Boil-Water Order Remains in Garland

Residents in the small Annapolis Valley community of Garland, Kings County, will remain on a boil-water order, Environment and Labour Minister David Morse said today.

Test results from 23 of 26 wells in the community were analyzed at a certified laboratory at the Valley Regional Hospital in Kentville. Ten wells have total coliform bacteria, including one well containing the fecal coliform strain. The remaining wells showed no traces of coliform bacteria.

"Our approach on keeping the boil order in place is better safe than sorry," Mr. Morse said. "We are determined to find the cause of the contamination but, at the same time, we must be cautious when it comes to public safety."

The department will conduct another set of tests in March or April when the spring melt occurs and conditions change, he said. Those residents on a demonstrated effective treatment system may come off the boil order before the next set of tests. They will be advised on a case-by-case basis.

All well owners will receive their own lab results from the laboratory. Staff are working with the community and are in the process of contacting well owners to discuss the results. Environment and Labour staff have been in Garland for more than a week, sampling wells and talking with homeowners.

Mr. Morse said his department now will start reviewing septic systems at locations with fecal coliform readings and assisting residents in determining solutions for their individual needs. He said the first round of testing has helped to focus where staff should look next.

"Logically, it follows that where there are fecal readings, there is a good chance that faulty septic systems are to blame," Mr. Morse said. "One of the ways staff will find the source is by eliminating the possible causes."

Staff can provide homeowners with information on ultraviolet-light treatment to kill bacteria or drilling deeper wells to avoid surface contamination.

The continued boil order means all residents must boil water for at least two minutes before any activity involving human consumption, including drinking, making ice cubes and brushing teeth.

In general, testing of individual wells is a dwelling owner's responsibility. More information on how to test and disinfect water is available at the department's community offices or on its Web site at gov.ns.ca/enla .