December 4, 2014
EDMONTON – Recent water testing results have shown that water from some private wells in Parkland, Leduc and Sturgeon Counties contain higher than recommended levels of naturally occurring arsenic and manganese.
Although the levels detected to date do NOT present any immediate risk to health, the levels are above the guidelines for drinking water quality in Canada and Alberta. As such, Alberta Health Services (AHS) is recommending that all private well water owners/users in the areas east of Range Road 30, south of Twp Road 544, north of Twp Road 502 and west of Range Road 250, with the exception of those residing in Lac Ste. Anne County, submit a sample from their private well for trace element testing.
This one-time testing will be offered free of charge on a scheduled basis over the coming months. Results of this testing will provide AHS and Alberta Health with additional information necessary to assess the potential for long-term risks and inform/advise residents of any need for additional actions.
Residents in affected areas will be receiving additional information packages from AHS, via mail, within the next two to three weeks; however, private well water users/owners in the affected areas can also contact AHS Environmental Public Health’s Spruce Grove Office at 780-342-1330, to arrange for this testing.
AHS is not offering this free one-time testing to private well water users/owners outside the specified geographic areas. AHS and Alberta Health always recommend that Albertans who use water from a private well or other untreated groundwater sources routinely test their water (every three to five years) to ensure safe consumption. These tests can be completed through an accredited lab at a cost.
Municipal water supplies in Parkland, Leduc and Sturgeon Counties have not been affected by this issue.
It is not unusual to find naturally occurring arsenic and manganese in groundwater. Long term consumption (over many years or decades) of water with elevated levels of naturally occurring arsenic and manganese can be associated with adverse health effects.
Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.
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