Final Radionuclide Results Update

Results released today, Aug. 19, indicate that most of the Nova Scotia schools tested for natural radionuclides in drinking water continue to meet the Canadian Drinking Water Quality Guidelines.

To date 184 school wells have been tested and only 14 exceed recommended limits for lead-210.

In the most recent testing, Springfield Consolidated and River John Consolidated schools joined 12 other schools that have tested positive for radionuclides. Schools exceeding the Canadian Drinking Water Quality Guidelines will continue to use bottled water.

"We know that the health risk only exists if there is long-term exposure from drinking the water on a regular basis over a lifetime," said Dr. Robert Strang, medical officer of health for the Capital Health District. "However, to err on the side of caution, I'm recommending that schools that exceed the guidelines remain on bottled water until the Special Water Advisory Group has completed its research into the best treatment options."

Radionuclides are naturally occurring elements that enter water as a result of the natural breakdown of uranium in the soil. Nova Scotia has tested for 14 natural radionuclides in drinking water and found that only two, uranium and lead-210, are of significance in the province.

Water supplies must undergo a series of four tests in a year to determine the average level of lead-210 in their drinking water supply because seasonal variations affect test results.

"Nova Scotia has become a leader in investigating this radionuclide in drinking water and in confirming the available research information into the various treatment options," said Pat Wall, senior radiation health officer for the province and chair of the special water advisory group. "The rest of the country is watching our efforts and awaiting our findings. We remain committed to sharing these results and finding the best treatment solutions."

Results of research on treatment options, being supervised by the Special Water Advisory Group, will be available in late September.

The Department of Environment and Labour has set up a toll-free telephone number for information about natural radionuclides in well water. The number, which operates between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, is 1-877-9ENVIRO (1-877-936-8476).

Note: Below are the two schools in the province on their own water supplies whose drinking water has now been tested in four different seasons for lead-210 and/or uranium.

The Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality set these limits for uranium and lead-210:

uranium: 20 micrograms(ug/L) per litre
lead-210: 0.1 Bequerels(Bq/L) per litre.

Uranium/ug/L Lead-210/Bq/L Springfield Consolidated 9.3 0.13* (Annapolis Valley Regional School Board)

River John Consolidated 22.5* 0.16* (Chignecto Central Regional School Board)

• Above the Canadian Drinking Water Guidelines