To: Watershed News Media
Date: February 13, 2008
Kingston - Approximately 43,000 people in Kingston, Loyalist Township, Greater Napanee and South Frontenac Township depend on groundwater for household uses.
However, the Western Cataraqui Region Groundwater Study discovered that 11 per cent of wells in the region exceed provincial standards for e-coli bacteria, 30 per cent for coliform bacteria.
"It is estimated that 89 per cent of Ontario wells need repair," says Dr. Mary Jane Conboy of Well Wise. "Further, most well owners do not regularly test their well water."
Dr. Conboy will speak Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. at the Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area Outdoor Centre. Well Wise is a new, non-profit organization that helps well owners. Her presentation will include information that well owners need to protect their drinking water such as: groundwater basics including the state of wells in Ontario; well maintenance and decommissioning; and resources and programs to help well owners. She will also answer questions.
Dr. Conboy's visit is sponsored by the Groundwater Protection Implementation Committee formed to implement the study recommendations. This is both appropriate and timely; the groundwater study recommended a priority community outreach and education program for well owners. The fractured bedrock of the region leaves groundwater highly vulnerable to contamination in some areas, the study warns.
The study was conducted over several years under the direction of the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority.
"The committee is reviewing the study's recommendations and is working toward implementing those that will be most effective in each municipality," says Mara Shaw, Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority Watershed Management Coordinator. "I'm pleased that each municipality has appointed a representative to ensure that the study recommendations move off the shelf and into consideration for implementation."
The Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington Public Health Unit, a local hydrogeologist and the provincial Ministries of the Environment, Municipal Affairs and Housing are also involved.
There is a $10 admission fee for Dr. Conboy's talk. To register, call (613) 546-4228 ext. 221.
Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area is located two km north of Highway 401 on Division Street/Perth Road.
For more information call:
Mara Shaw, Watershed Management Coordinator (613) 546-4228 ext. 228
Toll Free 1-877-956-2722