Over one-third of water well test kits are showing potential contaminants

To date, over 3,000 test kits have been distributed. There are 2,000 more kits available through government.

More than 2,000 free well water chemistry test kits are still available to private well owners throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. To date, over 3,000 test kits have been distributed. Environment and Climate Change Minister Bernard Davis says one-third of those, over 1,000 samples, have tested for potential contaminants.  “They found a variety of different things like lead, uranium, cadmium, manganese, things that naturally occur but it’s nice for people in their homes to know what adjustments may be required,” he says. The Minister says the goal of this project is to help lower health risks related to consuming groundwater with naturally occurring contaminants. “It’s important that people know the quality of their drinking water,” he says. “These kits can be picked up at any Digital NL Services office and returned after the tests have been done.” Minister Davis says this pilot was launched last December to collect baseline groundwater data in Newfoundland and Labrador. “We didn’t know to be quite honest. These wells are on private property put there by someone else,” he says. “I think this free service offered by government is important for well owners and us as we look at what baseline studies exist in particular regions of the province.”  If lab reports from any form of water testing indicate exceedances in health parameters, well owners are advised to refrain from consuming water from the source, submit a second sample to an accredited lab for testing, and seek professional advice towards appropriate filtration or treatment.

For more information, visit: www.publichealthlab.ca/water-testing/