After a strong show of interest from Islanders attending drinking water testing clinics, the Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry is adding a second round of seven clinics offering free tests for water nitrate content.
The clinics bring the analytical capacity of the department’s water-testing specialists to communities around the province, making testing simple and convenient. People curious about the nitrate content of their water can simply bring a one-cup sample to their nearest clinic.
The first round of clinics was offered in November and December, following an early recommendation of the Commission on Nitrates in Groundwater, which is developing a strategy to address the issue of nitrate concentrations in water. In each case, government is partnering with local watershed groups to organize clinics and allow residents to better understand water quality issues.
The first round of free testing drew a total of 1,020 samples at clinics held in Souris, Pooles Corner, New London and Elmsdale. A fifth clinic had been scheduled for Kinkora but was postponed due to weather conditions; that clinic will be offered in Kinkora January 12, at the start of the second round of testing.
“We established these clinics to give Islanders a chance to know more about the quality of their drinking water. This second round of testing gives more people the chance to have their water tested for nitrates,” said the Honourable George Webster, Minister of Environment, Energy & Forestry.
Preliminary results from nitrate clinics held thus far indicate the average for nitrates in groundwater is between 4 and 5 Mg/L of nitrate (NO3-N). However, nitrate levels vary widely within any given region. These results are consistent with previous findings.
This service provides an instant report on the levels of nitrates in the samples provided by local citizens. If this screening test shows high concentrations of nitrate, there follow-up testing will be available at no charge.
The Honourable Armand DesRoches, Chair of the Commission on Nitrates in Groundwater, will report to the Premier by June 2008. Premier Robert Ghiz has made the commitment to table the report in the Legislature.
Clinics will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the following locations:
January 12 - Kinkora Kanata Club
January 19 - Murray River Community Hall
January 26 - Fort Augustus Rec Centre
February 2 - Bluefield High School
February 9 - Covehead, North Shore Community Centre
February 16 - Miscouche Rec Centre
February 23 - Richmond, Ralph MacLennan Sports Centre
For information on nitrates and the work of the Commission on Nitrates in Groundwater, visit the commission website at www.gov.pe.ca/CommissiononNitrates or call 1-866-368-5044.
For more information on nitrate clinics, contact: David Clark, Nitrate Clinic Coordinator, (902) 569-0573, daclark@gov.pe.ca .