News release

Drinking Water Set to Canadian Standards

Environment and Labour (Oct. 2000 - March 2008)

New guidelines take effect Tuesday, April 1, that will ensure Nova Scotia's drinking water meets the highest standards.

The guidelines call for increased levels of chlorination and filtering and assessments that ensure water systems are protected from contaminants.

A Drinking Water Strategy, developed in 2002, brings Nova Scotia standards in line with others across the country.

"Public health is our primary concern, and these guidelines will be an important part of our overall system," said Mark Parent, Minister of Environment and Labour. "All of the province's public drinking water supplies are treated and tested regularly to ensure the health of the public is protected."

Drinking-water suppliers were charged with evaluating systems and implementing changes to meet the new standards when the strategy was launched in 2002. Supplies found to be at highest risk were tested twice weekly and treated with extra chlorine.

Mr. Parent applauded suppliers for meeting the guidelines.

"Several municipal suppliers have had to stretch their resources and undertake significant work to meet the new standards," Mr. Parent said. "I congratulate them on their achievements."

Since 2002, Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations has supported the Drinking Water Strategy by investing more than $40 million towards upgrading municipal water systems. The province will continue to support water system improvements and work with municipalities through ongoing infrastructure programs.

The strategy will also form part of the province's new Water Resources Management Strategy, that is being developed. It is open for public consultation until June 1. Details can be found online at: www.gov.ns.ca/enla/water/WaterStrategyHow.asp .

The Drinking Water Strategy can be viewed on the department's website at www.gov.ns.ca/enla/water/drinkingwater.asp .