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The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanville, September 9,1999 Page 7 Fill 'er up, the water's fine Durham health department officials say quality of our H20 is great While some prefer their water from a spring, like Adrian O'Reilly, above, health officials in Durham Region say the quality of the water we drink from the tap is generally very good. By Lesley McMaster Staff Writer We bathe in it, swim in it, and on a hot, muggy day, nothing goes down better than a nice tall glass of it. But how safe is the water we count on day in and day out? Fill up is the advice of officials with the local health department and Durham Region's works department, who maintain Lake Ontario's water quality is good. In fact, they point out Durham's water actually requires less treatment compared to other drinking water sources. Durham Region is home to 14 water supply systems with five of those situated situated around Lake Ontario. While homes in Cannington, Port Perry and Uxbridge are fed with well-water systems, systems, the majority of the Region's population population is fed with water piped in from the Great Lake. "It's generally very good," says Bernie Kuslikis, Durham Region works plant operations manager, referring to the quality. "The treatment is quite minimal compared to other regions." Some areas of the United States, especially around the Mississippi River, have to pipe their water long distances to a treatment centre, where it undergoes undergoes involved treatment processes using a lot of chemicals, he explains. But because Lake Ontario's "starting material" is so much better, Durham pipes its water through fewer stages of treatment and adds a "splash" of chlorine chlorine before it hits homes, he says. But what about all these beach closings closings we hear about, you ask? Tony Wong, manager of the Durham Health Department, says bacteria levels have remained consistent at the Region's 16 beaches for at least the last two or three years. His office conducts weekly testing throughout the summer months for E.Coli, a bacteria found in the intestinal tract of humans and animals. animals. Signs are posted warning swimmers swimmers to stay out once E.Coli levels reach 100 counts per 100 milliliters. Beaches with traditionally "elevated" "elevated" accounts include Kinsmen Beach in Port Perry, Rotary Park in Ajax, and Elgin Pond in Uxbridge, says Mr. Wong, A. number of factors contribute to rising levels, including high winds, the presence of algae and water fowl and muggy temperatures. Geography can also come into play as it does with Elgin-Pond, a small enclosed, still body of water, he says. Lake Ontario, however, has geography geography in its favor, says Mr. Kuslikis, Although geese are a problem to short grass park land lining its shores, Lake Ontario is not a contained body of water and as such is not threatened by animal contamination, he says. "It's only serious threat would be any industrial discharge but Lake Ontario is a body of water that is so large," he explains. "Most of our water intakes are built out so far some 40 feet below the water surface." Since most leaks occur along the shoreline, the Region's water intakes are safely located in a "much cleaner, less prone" section of Lake Ontario, he adds. Avid aqua drinkers can also take faith in water quality guidelines imposed by both Durham's Water Surveillance Surveillance program and the Ontario Drinking Water Objectives, says Mr. Kuslikis. Under such parameters, works departments are required to scan water supplies on a daily basis for Country charm, rural life highlights of tour Discover some of the region's best-kept rural secrets by participating participating in the third annual Durham Countryside Adventure. The self-guided tour takes place Sept. 18 and 19. The weekend celebration showcases showcases the area's rich agricultural heritage, historic sites, magnificent churches, quaint bed and breakfasts, native woodlands, gardens and working farm operations. Proprietors of the sites have opened their doors to spread down- home country hospitality, The Durham Countryside Adventure Adventure has 43 sites offering a vast array of special events. Passport maps arc sold at the. Clarington Tourism Office at 181 Liberty St. S, in Bowmanville, or by calling 623-0733. Tickets are $8 for adults; $5 for students with student card; $3 for children aged three to 13; and free for children under three, chemicals and trace organics, which may threaten quality, he says. Guidelines also dictate drinking water be free of waterborne diseases such as typhoid fever, cholera, and amoebic dysenteries; pesticides; any heavy metals and ions which may pose health risks from long-term exposure; and any by-products from nuclear energy