RR residents warned about trihalomethane levels in drinking water

News Release
NWHU

The Township of Rainy River and the Northwestern Health Unit are advising residents that trihalomethane (THM) levels in the municipal water system are currently above the standard set by the province. THMs are a by-product of the water treatment process. They form when chlorine is added to disinfect water that contains a lot of natural matter such as decaying leaves.
The Ontario Drinking Water Standard for THMs is a running annual average of 100 ug/L and sample results taken indicate the THM levels in the Town of Rainy River drinking water system are above that standard.
Presently, the Town of Rainy River is working closely with Northwestern Health Unit and the Ministry of Environment to rectify the situation and bring the levels down. An action plan has been developed to improve the efficiency of the current water treatment plant and the Township has hired an engineering consultant to advise the Township regarding long term solutions. The engineering report is due in early September 2011.
It may be several months before the situation will be corrected. Progress will be monitored by Ministry of Environment and Northwestern Health Unit and this health information advisory will remain in effect until follow-up sampling indicates that the THM levels are below 100 ug/L.
ALTHOUGH THESE RESULTS ARE ABOVE THE STANDARD, THE DRINKING WATER IS
CONSIDERED POTABLE AND SAFE TO DRINK.
There is no immediate health risks associated with short term exposures to THMs at this low level. Some human studies have been published which report associations with long term exposure (35 years) to high levels of certain THM’s and bladder and colon cancer. Other studies have suggested a link between reproductive effects and exposure to high levels of certain THM’s.
Concerned residents can reduce their exposure to THMs with the following options:
•Use commercially bottled water for drinking and cooking purposes
•Install a faucet filtration unit on your drinking water tap that contains activated carbon certified to the NSF
Standard 53 for THM removal.
•Shorten time spent showering or bathing and operate the bathroom fan.
For more information residents are advised to call the Public Health Inspector at the Northwestern Health Unit Fort Frances office at (807) 274-9827 ext. 236 or the Drinking Water Inspector at the Ministry of the Environment at (807)-468-2727. Information regarding THMs is also available on Health Canada website www.hc-sc.gc.ca