"ON TAP”

TOWN OF GRAND BAY-WESTFIELD Water Conservation Program

You should not have to worry about the water you drink, but the fact is that when you rely on a well, you never assume that the water is safe.

Even if the water is potable, many natural problems exist that require treatment.
Test your well water.

Testing your well for bacteria should be done twice every year (spring and fall) and testing for inorganics should be done at least every two years. If you suspect a water quality problem, you should have your water tested as soon as possible. The quality of drinking water is determined by chemical and bacteriological testing. Simply smelling or looking at the water cannot detect many water quality problems. It is important to have your water tested regularly by an accredited or certified laboratory to ensure it is safe to drink.

WATER QUALITY PROBLEMS

Associated aesthetic problems if parameters are not within acceptable guidelines:

• corrosion

• staining or scaling of pipes, bathtubs and kettles

• staining of laundry

• discolouration of the water

• water with strange taste and smell
  

• Associated health problems if parameters are above acceptable levels:

• gastrointestinal problems or diarrhea

• may cause life threatening illness in elderly, young and immune deficient people

• cancer risk

• acute poisoning may cause abdominal pain or vomiting

Some elements occur naturally. Natural processes such as minerals leaching from sediment and rock can slowly lead to changes in the quality of drinking water. Bacteriological testing includes total coliform and E.coli tests.

This information is provided from the Provincial bulletin “ALL ABOUT YOUR WELL”, available on the New Brunswick Government website.

Continuing updates will be provided in the mail and on the Town Web Site as the year progresses.