Well Water

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=56 BGCOLOR="#666633" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="00fc8c83.jpg"> <div> Well Water</div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=160 BGCOLOR="#666633" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <A HREF="id26_m.htm#simple_things_you_can_do_to_protect" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Well Water"><U><B>Well Aware checklist</B></U></A></div> <div> <B>Simple things you can do to protect your drinking water quality and quantity:</B></div> </td> <td valign="top" height=424 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <B> <A NAME="minden_the_final_stop_for_drinking"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Minden the final stop for drinking water protection workshop</B></div> <div>  </div> <div> (Minden, Ontario, February 29, 2008)  Minden is the final stop for a workshop on drinking water protection, taking place this <B>Thursday, March 6, 6-9pm at the Royal Canadian Legion (Hwy 35 and 21)</B>. More than 40 people have already attended in Fenelon Falls and Little Britain.</div> <bR> <div> Property owners will have an opportunity to learn how septic system and well improvements, runoff protection and pollution prevention are the best ways to protect private and municipal drinking water supplies, in addition to finding out about grants that are available for eligible projects.</div> <bR> <div> Money has been made available through the Ontario Ministry of the Environment's Source Protection Early Actions Stewardship Fund. This fund is part of the government's commitment to safe drinking water, in conjunction with the Clean Water Act that was initiated after seven people died and many others became ill from contaminated drinking water in Walkerton, Ontario in 2000.</div> <bR> <div> Projects that are eligible for the grants must be within 100 metres of a municipal wellhead or 200 metres of a municipal surface water intake, which is the end of a pipe that draws water from a river or lake. The grants could cover as much as 70% of the costs of each eligible project or an amount up to $20,000. Small businesses may also be eligible for pollution prevention review grants that cover up to 100% of the cost or an amount up to $12,000.</div> <bR> <div> Mark Majchrowski, Kawartha Conservation Director of Watershed Management, Robert Romberg, Minden Hills Environmental and Property Operations Manager, Tom Reddering from the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit, and Brenda Ibey from Well Aware, will go into detail about drinking water distribution, how property owners can protect their drinking water and how to access the grants.</div> <bR> <div> Clarke Watson of G. Hart and Sons Well Drilling Ltd. and Nicole Tuyten from the Haliburton Stewardship Council will also be on hand to answer questions and connect landowners with other funding programs.</div> <bR> <div> "Our actions on the land have the potential to affect the quality of the water that flows into our homes," says Majchrowski. "People can learn where their drinking water comes from, where it goes, how to protect it and if they can receive grant money for protection projects."</div> <bR> <div> Some of the key points explained in the workshop include the following:</div> <bR> <div> <I>    * Septic systems that are not maintained can cause contamination of drinking water sources and lead to serious environmental and health problems. It is necessary to repair, upgrade or replace part or all of faulty or malfunctioning septic systems.</I></div> <div> <I>    * Unsealed, abandoned wells and improperly sealed or maintained house, business, institutional and farm wells provide a direct link between surface pollutants and groundwater. Pollutants that get into these wells go down through the earth right into the groundwater. Identifying and sealing these wells by a licensed professional reduces the risk of contamination to groundwater and watersheds.</I></div> <div> <I>    * Water runoff after a heavy rainfall can carry sediments and pollutants from lawns, driveways and farm fields into unsealed wells, rivers, lakes and water intakes (the end of pipes in lakes and rivers). Well-vegetated stream banks and buffer strips such as tall grass around sealed wells reduce the amount of contaminants and sediment that reach drinking water sources. </I></div> <bR> <div> "The provincial government is recognizing that we each have a stake in good drinking water, and must take steps to reduce the risks by addressing potential threats," says Majchrowski. "This is an opportunity for the public to become involved in the future of our water quality and quantity. No matter where you are located, whether or not you are close to a municipal water intake or wellhead, it is important to take steps to protect vulnerable ground and surface water resources."</div> <bR> <div> Property owners who are unable to attend the workshop are encouraged to contact Sasha Lambrinos at Kawartha Conservation for more information about how to protect their drinking water. She can be reached at <A HREF="mailto:slambrinos@kawarthaconservation.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:slambrinos@kawarthaconservation.c"><U>slambrinos@kawarthaconservation.com</U></A> or 705-324-2271 ext. 224. Information can also be found at <A HREF="http://www.trentsourceprotection.on.ca." TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.trentsourceprotection.on.ca."><U>www.trentsourceprotection.on.ca.</U></A></div> <bR> <div> For more information or to arrange interviews, contact Brent Kulba, Kawartha Conservation Communications Specialist, (705) 328-2271 x 220, <A HREF="mailto:bkulba@kawarthaconservation.