ALUMINUM IN DRINKING WATER
QUICK FACTS
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Aluminum in drinking water has no taste, smell, or colour and can only be detected through chemical testing.
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The Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality Maximum Acceptable Concentration (MAC) for aluminum is 2.9 mg/L.
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Exposure to high levels of aluminum in drinking water may affect your nervous system.
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Well water with aluminum greater than 2.9 mg/L should not be used for drinking, cooking, or teeth brushing. It may be used for bathing, handwashing, and dishwashing.
WHAT IS ALUMINUM?
Aluminum is an extremely abundant metal found in the Earth's crust. Some areas of Nova Scotia have elevated aluminum levels in drinking water.
HOW DOES IT GET INTO DRINKING WATER?
Aluminum can leach from rock and soil to enter any water source.
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH CONCERNS OF ALUMINUM?
Short-term exposure (over days or weeks) to high levels of aluminum in drinking water can nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, ulcers, rashes, and arthritic pain.
Long-term exposure (over years or decades) to aluminum may affect your nervous system.
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Studies show early onset of dementia and Alzheimer's Disease can be caused from long term exposure to aluminum in drinking water
