Alberta Town’s Drinking Water Improperly Monitored for Years

In Oyen, Alberta, a former employee of the town has been fined $1,000 for not monitoring the town’s drinking water over a seven year period.

According to The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), Darcy Dobrosky worked for the town for 37 years. One of his duties was to monitor the drinking water, in spite of failing the formal certification required to do the job.

Dobrosky was required to take four water samples per month, according to CBC. He would write in his report that he had taken samples at multiple locations.

According to CBC, the town’s chief administrative officer became suspicious when she realized he had reported taking water samples from the town office, where she had never seen him. Dobrosky admitted to taking all samples form the town shop from 2009 to 2016.

An emergency town council meeting was called and Dobrosky resigned, according to CBC.

He pleaded guilty under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act and is banned from operating or being employed at any water or wastewater facility in the province for the next three years.

The town distribute its drinking water from the town of Hanna, according to CBC. This means it has to follow regulations from Alberta Environment and Parks, including having a certified employee in charge and frequent water tests from different locations to check for chlorine and bacteria contaminants.

"Alberta Environment and Parks focuses on education, prevention and enforcement to ensure all Albertans enjoy a clean and healthy environment. The ministry enforces environmental regulations when individuals or companies fail to comply with legislation," the ministry said in an emailed statement, according to CBC.