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:bkulba@kawarthaconservation.com"><U>bkulba@kawarthaconservation.com</U></A></div> <bR> <div> Kawartha Conservation is a watershed-based environmental organization focused on providing abundant clean water within a healthy landscape. It is one of 36 conservation authorities in Ontario providing natural resources management. The natural boundaries of the Kawartha Watershed intersect the City of Kawartha Lakes; Township of Scugog; Township of Brock; Municipality of Clarington; Township of Galway-Cavendish & Harvey; and Township of Cavan-Monaghan.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.kawarthaconservation.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.kawarthaconservation.com"><U>www.kawarthaconservation.com</U></A></div> <bR> <div> Background</div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="simple_things_you_can_do_to_protect"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Simple things you can do to protect your drinking water quality and quantity:</B></div> <bR> <div>     * Maintain your septic system by having it checked every 2-3 years and make any needed repairs</div> <div>     * Take hazardous waste, such as paint, to a hazardous waste disposal facility instead of pouring it down the drain</div> <div>     * Switch to environmentally friendly soap, cleaner, detergent and bleach, and use only as much as you need</div> <div>     * Save water and keep soap out of storm sewers by washing your car at a car wash, which uses less water than washing it at home and properly disposes of used, soapy water</div> <div>     * Have well water tested once every season to identify any problems and ensure good water quality</div> <div>     * Have all wells on your property capped or sealed by a professional to prevent contaminants from getting into them</div> <div>     * Use less water by installing conserving devices on shower heads, taps and appliances</div> <div>     * Use less water by installing a rain barrel to collect water for the lawn and garden</div> <div>     * Use environmentally friendly alternatives to dangerous chemical pesticides, fertilizers and herbicides</div> <div>     * Clean up pet waste regularly to prevent contaminating water runoff into storm sewers and streams</div> <div>     * Mow the grass 3 inches or greater to help reduce rainwater runoff and absorb contaminants</div> <div>     * Maintain a permanent grass buffer at least 3 metres around sealed wells to prevent contaminants from reaching the wellhead</div> <div>     * Leave a 5 metre buffer strip near the water's edge to reduce erosion and absorb contaminants before entering the water </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#660033" FACE="Arial" ><B><IMG SRC="06867450.jpg" border=0 width="103" height="69" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"> </B></FONT><IMG SRC="183cc2c0.jpg" border=0 width="204" height="44" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"> <A NAME="ogwa"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> PHOTOS FROM THE MAY 27 WELL AWARE FORUM:</div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="20f0cb90.jpg" border=0 width="524" height="185" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> <I>Tom Reddering, above, from the Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge Health Unit talks to a crowd of 51 people at the May 27 Well Aware Community Forum held at the Haliburton Legion.  That's Paul Heaven directly beside him, and to the far right, Terry Marquardt. Below, Mike Jones and Paul Heaven; the view from the back of the room; Tom Reddering talks to the crowd.. Other speakers included well driller Terry Marquardt who discussed well construction, Barrie hydrogeologist Mike Jones who went over groundwater basics and Minden wildlife biologist Paul Heaven who talked about groundwater protection. </I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="23ad5390.jpg" border=0 width="469" height="313" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG SRC="23b86f80.jpg" border=0 width="390" height="248" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG SRC="23ed8180.jpg" border=0 width="472" height="280" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> <I>Thanks to Cathy Olliffe for organizing the forums in Haliburton and Wilberforce; Monica Marquardt for helping people sign in and providing cookies and juice; Reg Holloway and Wallis Smith for volunteering for Environment Haliburton by handing out information; Jennifer Card of the Haliburton Highlands Stewardship Council for providing displays and Powerpoint equipment; the Township of Highlands East for allowing us free use of their community centre; the Haliburton Legion for letting us use their hall and setting it up; retaillers for allowing us to post posters; WATCH for promoting the event online; the Haliburton County Echo and Minden Times for promotional assistance; Sharyn Inward and Anne Gammage for their invaluable help making the events run smoothly.</I></div> <bR> <div> For more information, email <A HREF="mailto: info@environmenthaliburton.ca" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto: info@environmenthaliburton.ca"><U>info@environmenthaliburton.ca</U></A></div> <div> or visit these web sites:</div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.wellaware.ca" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.wellaware.ca"><U>http://www.wellaware.ca</U></A>. (Well Aware)</div> <div> http://<A HREF="http://www.ogwa.ca" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.ogwa.ca"><U>www.ogwa.ca</U></A> (Ontario Ground Water Association)</div> <bR> <div> ============================================================</div> <div> <B>Test your wells three times a year, forum told</B></div> <div> <I>by Andy Lloyd, </I></div> <div> <I>Haliburton County Echo</I></div> <bR> <div> THE TIMING WAS RIGHT  for Environment Haliburton's <A HREF="http://www.wellaware.ca" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.wellaware.ca"><U>Well Aware</U></A> community forum on well water safety in Wilberforce April 27. Safe drinking water is a hot issue in Wilberforce right now after the Ministry of the Environment found unaccepatable levels of uranium in the town's small municipal water system.