July 30, 2010
Province Will Continue to Subsidize Private Well-water Tests
– – –Well-water Users Advised to Test Wells
The Manitoba government will continue to cover 100 per cent of the costs of precautionary bacterial tests for well-water users, Water Stewardship Minister Christine Melnick announced today.
“The heavy rainfalls we have experienced across the province this spring and summer appear to have affected the water quality in a number of wells,” said Melnick. “Reliable, clean drinking water is important and we are encouraging private well owners to test their wells to determine if they need to take steps to improve water quality and address potentially harmful bacteria.”
Recent tests show higher-than-average numbers of private wells in southern Manitoba have tested positive for bacteria. In some areas as many as two-thirds of the well-water samples tested positive for total coliforms and one-quarter tested positive for E. coli. Bacterial contamination has been found even in areas where aquifers have been considered relatively well protected.
Manitoba’s chief public health officer recommends that Manitobans test their wells for bacterial contamination. Manitobans who are concerned about the bacterial safety of their well water should consume boiled water or an appropriate alternative water source such as bottled water until test results for their well water are satisfactory.
The subsidized testing program was to end July 31 and is being extended to Aug. 31.
Water samples should be marked 2010 Flood and sent to Maxxam Analytics, Unit D, 675 Berry St., Winnipeg, MB R3H 1A7. More information is also available at 204-772-7276 or toll-free at 1-800-665-8566.
For further details on water testing, contact the local Manitoba Water Stewardship or Manitoba Conservation office, the Manitoba Office of Drinking Water at 204-945-5762 or 1-888-315-9257 (toll-free) or Health Links-Info Santé at 204-788-8200.
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