energy production which may cause cancer. Mr. Kuslikis says there are also requirements governing aesthetics as provincial guidelines state departments should aim at producing a treated water that is pleasant to customers. However, an unfortunate part of summer is the "stinky water" phase when algae levels in Lake Ontario rise with warmer temperatures, he says. Although it translates into an odor for residents turning on their taps or showers, it is mainly an aesthetic issue as the water is safe for drinking and bathing, he says. "That's when the public trust aspect comes into play," says Mr. Kuslikis, adding the Ministry of the Environment and health departments strictly regulate water quality. "It's highly tested and routinely checked. Generally, it's water people can trust." But he admits people have their individual tastes. Some complain they don't like the taste of chlorinated water c*'*bral« future/ DURHAM REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF DURHAM WORKS DEPARTMENT ADDENDUM TO ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY REPORT NOTICE OF COMPLETION CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT ZONE 2 WATER STORAGE RESERVOIR LOT 12, CONCESSION 4 MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON (BOWMANVILLE) In accordance with the approved procedures contained in the Class Environmental Assessment for Municipal Water and Wastewater Projects, the Regional Municipality of Durham hereby notifies all public and review agencies that an 'Addendum to the Environmental Study Report' for a Zone 2 Reservoir Project has been undertaken. A new inground water storage reservoir is proposed for constmction during years 2000-2001 to service existing and new development in the Municipality of Clarington (Bowmanville). A reservoir site was previously obtained through a Class Environmental Assessment in 1992. However, the period from the filing of the original 'Notice of Completion of the Environmental Study Report' in the public record to the proposed commencement of construction of the reservoir has exceeded five (5) years. As a result, the Class Environmental Assessment procedures require the proponent to review the planning and design process to ensure that the project and the mitigating measures are still valid. A review has now been undertaken and confirms that the previous Class Environmental Assessment for this project is still valid with respect to the environment, mitigating measures, and planning and design concepts. This 'Addendum to the Environmental Study Report' has been filed and placed in public record for review. Copies of the Environmental Study Report arc available for review at the following locations: Clerks Department Works Department Regional Municipality of Durham Regional Municipality of Durham 605 Rossland Road East 105 Consumers Drive Whitby, Ontario Whitby, Ontario Mon. - Pri., 8:30 am-4:30 pm Mon. - Eri., 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Municipality of Clarington Public Library Bowmanville Branch 62 Temperance Street Bowmanville, Ontario ' Written comments or inquiries can be directed to the Works Department, at the address provided below, within the review period of September 7,1999 to October 9,1999. Mr. Thom Slolcy, P. Eng. Manager, Engineering Planning & Studies Regional Municipality of Durham Works Department 105 Consumers Drive Whitby, Ontario LIN 6 A3 Phone: (905)-668- 7721 or (800) ■ 372- 1103, Extension 5289 Mon. -Eri., 8:30 am- -1:30 pm If concents regarding the project cannot he resolved through discussion with the Regional Municipality of Durham, an individual or party may request that the Minister of Environment consider this project for an individual Environmental Assessment in accordance with the 'Bump-up' provisions of the Class Environmental Asscsssment. Requests for a 'Uump-up' must be received by the Ministry, at the address provided below, within the review period of September 7,1999 to October 9,1999. 'Uump-up' requests should also he copied to the Regional Municipality of Durham at the address provided above. Minister of the Environment 135 St. Clair Avenue West 10 lit Floor Toronto, Ontario MW IPS This Notice issued on Tuesday September 7,1999 V.A. Silgaills, P. Eng. Commissioner of Works K.W. Thompson, P, Eng. Director of Environmental Services even though Durham's water only has "traces" of the agent, Mr. Kuslikis. As for those, who search out natural springs like those near Chalk Lake or their local bottled water supplier, he says "choice is a good thing". "As far as health and safety testing, there is little doubt (Lake Ontario's water) is safe to drink," he adds. If your still skeptical, Mr. Wong says the Durham Health Department offers free sampling to anyone wanting to get the skinny on their water supply. The service is offered