</div> <bR> <div> Seventy-two people came out to hear from experts on the topics of water quality and testing, ground water, well construction and maintenance, and protecting water sources.</div> <bR> <div> The event, hosted by Environment Haliburton, is part of a province-wide effort to educate rural residents about well safety. Aided by provincial government funding, it's being spearheaded by the <A HREF="http://www.ogwa.ca" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.ogwa.ca"><U>Ontario Ground Water Association</U></A> and the Green Communities Association.</div> <bR> <div> In Wilberforce, Tom Reddering, a local public health inspector with the Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge Health Unit (705-457-1391 or <A HREF="http://www.hkpr.on.ca" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.hkpr.on.ca"><U>www.hkpr.on.ca</U></A>) kicked off the night with a discussion on well water testing.</div> <bR> <div> He encouraged the audience to test their wells frequently, at least three times per year, arning that disease-causing bacteria are odourless, tasteless and colourless.</div> <div> "If you drink from a well you haven't tested in a long time, you're basically drinking out of a puddle," Reddering said. He went on to explain that 99% of the well water related problems in this county are caused by neglect and a lack of education about well safety.</div> <bR> <div> The health unit offers free water testing to local residents.</div> <bR> <div> Gary Kuehl, a hydrogeologist, gave the crowd a crash course on ground water basics. He explained where our well water comes from and how our wells are affected by various soils and rocks.</div> <bR> <div> Terry Marquardt, a local well driller, gave a thorough presentation on the various types of wells available to people in the Wilberforce area. Talking about well safety he extolled the values of vermin-proof caps noting most wells he inspects without them show evidence of insect contamination.</div> <bR> <div> To end the night local biologist Paul Heaven talked about how to protect source water from contamination. He suggested that now is a good time to do a winter's worth of stooping and scooping if you have a dog, especially if the dog has been around the well. Heaven warned people to be careful when handling any fuels on their property, things like gasoline or heating oil. He said one litre of gasoline has the potential to contaminate one million litres of water.</div> <div> Environment Haliburton is holding the same kind of community forum in Haliburton on May 27 at 7 p.m. at the Legion.</div> <div> ============================================================</div> <div> <B>How much do you know about your well?</B></div> <div> <I>E</I><I>H! hosts work</I><I>shop for well pro</I><I>fessionals</I></div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="06511f30.jpg" border=0 width="273" height="243" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> <I>Lucy Keating, speaker at the Haliburton Highlands' Well Aware well professionals workshop, held Dec. 9, 2003.</I></div> <div> <I>Written by Cathy Olliffe</I></div> <div> YOU MIGHT BE SURPRISED at how little (or how much) you know about your drinking water. It used to be that most folks had no idea about the quality of their drinking water. They just turned on the tap and drank it with little or no thought about dangerous bacteria. But in the aftermath of the Walkerton tragedy people are, wisely, informing themselves about the source and quality of their drinking water.</div> <div> On December 9, 2003, Environment Haliburton! hosted an Information Provider  Well Aware workshop for professionals in the well business: people like health unit inspectors, realtors, municipal employees, well drillers, septic haulers -- those who are in the position of having to know their "groundwater basics."</div> <div> The meeting was held at Club 35, a community centre in Halls Lake, and featured expert facilitator Lucy Keating. Lucy travels all around Ontario leading similar workshops for an organization called Green Communities in partnership with the Ontario Ground Water Association and with financial support from the Ontario Ministry of the Environment.</div> <div> <IMG SRC="06a6ff40.jpg" border=0 width="367" height="244" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> While attendance wasn't as good as EH! had hoped, most of the people who did attend said the event was a worthwhile learning experience. </div> <div> EH! will be hosting a Well Aware public forum in the Spring of 2004 for everyone, not just well professionals. Watch this website and your local newspaper for details.</div> <div> Well Aware booklets were handed out at the workshop. They can be ordered in bulk, free of charge, from the Green Communities Association <A HREF="mailto:admin@gca.ca" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:admin@gca.ca"><U>admin@gca.ca</U></A></div> <div> See the Green Communities website: <A HREF="http://www.gca.ca" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.gca.ca"><U>http://www.gca.ca</U></A>. This association is a national umbrella group for community non-profit organizations that deliver environmental programs and services.</div> <div> And don't miss the Well Aware website: <A HREF="http://www.wellaware.ca" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.wellaware.ca"><U>http://www.wellaware.ca</U></A>. It's a portal website for private well owners and includes an online version of the Well Aware booklet and links to further resources.</div> <div> <IMG SRC="06c6ff40.jpg" border=0 width="367" height="244" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <IMG SRC="06e6ff30.jpg" border=0 width="367" height="243" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <I>Photos, above, taken at the Information Provider Well Aware Workshop.</I></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>