Water Quality Improvements Continue

Recent reports show that in the last three years, 15 Nova Scotia municipalities have improved their water service for customers by reducing or eliminating the incidence of trihalomethanes (THMs) in their water supplies.

This represents an improvement of 65 per cent since 2001, when 23 municipalities reported THM levels above national guidelines.

"Obviously safe, clean drinking water is a top priority, not just for this government, but also for the municipalities who are responsible for providing this service," said Environment and Labour Minister Kerry Morash. "I'm really pleased to see such a significant improvement, and I know as the Drinking Water Strategy rolls out, any other issues like this will continue to be addressed."

A key first-year goal for the strategy is completing assessments of municipal water treatment facilities to verify that systems meet current environmental standards. Reports are due to be completed by April 1.

The province has accomplished a great deal since releasing its Drinking Water Strategy in October 2002. It has set up a system of regular audits of all municipal water systems. About 1,800 privately owned public water supplies are registered with the department. It has established a committee with the Municipal Public Works Association of Nova Scotia to improve information sharing and consultation with municipal governments on issues related to water.

"Municipalities have put a great deal of time, effort, and resources into addressing THMs, as well as other important water issues, and it shows. Municipal supplies in Nova Scotia are generally in good shape," said Mr. Morash. "But we always need to keep improving our systems, so we're ready to meet changing guidelines and so we can take advantage of improvements in technology."

THMs are chemical compounds formed when water that is disinfected with chlorine reacts with organic material in the water, such as twigs and leaves.