Second THM Test to Begin in Early January

The Department of the Environment announced today that further testing in 18 Nova Scotia communities that recorded high levels of trihalomethane, or THM, will start in early January.

Scheduled testing, as a follow up to the first round of sampling, will be completed by mid-January. Presently, the department is also co-operating with municipalities to explore new water treatment options and other ways of reducing THMs.

Environment Minister Ron Russell said the recent attention about high levels of THMs is not painting a full picture to people in those communities.

"A lot of people are worried about what these tests mean. These tests are the amber light. We have to proceed with caution. We need to actively continue monitoring and assessing drinking water supplies," said Mr. Russell.

Mr. Russell said places like Bridgewater, New Glasgow and Windsor are already in the process of upgrading their facilities.

"This is an issue that was identified in last year's State of the Environment report. Since then, the department has been taking steps to reduce these levels," he said.

According to official Health Canada drinking water guidelines, the requirements call for quarterly testing over a year. Those samples are then averaged to get a true indication of THM levels.

To date, only one test has been recorded. It was taken in late summer when the highest levels were expected. The production of THM is generally increased by hotter temperatures and more bacteria growth. High readings for THMs are created when organics like decaying leaves are high. The new tests, in mid-January, are expected to be lower.

In the meantime, people who are concerned about the risk, which is categorized as very small, may choose to use bottled water or an appropriate carbon filter.