Bible Hill Nitrates Alert

As a precaution, the Department of the Environment and Labour is alerting a small group of property owners along College Road in Bible Hill about the possibility of elevated nitrate levels in their wells.

Consumption of water with nitrate levels greater than 10 milligrams per litre may contribute to a rare condition known as methemoglobinemia (blue baby syndrome) in infants six months of age and younger. That limit has been established by the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality (GCDWQ).

The medical officer of health therefore recommends that water should not be consumed by infants six months of age or pregnant women unless it is tested and determined to be below the GCDWQ limit. Blue baby syndrome does not effect older children or adults including nursing women.

A small number of properties have traditionally shown elevated levels of nitrates. As this is an area with a number of low-rise apartments, turnover of residents is high and constant reminders are necessary. Recently, information has come to the attention of the department to indicate that some wells in the area may contain elevated nitrate levels.

The department has hand-delivered letters to 13 property owners who have shown historically high levels of nitrates. Water results from adjacent areas in Bible Hill have not shown elevated nitrate levels.

The department will be investigating possible sources through sampling programs and other measures as may be necessary. Additional water samples will be collected in order to determine if the elevated nitrate levels still exist and, if so, to determine the extent of the problem. Residents will be provided with the results of any water samples collected from their well.

Household pets are not affected by nitrate in water. It is important to note that food, including many vegetables and processed meats, contain nitrate and are the primary source of nitrate in the human diet. Anyone with questions or wishing additional information regarding any health implications can contact Public Health Services at 893-5820.

Anyone with questions regarding environmental implications can contact Wayne Faulkner at 893-5880.