Released on July 16, 2009
The Government of Saskatchewan, the Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region and the District of Katepwa are partnering to provide free water quality testing of ground water wells used for drinking water to residents of Katepwa Beach.
"Katepwa Beach is a growing community, in terms of both permanent and seasonal residents, and with so many people who depend on their own private wells, with no central treatment facility, we want to help them make sure their water is safe," Minister Responsible for the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority Nancy Heppner said.
An application form was recently mailed to all Katepwa Beach residents. Staff from the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority will be visiting residences in late July and early August to collect water samples. These samples will be analyzed for a broad range of potentially harmful constituents, such as various bacteria, ions and heavy metals.
Residents who participate in the program will be sent a letter with a detailed explanation of the results of their water quality analysis. However, if the tests reveal any health concerns, they will be contacted by the Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region by telephone as soon as possible.
Privately-owned water wells are not subject to provincial regulation. The owners of these wells are responsible for ensuring that their water is safe and that appropriate treatment measures are in place.
The water sampling and water quality analyses are being provided free-of-charge through the Watershed Authority's Rural Water Quality Advisory Program. The program is intended to help Saskatchewan residents who depend on private water sources ensure that their water is safe. While there is normally a $100 charge attached to the program, this fee is being waived for Katepwa Beach residents who choose to participate in the program.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Dr. Terry Hanley
Saskatchewan Watershed Authority
Regina
Phone: 306-787-9982