ENVIRONMENT WORKS WITH COMMUNITIES WHERE HERBICIDES DETECTED

Saskatchewan Environment is working with six communities, which have recently been shown to have very low levels of pesticides in their municipal raw water reservoirs and treated drinking water.

Carbon filtration and other technologies will significantly reduce or remove pesticides from water supplies.

The minute levels of pesticides, mainly herbicides, were detected in an Environment Canada study of 15 prairie communities, which was conducted from May 2003 to April 2004 and in July 2004. The six Saskatchewan communities examined were Assiniboia, Avonlea, Birch Hills, Ceylon, Fleming and Laird.

Environment Canada recently informed Saskatchewan Environment of the study and preliminary results. Health Canada further advises that the detected levels do not pose a health hazard. Researchers are using new testing technologies to detect components at extremely low levels.

"Finding the trace levels of herbicides are not considered a health risk because all the levels are significantly lower than the national drinking water quality guidelines," Saskatchewan Environment Drinking Water Quality Director Sam Ferris said. "We have informed the six communities involved of the results and will be working with them to address the situation."

Saskatchewan Environment will be providing the communities with technical treatment information and educational material to promote the protection of water sources and ensure proper water treatment. The Saskatchewan Watershed Authority is currently developing a comprehensive watershed monitoring system that will include regular monitoring for herbicide residue.

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For More Information, Contact:

Sam Ferris Environment Regina Phone: (306) 787-6193	Dr. Terry Hanley, Saskatchewan Watershed Authority Regina Phone: (306) 787-9982
Media Relations Unit Health Canada, Pest Management Regulatory Agency Ottawa Phone: (613) 736-3500