Free well water kits given out by the county do not test for hydrocarbons
The free kits provided to households affected by the recent wildfires cannot detect fuel oil in well water. But there are steps that can be taken if someone suspects hydrocarbon contamination.
NS offices for the Environment and Climate can be called for an inspection
The free well water test kits distributed by the county to residents affected by the recent wildfires do not detect hydrocarbons, but there are options if anyone suspects that type of contamination.
Hydrocarbons are a large group of compounds that include fossil fuels such as natural gas and petroleum. It may also contain heating oil.
Signs of hydrocarbon contamination are odors or an oily sheen on water or soil. If found, the province advises people to call the local branch of the provincial Ministry of Environment and Climate Change for an inspection.
“While the test kits we provide do not specifically test for hydrocarbon contamination, we can help you understand what tests you may need,” a county spokesperson told CBC News in an email.
The well water test kits distributed by the county can detect bacteria, perform a metal scan, and “analyze general chemistry parameters.”
The province collects samples of the test kits and sends them to laboratories for analysis. The results are shared with homeowners.
