Kristen Villebrun and Wendy Bush hoped they wouldn't have to pray for Chedoke Creek, but four years after they first raised alarm about the water's condition, they were part of an Indigenous full moon ceremony to do just that. About 50 people showed up near Princess Point on the dark and frigid Monday evening for the monthly ceremony, which was particularly special as it focused on Chedoke Creek. The body of water that runs into Cootes Paradise had about 24 billion litres of sewage and storm water runoff leak into it due to a gate being left open.
Over 500 kilometres of asbestos cement pipes run through Regina’s water utility system, according to findings from a W5 investigation. Due to their supposed durability and low cost, over two million kilometres of asbestos cement pipes could be found around the world at one point, with Canada being no exception. Asbestos was once considered a miracle mineral, being used in thousands of products for its insulating and fireproofing properties.
An analysis of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) data by Texas A&M University has found elevated levels of nine chemicals that “may be of health concern” to residents of East Palestine, Ohio. The small town of 5,000 played host to a nightmarish scenario early this month when a train carrying hazardous materials crashed, leaking toxins into the soil, water and air.
Some Ottawa residents may find discoloured tap water and a drop in pressure today due to work on Stage 2 LRT, but the city says it's not a health risk. The change in pressure is due to the decommissioning of the Cleary Avenue watermain, which has been taken out of service while crews work on the Stage 2 light rail tunnel. The issue affects some people living in College, Knoxdale-Merivale and River wards, the city said in a Wednesday afternoon statement.
Forest fires could also have an effect on drinking water if materials that pose a health concern make their way into a groundwater supply, according to a team of researchers in Alberta that is studying the issue. While not all forest fires have a large impact on drinking water, the matter is one that calls for further examination, said Monica Emelko, who is part of the research team for the Southern Rockies Watershed Project.
