Water Wells First is again asking for a full health hazard investigation, citing that foods washed and prepared with turbid well water are unsafe for consumption and contravene the Federal Canadian Food and Drug Act.
The group says acid in the stomach can release heavy metals in the Black Shale sediment found in well water in Chatham-Kent.
Spokesperson Kevin Jacubec says the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit and the Ministry of Health have not fully investigated the health or legal ramifications of food dishes prepared and adulterated with these sediments. However, Medical Officer of Health, Dr. David Colby, says extensive testing by the Ministry of Environment doesn't give evidence to justify an additional health hazard investigation and such evidence has not been forthcoming from other sources.
Colby also says the acid digestion test used for mineral analysis of rock is not comparable to conditions in the stomach because stomach acid is too weak to dissolve rock and release metals and doesn't believe the Federal Canadian Food and Drug Act applies in this case.
At the same time, Toronto Red Seal Chef Warren Simmons is concerned about the water adulterating food.
"To find that in your water, you might as well just scoop it out of a dirty creek and cook with it," says Simmons. "If people want to say you can use that, I'm more than willing to bring this and make them a meal."
Water Wells First is also afraid that foods washed and prepared with well water containing Black Shale sediment will affect a larger population outside of Chatham-Kent at Ontario Farmers' Markets.
Colby, however, says black shale is not toxic waste and naturally occurs in rock.
He also says people with sediment in their water will filter it out or allow it to settle out before using the water.
Chef Simmons says he would not serve any meals with this sediment in it.
"I don't think any animal would drink that and if we're having MPP's and government officials saying you can drink that, use it, shower in it, bathe in it and wash your clothes in it, you should be ashamed to actually say that to people," he says.
Doctor Colby agrees and says he wouldn't serve food made with sediments either, for aesthetic, not health reasons.
Simmons says nooks and crannies in food can lodge and trap the sediments during preparation.
"I'm more than willing to go to Ottawa and make breakfast if you'd like," Simmons says.
Colby says sediments do not incur into a well unless there is damage to the well casing, screens, filter, seals or the well is being over-pumped.