Peterborough Public Health Issues Sodium Notice For Alpine Village Pirates Glen

Notice by Peterborough Public Health.
January 2023

The Alpine Village Pirates Glen municipal water supply has higher than recommended sodium levels. The Medical Officer of Health for Peterborough Public Health is of the opinion that this is not a health or safety risk to the general user of the Alpine Village Pirates Glen municipal water supply.

Provincial water regulations require that sodium concentrations in municipal drinking water be tested every five years. If the concentration exceeds 20 milligrams per litre (mg/l) it must be reported to the Medical Officer of Health. Tests done on Buckhorn Lake Estates drinking water in January 2023 found sodium levels that ranged between 25.5 and 26.3 mg/l.

This level of sodium in the Alpine Village Pirates Glen municipal water supply is not a concern for healthy individuals. Residents with hypertension (high blood pressure) or congestive heart failure, or who are following a sodium restricted diet for health reasons, should discuss whether to drink an alternate supply of water with their health care provider.

The amount of sodium consumed through drinking water needs to be put in perspective when compared to the amount of sodium in the food we eat. The amount of sodium required to meet the needs of most healthy adults is 1500 mg per day but the average person consumes over 3000 mg per day. Drinking four cups of water per day from the Alpine Village Pirates Glen municipal water supply would add approximately 165 mg of sodium to a person’s daily diet.

If you are using a water softener in your home, the sodium levels in your tap water could be higher than reported above. You may wish to have the sodium levels in your tap water checked if you are concerned about your sodium intake and are using a water softener. Tests for sodium can be performed by local water treatment companies and laboratories.

For general questions regarding the effect of sodium levels in drinking water or your diet please call Peterborough Public Health at (705) 743-1000.

Questions about the water system should be directed to the Municipality of Trent Lakes (705) 743-1000 or the Ontario Clean Water Agency at 1-888-695-1663 (Ask for the Central On Call Operator) More information regarding sodium can be found at: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/nutrients/sodium.html