Article Courtesy of Kerry Benjoe, taken from the Saturday May 20, 2013 Edition of the Leader Post.
With the potential of spring flooding looming, the province is offering free testing of private water sources.
The Saskatchewan Disease Control Laboratory will provide free
bacteriological testing to residents to help determine whether well or
cistern water, affected by flooding, is safe to drink.
The Saskatchewan Water Security Agency (WSA) is offering site
assessments of flooded wells and cisterns, including testing of water
that is used as a primary source of drinking water. Land owners will be
required to shock chlorinate prior to sampling and assessment.
Information on shock chlorination and water quality is available at www.wsask.ca/floodwatch.
The free water testing will be available from now until the end of the
flood season. “This spring may present us with a number of challenges
from flooding,” Ken Cheveldayoff, the minister responsible for the WSA,
said in a news release. “We want to make sure that all drinking water
sources in the province are protected from any contamination.”
Residents can contact their local health regions to find out if they
are eligible for free testing and obtain forms and sample containers.
A list of health region numbers is available on the government website www. health.gov.sk.ca/flooded-private-wells-fact-sheet.
Residents are asked to watch for signs of flooding, which may contaminate their water sources. An alternate water source such as bottled water should be used for drinking and cooking, if someone suspects their water may be contaminated.
Weekly updates and information on flood preparedness is available at www.gov.sk.ca/flood
Information on how to prepare for and clean up after a flood is available on the Ministry of Health’s website.
