Nova Scotia is encouraging those impacted by wildfires and who use well water to test their water prior to using it when returning home. Photo: Evan Taylor
In the aftermath of recent flooding in various areas, residents are being encouraged to take proactive measures to ensure the safety of their drinking water. The provincial authorities have made testing kits available to the public at most hospitals and select labs, in an effort to assess potential water contamination.
Earlier this summer, in the wake of devastating wildfires, the province had taken measures to bolster its testing capabilities by deploying additional mobile labs. Furthermore, they had covered the testing costs to encourage residents to prioritize their health and safety during that crisis. However, as of now, there have been no official announcements regarding similar plans in response to the recent floods.
A map showing all water testing sites in Nova Scotia. Photo: Government of Nova Scotia.
The authorities anticipate a surge in the number of samples being submitted to the labs due to the widespread flooding. Consequently, the normal turnaround time of five days for test results is expected to be extended due to the heightened demand. Residents are advised to be patient during this period and assured that every effort is being made to process the samples as efficiently as possible.
For those who cannot wait for the official test results and wish to know the status of their water quality immediately, some hardware stores are offering test kits for self-use. While these kits may provide quicker results, it’s essential to note that they are slightly less advanced compared to the ones provided by hospitals and labs. As a result, they may have a larger margin of error, and residents are advised to interpret the results with caution.
