People who rely on well water are being urged to have it tested regularly.
Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health says testing should be done every six months for bacteria and every two years for chemical contaminants including manganese.
Dr. Robert Strang says, on Friday, Health Canada issued updated guidelines for manganese in drinking water based on new evidence.
“Exposure to manganese over long periods of time can affect neurological development in young children as well as memory and attention in adults.”
He says a general guideline for manganese is nothing new.
“But that was only based on aesthetic or water quality concerns really related to staining of laundry, staining of sinks.”
This is the first time Health Canada has set a guideline based on the health effects of manganese.
Dr. Strang says prolonged exposure can interfere with children’s brain development and affect adults’ memory, attention and movement.
