Ministry of Environment/Water Information

All schools within Renfrew County Catholic District School Board is testing for the following:

Test Performed	When	Definition
Total Coliform	Monthly	Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment and used as an indicator that other, potentially harmful, bacteria may be present. Coliforms found in more samples than allowed is a warning of potential problems.Any sample taken that is adverse must be re-sampled and the Ministry of Environment and the Health Unit notified.
E-Coli	Monthly	E-coli comes from human and animal wastes. During rainfalls, snow melts, or other types of precipitation. E. coli may be washed into creeks, rivers, streams, lakes, or ground water. Most strains of E. Coli is harmless, some can cause illness.Any sample taken that is adverse must be re-sampled and the Ministry of Environment and the Health Unit notified.
Turbidity	Monthly	Turbidity is a measure of cloudiness in the water. The more turbid the water, the murkier it is. Turbidity is considered as a good measure of the quality of water.
Nitrites and Nitrates	Quarterly	Nitrates are present in water due to decaying animals and plants, fertilizers, sewage and other sources. High concentrations of nitrate or nitrite in water can cause health problems, particularly in babies. Any sample taken that is adverse must be re-sampled and the Ministry of Environment and the Health Unit notified.
Lead	Yearly	Lead is only present as a result of corrosion of lead solder, lead containing brass fittings or lead pipes . All schools are tested yearly.Any sample taken that is adverse must be re-sampled and the Ministry of Environment and the Health Unit notified.
All Other	Every 5 years	Year 2022 will be the next time all other parameters are tested.