Warning For Vanderhoof Residents on Well Water

By 250 News

Northern Health is calling on Vanderhoof residents who draw their drinking water from private wells to have it tested.

The advisory comes after a private company contacted the Authority after finding higher than acceptable levels of arsenic in the well water of 20 properties on the community's north side.

Northern Health says the municipal water supply in Vanderhoof is within the maximum acceptable levels for aresenic, but it's encouraging water testing for those who draw their drinking water from other sources.

Medical Health Officer, Dr. Lorna Medd, says, "Long term exposure to arsenic can result in a chronic poisoning syndrome and increase the risk of developing cancers of the skin, lungs, bladder and kidneys."

Vanderhoof residents are being advised they can obtain information on drinking water testing and safety from the local health unit.

Concerned livestock owners are being asked to contact the local Resource Stewardship Agrologist at the Ministry of Agriculture at (250 565-7205 or 1-800-334-3011.

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