Minister of Environment and Energy Jamie Ballem has announced changes in water testing services that will make it more convenient for Islanders throughout the province to get their water tested.
In the past, water samples had to be dropped off at Access PEI centres prior to 10 a.m. the day of collection. With a new collection schedule that comes into effect Monday, October 4, Islanders have much more flexibility in when they sample their water. Samples can be dropped off until 3:30 p.m. Mondays to Thursdays and 12 noon Fridays.
“As part of the Drinking Water Strategy, we have been encouraging Islanders who rely on their own well for their drinking water to get their water tested at least once a year. These changes make it more convenient for homeowners to do that,” said Minister Ballem.
“The other major advantage is that the new schedule allows our drinking water technicians to provide better service to Islanders. They will now be working out of regional offices and will be able to spend more time helping homeowners identify and solve water quality problems.”
Over the last three years, three new drinking water technician positions have been created through the Province’s Drinking Water Strategy. These individuals provide advice to homeowners who are experiencing water quality problems. One drinking water technician works out of the Access PEI sites in Montague and Souris, one works out of Access PEI Summerside, and one will be located at Access PEI Alberton by the end of October. There are also two drinking water technicians who work out of Charlottetown.
Approximately 57 per cent of Islanders rely on their own well for their water supply. Minister Ballem said having their water tested on a regular basis is an important part of household maintenance for these Islanders.
“While the natural groundwater quality in Prince Edward Island is very good, we do sometimes encounter problems in tapping the resource. Water testing helps identify exactly where the problems are so that they can be fixed,” he said.
Water sample bottles are available at all Access PEI sites. Samples are picked up daily at Access PEI O’Leary, Summerside and Charlottetown; Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the Montague site; Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at Souris; and Tuesdays at Access PEI sites in Tignish, Alberton and Wellington.
For further information on water testing, Islanders can call the Department of Environment and Energy at 368-5044 or toll free 1-866-368-5044.