Peterborough Public Health (PPH), the Municipality of Trent Lakes and the Township of North Kawartha have paused their joint well water sample drop-off program for the winter.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The final date for county residents to drop off their samples at the North Kawartha or Trent Lakes Municipal Offices is Nov. 28. The drop-off service will resume in the first week of April 2025.
Throughout the winter months, residents may continue to drop off well water samples at:
Peterborough Public Health, 185 King St., Peterborough 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday 8:30 a.m. –12 noon Friday
Public Health Ontario Laboratory, 99 Hospital Dr., Peterborough 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday
PPH says it is essential to test well water several times yearly. Testing the water twice per year for a drilled well is recommended. For a dug well, the recommendation is four times per year.
“Even when the ground is frozen, contamination may be present. Sampling water from your well is the best way to ensure that the water is free of pathogens, which may cause illness if consumed.” said Chris Eaton, Public Health Inspector.
Well water samples are tested for two types of bacterial contamination: total coliforms and E. coli which indicates the water has been contaminated with fecal material, which can contain disease-causing microbes. These can cause severe gastrointestinal illness. Anyone can become ill if they consume contaminated water but the young, elderly and immuno-compromised are at a higher risk.
After samples are submitted, residents will receive water quality results by mail or call Public Health Ontario’s Interactive Voice Response at 1-877-723-3426.
For interpretation of the test results or to find out how to test for contaminants other than total coliforms or E. coli, please call Peterborough Public Health’s Safe Water Program at 705-743-1000, ext. 240 or visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca.
According to Peterborough Public Health (PPH), residents can borrow a CO2 Monitor at any library in Peterborough City, County and Hiawatha First Nation, effectively immediately.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
In March last year, Peterborough Public Library in collaboration with PPH, —supported by devices donated by Prescientx and CO2 Check — was the first library in North America to offer CO2 monitors as part of their Library of Things lending catalogue.
As a result of cooler temperatures and rainy weather, people spend more time gathering indoors. An increased risk of spreading and acquiring respiratory illnesses stems from being indoors more often. Respiratory illnesses like RSV, Influenza and COVID-19 can be transmitted through the air we breathe according to PPH. Carbon dioxide (CO2), the air we exhale, can be monitored and used to indicate the quality of the air we breathe.
“As we enter cold and flu season, carbon dioxide monitors are one tool we can add to our suite of tools to help us stay healthy; CO2 monitors can act as a proxy for determining whether a space has adequate ventilation and fresh air,” said Keith Beecroft, PPH health promotor.
Peterborough Public Health (PPH), the Municipality of Trent Lakes and the Township of North Kawartha have paused their joint well water sample drop-off program for the winter.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The final date for county residents to drop off their samples at the North Kawartha Municipal Office and the Trent Lakes Municipal Office is Nov. 30.
The free well water sample drop-off service returns on the first week of April. During the winter months, residents can continue to drop off their samples at the following locations:
Peterborough Public Health, 185 King St., Peterborough, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Fridays
Public Health Ontario Laboratory, 99 Hospital Dr., Peterborough, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday
Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Township Office, 1 Ottawa St., Havelock between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday.
PPH says it is essential to test well water several times throughout the year. It is recommended to test the water twice per year for a drilled well. For a dug well, the recommendation is four times per year.
“Even when the ground is frozen, contamination may be present. Sampling water from your well is the best way to ensure that the water is free of pathogens, which can cause illness if consumed,” said Chris Eaton, PPH public health inspector. “We look forward to resuming our courier service with the municipalities in the spring so it’s easier for residents to submit well water for testing.”
Well water samples are tested for two types of bacterial contamination: total coliforms and E. coli which indicates the water has been contaminated with fecal material, which can contain disease-causing microbes. These can cause severe gastrointestinal illness. Anyone can become ill if they consume contaminated water but the young, elderly and immuno-compromised are at a higher risk.
After samples are submitted, residents will receive water quality results by mail or call Public Health Ontario’s Interactive Voice Response at 1-877-723-3426.
For interpretation of the test results or to find out how to test for contaminants other than total coliforms or E. coli, please call Peterborough Public Health’s Safe Water Program at 705-743-1000, ext. 240 or visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca.
Residents are invited to share their input on plans for a new splash pad at Valleymore Park, located at 338 Spillsbury Dr., at a community drop-in session on May 29 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre.
file photo.
Everyone is welcome to stop in to talk to the project team and provide input regarding the splash pad features they prefer.
Community drop-in session:
Monday, May 29, 2023, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre - Multi-Purpose Room B
775 Brealey Dr., Peterborough
Information about the proposed splash pad and a community survey is available on the City’s community consultation website Connect Peterborough.
Paper copies of the survey are available at City Hall, 500 George St. N. The survey will be open until 11:55 p.m. on June 5.
