NSAC Offers Free Water Analysis

The Nova Scotia Agricultural College announced today that property owners in a designated area of Bible Hill will receive free water analysis after a few local wells in the area were found to have elevated nitrate levels.

The levels exceed the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality.

"The Department of Environment and Labour recently informed the college of the possibility of elevated nitrates in a few localized wells in Bible Hill," said Bernie MacDonald, the college’s administration vice-principal.

"Because the college has been identified as one of a number of possible sources, we have undertaken a plan of action to try to determine the source or sources by monitoring nitrate levels in these areas over the next 24 months," he said.

Elevated nitrate levels in wells along College Road in Bible Hill may be caused by several sources, including use of fertilizer on lawns and gardens by property owners, leaching from a former dump site, naturally high levels of nitrate in the soil composition, sewer-line leakage, spreading of fertilizer on the agricultural college’s’s field or a combination of any of these sources.

"Residents in the survey area can expect a visit from a representative from the college who will take a water sample from their wells and will provide the results to them," the vice- principal said. "The college will follow up with additional testing over the next 24 months and collect the data."

Residents who need more information about the water testing may call the college at 902-893-6034.