Garland Water to be Investigated

The Department of Environment and Labour will continue to investigate the source of water pollution for residents on their own private wells in Garland, Kings County.

Some residents are concerned about fecal coliform levels in their drinking water in the small Annapolis Valley community of about 30 houses.

"Locating the source has been very difficult," said Dave Wigmore, the department's Western Region manager. "However, we are committed to finding out what is causing the problem and, at the same time, helping protect the residents."

Mr. Wigmore said the department has so far identified seven septic systems that could have being contributing to high fecal counts and they were replaced by their owners. As well, staff are offering in this specific case to test water supplies of homeowners who allow them on their property.

He said his staff have been working with the Department of Health.

Dr. Richard Gould, medical officer of health for the Western Region, noted that test results in Garland show counts of fecal coliform bacteria.

"Anyone who knows they have fecal coliform in their water must take precautions in using it. That would include boiling any drinking water and disinfecting bath water. Anyone in a rural area with a well should be checking the water regularly to make sure it isn't contaminated."

Dr. Gould added the situation in Garland is very different than in Walkerton, Ont. "The Walkerton system was run by the town and was supplied to residents there. In Garland, each resident is on a private well."

Residents with concerns should contact Department of Environment and Labour staff in the department's regional offices. In general, testing of individual wells is a dwelling owner's responsibility.

More information on how to test water and disinfect water is available at the department's community offices or on the department's Web site at gov.ns.ca/enla.