News Release                              For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                         July 11, 2008

Local Ground Water Monitoring Wells Test Higher Than Normal For Sodium

The Grey Bruce Health Unit received notice from the Provincial Ground Monitoring Network (PGMN) water samples taken from monitoring well in the vicinity of Walkerton (Brant Township Lot 1, Concession 1) show test results higher than normal for levels of sodium in the ground water aquifer. These sodium concentrations are slightly above the accepted parameters identified in the Ontario Drinking Water Standards.

            The PGMN wells are not for drinking water use but for monitoring purposes only.

Municipal water systems, governed under the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002, are not part of this program.

            The PGMN informs the local health unit whenever samples from monitoring wells exceed parameters set out by the Ontario Drinking Water Standards. Public Health will undertake any necessary actions or notifications should well monitoring identify any health risk.

Homeowners near these monitoring wells, who use private water wells for drinking water purposes, are encouraged to have their wells tested for sodium. Public Health does not provide a water testing service for sodium. Local telephone business directories list private water testing laboratories.

            Elevated levels of sodium in their drinking water may affect individuals with hypertension. These individuals may want to contact their health care provider for advice. They may also contact the Grey Bruce Health Unit and inquire about the I-START, program an “Internet-Based Strategic Transdisciplinary Approach to Risk Reduction and Treatment for High Blood Pressure”,

            The Provincial Ground Monitoring Network is a partnership between the Ministry of the Environment, all 36 Conservation Authorities and 10 municipalities.  The program operates 410 monitoring wells province-wide.  Information from well monitoring provides base-line groundwater level and quality as well as identifying emerging issues.

For further information call Public Health at 519-376-9420 or visit our web site at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

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Attachment:  Notification and Table - Sodium   (1.44 Mb)

For more information:

Lou D’Alessandro

Manager, Health Protection

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext. 223