Roadside springs are a source of pure, clean drinking water.
Roadside springs are not considered a reliable, safe drinking
water supply. Many people use natural springs as a source of
drinking water. There is a mystique associated with springs, and
a general public perception that clear, flowing, spring water is
pure and natural, better tasting and free of contaminants
compared to the local municipal water supply or private wells.
In the majority of cases, these perceptions are not valid
scientifically. Natural springs are not considered to be a
reliable, safe water supply. Who monitors roadside springs? Most
roadside springs are not routinely tested and monitored, and are
not adequately constructed and protected against surface
contaminants. In a recent study of approximately 100 roadside
springs in Nova Scotia, 94% of the samples had total coliforms
present, and 29% of the samples had fecal coliforms present.
These results raise serious concerns about the sanitary quality
of many of the roadside springs whi