manganese

Osoyoos’s drinking water to get a $9-million upgrade

Osoyoos’s drinking water to get a $9-million upgrade

The project will include the construction of a raw-water line to treat groundwater in Osoyoos, which is not currently treated and is high in manganese. The province said these upgrades will allow the water to be properly disinfected with chlorine and ultraviolet systems. The upgrades are expected to meet the Guidelines of Canadian Drinking Water Quality and Interior Health’s drinking water standards.

Water quality advisory extended for Okanagan Falls lower zone

Water quality advisory extended for Okanagan Falls lower zone

A water quality advisory has been extended for the lower zone of the Okanagan Falls water system. Announced earlier this week, the Regional District for Okanagan Similkameen (RDOS) says the advisory for manganese will remain in place until further notice. The regional district says it “recognizes that residents in the lower zone are continuing to encounter poor water quality and the RDOS is working on making changes to the water system with the anticipation of long-term improvements to the water quality.”

Islanders with private wells reminded to get drinking water tested for manganese

Islanders with private wells reminded to get drinking water tested for manganese

Officials on P.E.I. are reminding Islanders with wells to get their drinking water tested regularly — including for manganese. The element is naturally occurring in the environment, and is typically found in swampy areas. Some studies have shown an association between high levels of manganese in drinking water and neurological effects in children, said Ryan Neale, manager of environmental health with the Chief Public Health Office.

Well test results provide promise for new drinking water source in Arthur

Well test results provide promise for new drinking water source in Arthur

A small test well drilled in 2021 has Wellington North’s water department talking about the potential for a new drinking water source following a recent report on test findings. Located on township land at the unopened roads of Wells Street and McCauley Road, less than a kilometre north of Domville Street, the well yielded a high flow rate of 27 litres of water per second under a six-day stress test.

Plans for a new water treatment plant underway in Pemberton

Plans for a new water treatment plant underway in Pemberton

An investigation into water quality in the Village of Pemberton’s (VOP) wells has revealed manganese and iron levels that exceed the new standards set by the Canadian government in 2019. The elevated levels were first discussed at the Pemberton council table in June 2021. While they aren’t something to be alarmed about, according to the VOP’s manager of operations and projects Tom Csima, plans are in the works for a new water treatment plant that would bring the levels back to normal range through filtration and oxidation of chlorine injection into the water.

Water quality advisory issued for Horse Lake

Water quality advisory issued for Horse Lake

The Cariboo Regional District has issued a water quality advisory, to the Horse Lake water users as a result of levels of manganese (Mn) in its drinking water supply. The quality of the drinking water has not changed, but the move is due to changed Canadian guidelines for drinking water. Health Canada established a new maximum acceptable concentration for manganese in drinking water of 0.12 mg/L. Historical water test results show that the wells in Horse lake have produced between 0.14 to 0.29 mg/L of manganese. These manganese levels vary per well and what time of year the tests were taken.

Manitoba cautions on manganese in well water

Manitoba cautions on manganese in well water

A significant number of wells in Manitoba may be carrying water with manganese levels well above new health standards, particularly for infants. The province on May 3 issued an advisory for owners of private wells that their water “may exceed a new health-based guideline” for the trace element. The element occurs naturally, and commonly, in well water throughout Canada. It’s often associated with discoloured (that is, brown or blackish) water, which can stain laundry and/or plumbing fixtures, and which some well owners deal with through water treatment.

First Nations workers in Sask. sacrifice wages, vacation to run underfunded water systems

First Nations workers in Sask. sacrifice wages, vacation to run underfunded water systems

Rebecca Zagozewski is the executive director of the Saskatchewan First Nations Water Association, a non-profit organization that works to build First Nations’ capacity to take care and control of their own water services. She says recruitment and retention of water treatment plant operators is a “real problem” on Saskatchewan First Nations, largely because they often can’t pay operators competitive wages.

Verner’s ‘brown water’ problem makes rare winter appearance

Verner’s ‘brown water’ problem makes rare winter appearance

West Nipissing municipal staff are flushing hydrants in Verner today as they investigate a mysterious winter appearance of ‘brown water’ during the past couple of weeks. Some residents, but not all, are reporting water issues that have a long history in the area due to manganese found in the Veuve River, the source for Verner’s drinking water. While the mineral is considered safe to ingest, it’s actually required in small amounts in the human diet, it smells and tastes bad and is hard on laundry.

Brown tap water causing concern in Langley Township

Brown tap water causing concern in Langley Township

The brown water flowing from the taps in the Murrayville neighbourhood of Langley Township has some of the residents worried for their health and safety. Photos posted to the community Facebook page show drinking glasses, a sink and a hot tub full of foul-looking water.  "None of us trust it and no one in their right mind would want to drink water that looks like that," said Krystal Woodward in a message to CBC News.

Nova Scotians urged to test well water after Health Canada sets new guideline for manganese

Nova Scotians urged to test well water after Health Canada sets new guideline for manganese

Nova Scotians with private wells are encouraged to test their drinking water regularly and treat it when needed to protect themselves from consuming too much manganese. Manganese is a mineral that is beneficial in the growth of healthy bone and tissue, but too much of it can cause damage.

Manganese levels decreasing at Petty Harbour Long Pond water supply

Manganese levels decreasing at Petty Harbour Long Pond water supply

Thousands of city residents who get their drinking water from that source were warned not to drink their tap water in late August, after reports the water was discoloured by manganese. "The number of discoloured water reports to the city from residents serviced by the Perry Harbour Long Pond water supply have significantly decreased," the statement said.

St. John's mayor denies city knew earlier about manganese water woes

St. John's mayor denies city knew earlier about manganese water woes

Mayor Danny Breen says "nothing could be further from the truth" in response to allegations the City of St. John's knew about water issues and didn't advise the public until recently. "The integrity of our water supply is one of our most important commitments — and we would never take any unnecessary risks with our water," Breen said in a statement to St. John's City Council Tuesday evening.

First Nations chiefs blast feds over Potlotek water woes

First Nations chiefs blast feds over Potlotek water woes

On Monday, people in Cape Breton reserve advised not to use tap water to wash clothes, bathe or drink
A group of First Nations chiefs in Atlantic Canada is blasting the federal government for what it sees as a lack of action in fixing the yearlong water problem in Potlotek First Nation in Cape Breton.