Boil Water Order for Garland

A boil-water order is now in place for residents of Garland, Kings County. The precaution comes after concerns about fecal coliform bacteria levels in some private wells in the small Annapolis Valley community.

The order, issued today, advises residents to boil all water for at least two minutes before any activity involving human consumption -- including drinking, making ice cubes and brushing teeth.

Newly appointed Environment and Labour Minister David Morse said the order will remain in effect until testing is completed in the community's 26 dwellings.

"I am jump-starting this investigation," Mr. Morse said. "We have staff out today retesting the water and we are continuing our attempts to trace the source of contamination."

Staff will also inspect a local cattle farm for potential manure run-off and experts will inspect a nearby metal-salvage yard.

Depending on test results, the department may seek search warrants to inspect septic tanks if owners refuse to co-operate. Mr. Morse said staff will work with the community to develop solutions.

Mr. Morse expressed concern for residents worried about possible health effects.

He said health officials are involved in efforts to diagnose any medical problems. "Dr. Richard Gould, the top public health official in the area, is working with us on this," he said.

The boil order has been issued by the Department of Environment and Labour, in consultation with Dr. Gould. It is meant to reinforce previous advice to residents to treat their drinking water.

Fact sheets on boil orders and on how to test and disinfect water are available at the department's community offices or on the department's Web site at www.gov.ns.ca/enla.