New Federal Arsenic Guideline for Drinking Water

People with private wells in Nova Scotia are encouraged to test their drinking water against new national guidelines for the acceptable level of naturally-occurring arsenic.

The new guideline has been set by the federal government. The acceptable level of arsenic in drinking water is being reduced to 10 micrograms per litre from 25 micrograms per litre.

"We want Nova Scotians with private wells to have high-quality drinking water," said Carolyn Bolivar-Getson, Minister of Environment and Labour. "This new national standard will ensure their water is even safer and healthier than before."

If drinking water fails to meet the new guideline, it should be treated and retested.

Forty percent of Nova Scotians get their drinking water from private wells. Residents with wells should be testing their drinking water regularly to ensure it is safe.

"The health risk of arsenic in drinking water from a typical Nova Scotia well is generally low," said Dr. Ann Roberts, medical officer of health. "However, there is some risk if the test shows arsenic levels above the standard and that's why we also encourage regular well water testing."

The health risks from arsenic in drinking water are very low. Drinking water with a high level of arsenic over a lifetime may increase chances of developing cancer.

Filtering devices that treat household tap water to reduce arsenic levels are commercially available.

For more information on well water testing and the new arsenic guidelines, call 1-877 9-ENVIRO or go to the website at <a href="http://www.gov.ns.ca/enla/water/waterquality.asp">www.gov.ns.ca/enla/water/waterquality.asp<a/> .