Feature Article March 6, 2003
LAND O' LAKES NewsWeb HomeNitrate testing for Sydenham homesby Wilma KennySydenham Water Committee has arranged special group rates for village residents who wish to have their well water tested for nitrates. This Committee represents residents unhappy with the Townships decision to install a community water system. Many question the consulting engineers study, which reports that nitrate contamination rose from 8% of village wells [over 10mg/l] to 36% in 14 years, and has reached all levels of the aquifers underlying Sydenham. Paying a private lab will result in individual homeowners being able to quickly confirm the current nitrogen level of their wells. [The Health Unit does free testing for bacteria and e-coli, but does not routinely test for nitrates in drinking water, and turn-around time for such a test can be slow.]
Any resident of the Sydenham area who wishes to take advantage of this offer can pick up a sample bottle from Steve and Annes Pet Shop, take a water sample as directed, and return it along with a $6 fee. The Committee will deliver these to a qualified lab which has agreed to test the water at a special group rate, provided the samples are submitted in lots of 25 or more. The Committee encourages residents who are unsure of the nitrate level of their wells to take advantage of this opportunity as soon as possible.
