Roadside Spring Water Near Troy, Inverness Co. Unsafe

Results of a test on a roadside spring on Route 19 near Troy, Inverness Co., show that the water is not safe to drink. The test found higher than acceptable levels of total coliform.

Dr. Jeff Scott, Nova Scotia's chief medical officer of health, is warning local residents and travelers not to drink the water because it can make people sick. One confirmed case of giardia and several cases of diarrhea have been linked to the Troy area natural spring.

"People sometimes think that spring water is pure and free of contaminants and safe to drink, but in the majority of cases, including this one in the Troy area, that is not the case," said Dr. Scott.

Most roadside springs are not routinely tested and monitored for water quality. The Troy area spring was tested by the Department of Environment and Labour at the request of staff from public health services.

Giardia is a parasite transmitted through direct contact with infected feces or by eating food or drinking water contaminated by feces. Symptoms of giardiasis include explosive, watery foul-smelling diarrhea, excessive gas, abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, tiredness and loss of appetite.

More information about natural springs and drinking water is available at on the Environment and Labour website at www.gov.ns.ca/enla/water/naturalsprings.asp .