P.E.I. jail drinking water unsafe

Testing has shown unsafe levels of arsenic and uranium in the groundwater at Prince Edward Island's Provincial Correction facility on Sleepy Hollow Road.

Inmates and staff have been using bottled water for drinking and food preparation for several weeks.

Arsenic and uranium occur naturally in groundwater, but levels found at the jail were slightly higher than the national health guidelines for consumption.

There have been no reports of illness for inmates or staff.

George Somers, Manager of DrinkingWater, Land and Systems Protection with the P.E.I. Department of Communities, Land and Development says short term consumption of the water is not a big health concern.

"The guidelines are based on a lifetime consumption so the current levels are just slightly above the guidelines and again the guidelines are established to be protective of consuming the water for a whole lifetime," said Somers.

While uranium and arsenic are naturally occurring elements,high levels of arsenic have been linked to cancer. High levels of uranium can lead to kidney damage.

'Likely there 50 or 100 years ago'

Somers said the elements were likely absorbed in the water from the bedrock around the well.

The province has just started using new equipment that tests for arsenic and uranium, so Somers says the high levels could have been an issue for decades.

"If you have elevated arsenic or uranium in your water now, it'squite likely it was there 50 or 100 years ago. There's no reason to expect it to have changed over time," he said.

"It's not something to be overly alarmed about but, on the other hand if you armed with the knowledge that you have an issue it makes sense to deal with it."

Somers said this is a good reminder for people with private wells to test their water on a regular basis.

Officials will be making a decision on a long term solution for the water situation at the jail within the next few weeks.