The City has a strategic plan to enhance the City’s outdoor water play facilities through the development of new facilities and the replacement of aging facilities at various parks across the city. Splash pads are hard surface playgrounds that have water squirts, ground geysers and decorative water spray features. Splash pads are designed for children from toddler age to pre-teen. The City currently operates six splash pads throughout the City.
Community feedback will help inform the City about the needs of the neighbourhood as the design of the splashpad is considered. Future information about the project and a concept plan will be updated on the Connect Peterborough project page as the information becomes available.
Peterborough Public Health (PPH), the Township of North Kawartha, and the Municipality of Trent Lakes are making well water testing easier for all permanent and seasonal residents by offering free well water sample drop off from spring to fall.
stock photo.
Well water samples are tested for two types of bacterial contamination: total coliforms and E. coli. Total coliforms indicate the presence of general contamination, such as surface runoff, and E. coli indicates the water is contaminated with fecal material, which may contain disease-causing microorganisms. Anyone can become ill if they consume contaminated water, but young, elderly and immuno-compromised individuals are at higher risk.
“With snow melt and spring runoff, this is a good time of year to test your water as there is a higher risk of contamination. In addition to submitting a water sample, residents should take the time to inspect their well,” says Public Health Inspector Chris Eaton. “Check that the well cap is secure, the vent screens are in good condition, and that the ground is sloped away from the well. If your well is the older style in a pit, check that the pit is not flooded with surface water. If it is, consider having the well upgraded by a licensed well contractor.”
Beginning April 11, water samples can be dropped off at the North Kawartha Municipal Office (280 Burleigh St, Apsley) Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., and the Trent Lakes Municipal Office (760 County Road 36, Trent Lakes) Tuesday and Thursdays between 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m.
Samples are then couriered to the Public Health Ontario Lab in Peterborough for testing. Empty sample bottles can be picked up any time during regular business hours. Samples must be collected within 24 hours of drop off at the municipal office to ensure they reach the lab and are processed in a timely manner. Residents are encouraged to carefully read the sampling and collection instructions included with each kit.
Water samples can also be dropped off at the following locations:
Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Township Office, 1 Ottawa St, Havelock, from Monday through Thursday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Peterborough Public Health, 185 King St, Peterborough, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Fridays.
Rainmaker Worldwide Inc. (RAKR), a global leader in water solutions, has announced the addition of key resources to its global operations team on Tuesday.
photo courtesy of rainmaker worldwide Inc.
Viva Industries, an investment company owned by entrepreneurs Michael Skinner, John Gillis and Ryan Moore, will acquire a controlling interest in the Canadian subsidiary of Rainmaker Worldwide Inc., and will re-name it Rainmaker Canada & Caribbean Inc. (“RCCI”). This acquisition will allow Rainmaker to focus on the growth of its global business while the Viva Industries team drives the growth of the Canadian and Caribbean markets.
As part of the transaction, Michael Skinner will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer of RCCI, John Gillis will be the Chief Technical Officer and Ryan Moore will take on the role of Chief Strategy Officer & VP Business Development. Skinner and Gillis were early investors in Rainmaker, and their expertise will greatly enhance the Company's capacity to provide innovative solutions to the water crisis.
“I have always been impressed with the needs that Rainmaker's Technology fulfills on a global scale," said Michael Skinner. “With the addition of the Miranda Technology, I believe Rainmaker is strategically positioned to be a global leader in solving the issue of providing safe drinking water and dealing with wastewater.”
RCCI will continue to sell Rainmaker's Air-to-Water Technology as well as other products and services provided for in the Joint Development Agreement between Rainmaker and Miranda Environmental and Water Treatment Technologies, Energy, Natural Resources, Engineering, Consulting, Construction and Commerce Inc. (“Miranda”) which remains in force. The full suite of products for the combined group now includes distributed solutions using Reverse Osmosis, Wastewater Treatment and Water Filtration Technology.
"We are excited to welcome Michael Skinner, John Gillis and Ryan Moore to the Rainmaker team. John Gillis, the 2020 Water Canada Business Person of the Year, will provide strategic engineering expertise to Rainmaker’s global operations. Their combined expertise and leadership will enable us to continue to provide innovative solutions for the water crisis and drive growth for the Company,” said Michael O'Connor, executive chairman of Rainmaker.
The transaction is expected to close by April 1. For more information, visit the website.
Peterborough Public Health (PPH), the Municipality of Trent Lakes and the Township of North Kawartha have paused their joint well water sample drop-off program for the winter announced on Tuesday.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The final date for county residents to drop off their samples to the North Kawartha Municipal Office and the Trent Lakes Municipal Office is Nov. 24.
The free well water sample drop-off service returns on first week of April. During the winter months, residents can continue to drop off their samples at the following locations:
Peterborough Public Health, 185 King St., Peterborough, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Fridays
Public Health Ontario Laboratory, 99 Hospital Dr., Peterborough, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday
Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Township Office, 1 Ottawa St., Havelock between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday.
