The Blue Mountains councillor Paula Hope wants her town to expand its drinking water testing protocols.
At its committee of the whole meeting on Feb. 25, Hope raised the idea of the town expanding the testing it does to ensure local drinking water is safe.
After staff presented council 2024 water summary report, which detailed activities and operations in the town’s water department for the past year, Hope brought up the idea of testing for polyfluoroalkl substances (known as PFAs).
Hope referenced a recent Globe and Mail report about the community of Slemon Park in Prince Edward Island, which has seen its drinking water tests reveal PFAS levels that exceed national standards. The community is located near a former Canadian air force base that was closed in 1989.
“Is this something we can be considering, testing for PFAS at this point?” Hope asked, noting the proximity of The Blue Mountains to the military base in the Municipality of Meaford.
PFAS are used in things like: fire retardant foams, non-stick cookware and water repellent clothing. Exposure to PFAS is known to cause increased risk of cancer and other health issues.
Town staff said they could look into the possibility of increased testing further, including how much it would cost, and bring back a full report for council’s consideration.
Allison Kershaw, manager of water and wastewater services, said it would be a good idea for the town to discuss the issue with the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, the provincial ministry responsible for drinking water testing protocols. Kershaw said the ministry does not currently require testing for PFAS.
“There is a bit of work to do with this,” said Kershaw. “It’s a fairly deep question.”
Kershaw said the town would have to look into the province’s protocols for PFAS testing, including how the town would react in the event of an adverse test.
“I think it’s very important we pursue this and find out what the cost would be,” Hope said, after hearing from staff, and moved a motion to direct staff to do the research and report back to council.
Council unanimously supported Hope’s resolution requesting a staff report on the matter.