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The poor water quality for 200 people on the Hullcar aquifer in Spallumcheen area is unacceptable and the provincial government must take action immediately, says the NDP.
Environment critic George Heyman toured the region Tuesday, speaking with a handful of residents in the North Okanagan community dealing with elevated nitrate levels most likely caused by manure spread on area dairy farms.
“High nitrate levels are a serious concern for infants less than six months old, for the elderly, and they can increase the risk of stomach cancer in adults,” Heyman said, following his tour.
Residents within the Steel Springs Water District have been under a water quality advisory for two years over elevated nitrate levels in the aquifer and Heyman said that is not acceptable, charging the Christy Clark Liberals have dropped the ball and must take action now.
Heyman, along with fellow NDP MLAs Lana Popham and Scott Fraser, met with officials from Spalluncheen and the Splatsin First Nation as well as some citizens of the area.
Heyman said after meeting that the message was clear – people want responsible agriculture production that does not pollute the water. He believes that can be done.
He said there are ways to spread the manure that will allow crops enough time to absorb the material without it going in to the aquifer and raising the nitrate levels. He said they are currently 30 per cent above recommended levels.
“That is unacceptable,” he said Tuesday afternoon. “The government has to take action.”
Heyman said the Liberals are once again studying the matter, but another study will not help the people who are living with substandard water.
“People deserve safe, clean water,” he said, adding the government and farmers need to be responsive.
Heyman said he will be pressing the Liberals on the matter in the Legislature next week.
“I'll be asking a lot of questions,” said Heyman. “Safe drinking water and farming can co-exist, but the government must take action.”
