Elevated Nitrate Levels in Bible Hill Not Widespread

AGRICULTURE/FISHERIES--Elevated Nitrate Levels in Bible Hill Not Widespread

Results of tests of nitrate levels in well water for 160 property owners in designated areas of Bible Hill were announced today by the Nova Scotia Agricultural College (NSAC).

Analyses done by the NSAC found the drinking water at nine of the 160 properties had levels exceeding the 10 milligrams per litre of nitrate as nitrogen recommended in the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality.

The highest sample tested was 20.91 mg/L. Wells at the remaining 151 properties were within the limit.

“When the Department of Environment and Labour informed us about a case of elevated nitrates in the area, the NSAC offered free water analysis to nearby residents in an effort to determine the scope of the elevated nitrate levels,” said Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Ernest Fage.

Nova Scotia’s medical officer of health recommended in April that infants up to six months of age or pregnant women should not consume water above the 10 mg/L limit due to a condition known as blue-baby syndrome.

Dr. Bernie MacDonald, vice principal of administration at NSAC, said the college will continue to work with the property owners and the village of Bible Hill.

“Our staff will continue testing to determine the source or sources of the elevated nitrates,” he said.

Residents who wish to learn more about the NSAC’s water testing can call the college at 902-893-6034.