emerged from the evaluation of the DSP, which confirms, among other things,
that clear water can be consumed without restriction at the tap by children
over one year of age and adults.
The City of Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac welcomes the recommendations of the public health of the Laurentians (DSP) which carried out an assessment and issued a public health opinion concerning the exposure of the population to manganese in drinking water between January 2017 and October 2020. In addition, the DSP carried out a annex which will specifically answer the questions of citizens concerned about the possibility of health impacts linked to high concentrations of manganese in drinking water.
Findings of the DSP
These are reassuring results concerning the manganese concentration that emerged from the evaluation of the DSP, which confirms, among other things, that clear water can be consumed without restriction at the tap by children over one year of age and adults. In addition, after reviewing the data in its possession and taking into account the most recent scientific knowledge regarding potential health risks, in particular in babies under one year of age, the DSP confirms that “ Even if clear water could have contained levels of manganese in excess of Health Canada’s MAC, the short duration and low levels demonstrated are not sufficient to have exposed the population to doses posing a significant health risk. “In conclusion, here are the instructions to follow for the city and its people:
The colored water may have very high levels of manganese and should not be consumed;
Period of rinsing or public works: the municipality must notify the population concerned of the start and end of the rinsing period or works that is likely to lead to coloration of the water;
Children under one year old, during the rinsing or work period: as a precaution, even if the water is clear, stock up with an alternative water (bottled water) for them to drink.
When rinsing or during public works, if the water is clear, children over one year of age and adults can get their supplies without restriction from tap water.
Outside the rinsing or work period, if it is clear, the water supplied can be consumed without restriction.
In closing, the notice mentions that boiling water (clear or colored) does not eliminate manganese.
Quote:
“We welcome this opinion from the DSP and thank them. I want to stress that we have always acted responsibly in this matter, in order to ensure the safety of the population and to provide them with water of sufficient quality. The City intends to continue to comply with the recommendations of the DSP and maintain excellent collaboration with the latter. ”
Me Sonia Paulus, mayor of Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac.
