Researchers apply for money to further study elevated manganese in Whitehorse groundwater

Researchers studying groundwater in the Whitehorse area have applied for more funding to focus on elevated manganese levels in the Whitehorse copper belt.

Two new monitoring wells have already been installed in the copper belt area. 

"We will continue to do sampling focused in that area this year," said Mary Samolczyk, an assistant professor at Yukon University.

The study is a collaboration involving Yukon University, Carleton University and the University of Saskatchewan, as well as different levels of government. It's primarily funded by the federal government.

The research team studied 281 water samples, mostly from residential wells, over two years.

While manganese concentrations were dispersed throughout Whitehorse, the highest concentration was found at the Whitehorse copper mine site. The mine has been closed since 1982, but the copper belt it sits in has recently seen renewed interest from exploration company Gladiator Metals.

The research team hosted an open house to share the preliminary findings on Wednesday in Whitehorse.

Whitehorse resident Tory Russell attended because she wants to see source water protected. Earlier this year, she asked the City of Whitehorse to consider the impact of drilling in the copper belt on domestic well sources.

Russell said she's happy this research is happening.

"Some of the concerns that people have been raising for a couple of years are being addressed with this study," Russell said.

"It shows that our concerns were valid, and worthwhile to pursue."

Yukoners encouraged to test their well water

This is the first time groundwater has been tested on this scale in the Whitehorse area, even though 97 per cent of Yukoners rely on groundwater as their primary water source, according to researchers on the project. 

"We know a lot more about groundwater now in Whitehorse than we did two years ago," said Elliott Skierszkan, an assistant professor at Carleton University, during the open house.

The study found levels of manganese, uranium and arsenic that were higher than what's recommended by Health Canada.

About 9 per cent of wells exceeded recommended arsenic levels for health; 17 per cent of samples contained elevated uranium and 23 per cent contained elevated manganese.

Researchers also found that 32 per cent of water samples had high iron levels, which doesn't pose a health risk but can taste metallic and stain appliances.

The levels dropped after water treatment, but still sat above health guidelines.

"The positive with all of this is that treatment can be really effective," Emilie Perreault, a master's student with the University of Saskatchewan who worked with the water samples.

"What this means for homeowners is that [treatment] systems should be monitored and maintained."

The project is still accepting volunteers to get their wells tested. The Yukon government also offers free testing.