As southern Saskatchewan continues to brace itself for a heavy spring run-off, the provincial government has offered free testing of private drinking water sources, provided by the Saskatchewan Disease Control Laboratory. The bacteriological tests will be available to any affected wells or cisterns to ensure the water is safe to drink after flooding.
“We are pleased to offer this service to our residents, to ensure their drinking water is safe during a season of elevated risk,” said Health Minister Dustin Duncan in a press release. “Preventing the risk of waterborne disease is an effective way to help protect the public.”
Minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Water Security Agency Ken Cheveldayoff supported the plan. “This spring may present us with a number of challenges from flooding,” he said. “We want to make sure that all drinking water sources in the province are protected from any contamination.”
The release also warned residents using wells or cisterns not seek out alternative water supplies if they suspect that their private supply has been affected by flooding.
Free water testing will be available from now until the end of flood season. Landowners will be required to shock chlorinate their water supply prior to the free testing.