“Even when the ground is frozen, contamination may be present. Sampling water from your well is the best way to ensure that the water is free of pathogens, which can cause illness if consumed,” said Chris Eaton, public health inspector from PPH. “We look forward to resuming our courier service with the municipalities in the spring to ensure ease for residents when submitting well water for testing.”
Well water samples are tested for two types of bacterial contamination: total coliforms and E. coli which indicates the water has been contaminated with fecal material, which can contain disease-causing microbes. These can cause severe gastrointestinal illness. Anyone can become ill if they consume contaminated water but the young, elderly, and immuno-compromised are at a higher risk.
After samples are submitted, residents will receive water quality results by mail or they can call Public Health Ontario’s Interactive Voice Response at 1-877-723-3426.
For interpretation of the test results, or to find out how to test for contaminants other than total coliforms or E. coli, please call Peterborough Public Health’s Safe Water Program at 705-743-1000, ext. 232 or visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca.
In times of economic turmoil, the tendency is often to look for ways to entrench and wait out the storm. However, this belies the fact that in tumultuous times great opportunities often emerge. Joseph Schumpeter, the late Harvard economist, claimed that times like these possess forces for "creative destruction." It is from the "creative" nature of economic change that opportunities arise. One such opportunity for the future of the Peterborough-area economy is emerging.
There is no doubt that the public sector has targeted water as a primary infrastructure and public health challenge. Over the past decade, the emphasis has changed from supplying water (e.g., transmitting large quantities of water) to one of water quality. Water quality is emerging as the fastest growing global issue of our time.
Fortunately, it is in the area of water quality that the region has existing expertise. The recent Ontario Speech from the Throne (March 8, 2010) spoke directly to developing "clean-water" organizations in the private and public sectors. This is clear recognition of water as a public policy challenge and the growth that will be supported through public funding.
In 2010, the GPAEDC and Greater Peterborough Innovation Cluster released a major study that mapped and analyzed the energy and water sectors in the area. In the water field, there are fourteen active and five interested Peterborough-area firms in the water supply chain. It is a good sign that all segments of the supply chain are currently populated by Peterborough-area firms.
Photo: Evan HoltIn addition to private sector firms, the water related research Fleming College (the Centre for Alternative Wastewater Treatment) and Trent University (the Trent Water Quality Centre) make the sector in our region that much stronger.
All indications are that Peterborough could—should it act quickly and in a concerted way—become a global centre in the field. The challenge comes not from just growing locally, or attracting those from outside, but from combining existing technologies and expertise to better position it for future growth.
Thankfully we are not beginning from scratch. Along with existing businesses in the field, there is a high level of academic involvement in research centres and programs being offered at Trent University (10 centres/programs) and Fleming College (10 centres/programs) that are related to water.
In each centre and program has faculty, research and students attached to them. They represent a very significant resource—particularly human—in the field. Combining these centres and programs with the private-sector activity that has been identified reveals a strong foundation upon which to build a comprehensive water cluster in the region.
As much as the analysis of the private- and public-sector strengths that exist in the area's water sector, it is clear that it is made up of several successful, but rather isolated elements—there are few interconnections across the sector. With the considerable technological capacities, and high-level expertise, and a growing market, it is apparent that the region's water sector is less than the sum of its parts. That is, it is possible for the region to take a stronger position in the water sector if it were able to better utilize its existing technologies and expertise.
To shift the situation to one where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, the water sector resources available in the region must be combined in such a way to improve its overall productivity and innovativeness to better position it to grow in this burgeoning, national and international market.
The greatest challenge is not in getting skilled people or technologies in place. The challenge is to create an organizational structure that can help the relatively isolated organizations identify and create new collaborations that can strength the region’s place in the national and global water market. In effect, we need to create an organization that can provide the overarching, coordinating services that were once provided by the "umbrella" organization of a multi-divisional corporation.
When new market opportunities arise, there needs to be an organizational mechanism by which the existing technologies and expertise can be assessed relative to the opportunity. Should the technologies and expertise exist, a new business entity must be created to exploit it.
In the past, when a large corporation was faced with a new market opportunity, it would pursue it by re-combining its existing expertise and technologies by simply creating a new division. Our current circumstances call for the creation of innovative business partnerships across—not within—organizations (e.g., joint ventures, strategic alliances) that promote growth, jobs, and the creation of wealth in the region.
There is absolutely no doubt that water will be a global issue in the twenty-first century. It will be a thriving international business sector. For Peterborough, taking a key role in that growing sector is an opportunity that we either proactively move on soon or lose to a less well equipped, but more organized community.
Opportunities like this do not present themselves often. We must seize the day.
****[UPDATE BY TOM PHILLIPS: Here's Dan Taylor, President & CEO of the Greater Peterborough Innovation Cluster, speaking about the potential for a Water Cluster in the Peterborough Region]
