August 13, 2003
West Hawk Lake residents, cottagers, businesses and campers are advised that benzene and other chemicals in gasoline have been found in the West Hawk Townsite water system and that the water should not be used for consumption or food preparation purposes.
Though the levels exceed Canadian guidelines, it is considered that short-term exposures to these levels would not pose an immediate or long-term risk to health. Furthermore, the presence of significant levels of these hydrocarbons usually causes a strong and unpleasant smell and taste, which deters people from using the water before it reaches levels that may cause illness.
A new source of high quality water is currently being developed to service the area. This new water source has been tested and shows no contamination. It is expected this new water source will be on line in two weeks.
Until the new water source is ready, Dr. Eilish Cleary, medical officer of health for North Eastman Region, is recommending that residents access water for drinking, cooking, washing fruits and vegetables and brushing teeth from alternative sources. These sources could include:
The water is considered safe for other domestic uses such as bathing and cleaning. Residents are reminded that surface water or lake water should be boiled before being consumed. Boiling the contaminated well water is not recommended.
Manitoba Conservation is continuing to investigate the cause of the problem.
Small quantities of benzene exist in food, water and air, but long-term exposure to elevated concentrations of benzene have been associated with certain cancers. The contamination of the well at West Hawk appears to be recent and would have posed negligible risk to human health.
For more information, residents may contact Health Links at 788-8200 or toll-free at 1-888-315-9257.
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