Investigation of Contents of Lead and Mercury in Groundwater in the Drayton Valley District

Part of the routine processing of data for the Central Data File consists of the sending of letters requesting that locations be provided for chemical analyses originating from the Provincial Analyst. While this task was being carried out a number of analyses, which gave a value for lead were noted. It is unusual for the lead content of well water to be stated on these analyses and a check of the form attached to the analyses revealed that the lead content was specifically asked for by the Edson Health Unit. Also, four of the analyses stated that the water was unsuitable for human consumption due to a high lead content. It was felt that some investigation into the matter was warranted in order to determine if in fact the groundwater in the area was high in lead content, which had suggested that lead be analyzed for in the first place and why the suggestion was made.