Collection of surface water samples in Nova Scotia

Health Canada (HC) evaluates the risks to human health and the environment associated with the use of pesticides and regulates pesticide products in Canada. In the interest of increasing the availability of real-world data for use in pesticide risk assessments, HC is implementing a Canadian Water Monitoring Program for Pesticides (CWMPP). As part of this program, water samples are analysed to determine the concentrations of pesticides present in Canadian waters. Federal laboratories will analyse approximately 200 chemicals (i.e., pesticide active ingredients and transformation products) in water from various regions across Canada. The information is being collected to use in pesticides regulatory decisions, as appropriate. HC requires the services of a contractor to carry out water sampling in high-risk areas in two distinct regions of Nova Scotia (the Annapolis River Valley, and the Lunenburg/LaHave region). The information is being collected to use in pesticides regulatory decisions, as appropriate. In support of HC’s goal of increasing transparency, the generated pesticides data will be shared publicly through the Government of Canada Open Data portal.