February 2, 2022

NORTH GRENVILLE, ON - On Tuesday, February 1, 2022, Council adopted its first ever Indigenous Land Acknowledgement as a step towards reconciliation in support of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls to Action released in 2015.

“In light of the tragic discoveries of children’s bodies at the sites of several formal residential schools this past year, as well as the difficult and complex history of Canada’s relationship with Indigenous Peoples, Council is committed to strengthening our relationship with the Indigenous community through action,” said Mayor Nancy Peckford.

Municipality of North Grenville Kemptville Water Pollution Control Plant and Bridge Street Sanitary Pump Station Optimization and Expansion Environmental Study Report (ESR) Addendum

North Grenville is currently experiencing high growth and development pressures and submitted an Environmental Study Report (ESR) Addendum in April 2019 to address their need for additional treatment capacity of the Kemptville Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP) to service community growth. 

The following are sodium results as of January 13, 2022:

• Kernahan Pumping Station 46.5 mg/L
• Van Buren Pumping Station 35.8 mg/L
• Alfred Pumping Station 34.6 mg/L
• East Quadrant Pumping Station 42.9 mg/L

Sodium is a mineral that can be found in drinking water supplies. The Kemptville Drinking Water System draws its water from the Nepean Sandstone Aquifer. The aquifer has naturally occurring sodium deposits typical of ground water sources in Eastern Ontario.

Sodium in drinking water is not a health concern for most people but may be an issue for someone with severe hypertension, congestive heart failure or on a sodium-restricted diet. Further, it is recommended that water from a water softer not be given to infants and not be used in the preparation of infant beverages including formula and juice. Water softeners may increase the levels of sodium in drinking water. It is recommended to have a separate water line for drinking which bypasses the water softener.

All natural waters contain some sodium. The Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality and Ontario Drinking Water Standards set an aesthetic objective of 200 mg/L. Sodium concentrations above 200 mg/L may alter the taste of water.

The Ontario Drinking Water Systems Regulation 170/03 under the Safe Drinking Water Act requires reporting to the local Medical Officer of Health when sodium levels in public drinking water supplies exceed 20 mg/L or more. At this point, the local Medical Officer of Health informs local physicians, as such information is intended to help persons on sodium-restricted diets control their sodium intake.

Sodium is not considered to be toxic. However, most people consume more sodium than they need. While the average daily intake of sodium for healthy adults ranges from 2000 to 5000 mg, the daily amount of sodium needed to meet the needs of most healthy adults is 1500 mg. Adverse health effects would not be expected for healthy adults if their sodium intake is below the upper tolerable intake level of 2300 mg per day.

Although less than 5-10% of the daily intake of sodium comes from water, the intake from this source could be significant for persons suffering from severe hypertension or congestive heart failure who may require a sodium-restricted diet. The health unit is recommending that people with these conditions should consult their physicians if the sodium level in their drinking water exceeds 20 mg/L.

For more information on sodium in drinking water or to speak with a Public Health Inspector, please call 1-800-660-5853 or visit www.healthunit.org.