Health/Environment--Residents Face Minimal Risk

Residents living in communities with higher levels of trihalomethanes in certain municipal water supplies are facing only a minimal risk, said Dr. Jeff Scott, the province's medical officer of health.

If people have any questions about health concerns, they should contact their local medical officer of health. For information concerning the survey and testing, contact Dave Briggins at Department of the Environment at 902-424-2571.

Trihalomethane, or THM, is a common problem in surface water supplies across Canada. THMs are created when surface water containing organics is chlorinated for drinking water. There is some concern among experts in Canada that THMs may pose a risk in the development of cancer.

"The risk is small but we want it to be smaller," said Dr. Scott. "We will continue to work with the Department of Environment as they learn more about the tests results."

The Environment department recently conducted the first of four tests in communities as part of its mandate to ensure the safety of drinking water. The initial test results show that there are some communities with higher levels of THM. The department will monitor the situation and conduct further tests before next summer.

Residents who may want to take extra precautions can use bottled water or an appropriate filter. Boiling water is not an effective solution.

Water was tested during times when THM levels are usually highest. The Department of the Environment informed the municipalities of its results last month. Municipalities with high readings were personally contacted.

Environment advised municipalities that they should make this information available to their customers and provided a question- and-answer fact sheet.

Today the department faxed out another letter concerning THM readings to those municipalities that tested high. Further to information water utilities at municipalities had already received, they were asked to assist in helping dispel any public fear.

Mr. Briggins, Environment's water quality specialist, said the next round of sampling is scheduled for mid-January. It will be the second of four tests required to determine if municipal THM levels actually exceed Canada's drinking water quality guideline for this substance.