines recommended by Health Canada," said Minister Gillan. "At the same time, water sampling technicians will be back in Alberton Tuesday, weather permitting, to resample homes in the area where this chemical has been detected so that those homeowners whose wells tested negative for dichloropropylene can rest assured that is an accurate result."
Minister Gillan said the 22 homeowners were advised of the test results Monday afternoon. Where dichloropropylene was detected, homeowners were advised they should not use the water for drinking, cooking, bathing or showering. It can be used to wash clothes or dishes. The Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment is working with the Town of Alberton to ensure that homeowners affected have access to an alternate source of water.
Minister Gillan said his department expects further advice from Health Canada this week on the health effects of dichloropropylene in drinking water.
"Unfortunately there are no quick answers in situations like this. Much of the available information relates to acute exposure to the chemical by people who apply it. It is not often found in groundwater," said Minister Gillan. "So we need to search out more information about what happens if dichloropropylene enters groundwater, whether it persists or breaks down quickly. That will tell us what our next steps will be."
On another front, Minister Gillan said his department is continuing to work with Agriculture and Forestry to identify other areas where dichloropropylene has been used. To date, one other field has been identified. Samples from the well of the property owner and immediately adjacent properties have been sent for analysis.
The Minister of Environment added that Government will look at whether restrictions on the use of dichloropropylene are required as more information is gathered on the chemical and its impact on groundwater.