at the department's department's office on Campbell Drive in Uxbridge, its office in the Whitby Mall and its site on Commercial Avenue in Ajax. Bottles can also be dropped off for testing at the Durham Regional Police office on Highway 57 in Clarington and any municipal office or local hospital. Mr. Wong says the department tests Chalk Lake spring water at least twice a month and has deemed it safe. However, health officials aren't able to recommend it for consumption because it is mainly an uncontrolled surface water source of drinking water, he explains. For more information about the drop-off service, contact the Durham Health Department at 723-8521. iririririririririririririririririràiririririririr THEATRE DANCE ACADEMY ACRO TAP ,V BALLET -Jr JAZZ IRISH > BALLROOM -'(HIP-HOP • Full sprung floor • Classes for ages 2 1/2 - Adult • Everyone participates in the Fiesta Parade • Annual recitals (3 shows) • Great competitive prices for both recreational & competitive classes 'We Suilct "fonfaleHce' & "'?o*tcL 'THettuvUeb" ★ !★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ .★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Y Past and present performances include: cruise ships, Blue Jays games, Wonderland, NBA ' ■w Raptor Dance Team, Professional Theatre, Skydome, CNE, TV Telethons, Worldwide Special^ ^ Olympics and corporate events, just to name a few! ^ ★ ★ Our sincere thanks for choosing us as #7 "Best Dance Studio"in the Reader's Choice Awards COURTICE STUDIO. 2651 Trulls Road. Unit 3. South of #2 Hwv. ? REGISTRATION Wednesday September 8 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. ^BOWMANVILLE STUDIO. 16 Caristrap (Liberty & Baseline - 4 streets east »of Liberty oft Baseline) m REGISTRATION Thursday September 9 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. 'k 3 Locations to Serve You. •fa Oshawa, Courtice, Bowmanville Studios. To register or for more information-^- ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ TO REGISTER FOR MORE A*>ÊZ A7C4 INFORMATION CALL TODAY e TWW*V f 04 ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★ The 1999 DURHAM CENTRAL AGRICULTURAL at the ORONO FAIRGROUNDS September 9,10,11,12 Thursday, September 9 at 5:00 p.m. "'Half-price Admission and Looney Day at the Rides*** INJHLARENA 5:00 p.m. Homecraft Exhibit 7:30 p.m. Ambassador ol the Fair AGRICULTURAL BUILDING 5:00 Field Crop Display Fruit & Vegetables Display 6:00 4-H Judging FRONT OF GRANDSTAND 6:30 p.m. Parade 7:15 p.m. Official Opening ol Fair 7:45 p.m. Milking Contest-our local Politicians vs. the Media 8:30 p.m. Farmer's Olympics LIVESTOCK BARN 7:00 p.m. Holstein Show Friday, September 10 at 9:00 a.m. "'Midway opens at 3:30 p.m. IN THE ARENA ALL DAY Homecraft Exhibil & Sale 3:00 p.m. School Talent Contest 6:00 p.m. Prize Cake Auction 8:00 p.m. Fiddler's Conlest AGRICULTURAL BUILDING 5:00 a.m. 4-H Exhibits, 4-H Animal Display, 4-H Quiz Games Fruits Vegetables Display IN FRONT OF GRANDSTAND 1:00 p.m. School Parade S Activities 3:00 p.m. Pony Pull 7:00 p.m. Heavy S Light Horse Pull LIVESTOCK AREAS 10.00 a m Poultry Judging 10:00 a m. 4-H Dairy Club Day 01:00 p.m. Jersey Show 5:30 pm 4-H Lamb Show 06:00 p.m. Champion Steer Show 7.00 p.m. Steer & Lamb Auction GROUNDS ACTIVITIES All Day Anllque Tractor displays 1:00 p.m. FVC Truck & Tractor Pulling Practice 7:30 p.m. Battle of the Bands and Teen Dance Saturday, September 11 at 9:00 a,m, '"Midway open all day.'" IHIHEARENA ALL DAY Homecraft Exhibit & Sale 11:00 a.m, Slylamanders (children) 12:00 p.m. Ganaraska Cloggcrs 12:30 p.m. Cat World .2:00 p.m. Slylamanders 3:00 p.m. Ganaraska Cloggcrs 4:00 p.m. JazzsCals _ 9:00 p.m. Fair Dance (upstairs) IN FRONT OF GRANDSTAND ALL DAY Light & Heavy Horse Show 12:00 p.m. K-9 Unit Demonstration 07:30 p.m. Demolition Derby LIVESIO-CKAREAS. 00.00 a.m Gymkhana, Rabbil Show 11:00 a.m. Junior BocICattlo Show 12:00 p.m. Duel Cattlo Show -All Breeds 9:00 a.m. 4-H Exhibits, 4-H Animal Display, 4-H Quiz games Field Crop Display, Fmil & Vegetables Display GROUNDS ACTIVITIES 11:00 a.m. R.C. Truck & Tractor Pulling Pracllco, Anllque Trader Demonstrations, Boer Toni Sunday, September 12 at 8:30 a.m. "'Midway open all day.*** IN THE ARENA ALL DAY Homecraft Exhibil & Sale 10:00 a.m, Big Brother's Pol Show 12:00 a.m. Slylamandors (childon) 01:00 p,m. O.P.P. Boar Hug Band (children) 04:30 p.m. Cluysanllioniuni Sale AQRLC-ULIUMLMLPM 5:00 Field Crop Display ERONLQLGRAN&SIAHB 1:00 p.m. Conlral Ontario Tractor Pull World ol Wheels Truck Pull UÏE51MKAREAS 8:30 a.in, Hunier Show • llorso Ring 9:00 a.m. Rabbit Show 1:00 p.m. Sheep Show AGBLCULT.URALACIIYIIIES. 10:00 R.C. Truck and Tractor Pull, Antique Tractor Show, Anllquo Car Show ADMISSION: Adults *5.00 Students/Seniors *3.00 Public School '1.00 3 DAY PASSES AVAILABLE FOR MORE INFORMATION 905-983-9510