In January 2022, a year after the court opened, staff members initially raised complaints about the water’s bad taste and green residue.

Copper and lead have been found in the water of a new courthouse in Abbotsford.

This Monday, B.C.’s Ministry of Citizens’ Services said water testing at the Abbotsford Law Courts in August 2022 revealed copper and lead levels that were “modestly in excess” of what was allowed by regulatory guidelines.

The province recently hired a consulting company to carry out water testing in the structure at 32375 Veterans Way for the ensuing six months; therefore it appears that the problem is still present.

The Fraser Valley Current broke the news first and stated that it is still unknown whether the infectivity is limited to the building and unrelated to the water infrastructure of the town.

In its statement, the ministry claimed that in January 2022, a year after the facility’s opening, courthouse workers first voiced complaints about the water’s flavor and a green residue that was left in glassware.

At the time, the building’s operator took action to solve the problem, making bottled water available, draining the building to remove stagnant water accumulated during times of low use, and performing water evaluations.

In August 2022, “interim emergency measures” were implemented, including the disconnecting of water fountains to restrict water use or consumption, following studies by consultancy firm Pinchin Ltd. that indicated greater action was required.

The ministry announced in January of this year that Pinchin would continue to conduct monthly water testing until the end of July under a contract it had signed.

According to Health Canada, symptoms of interim exposure to copper in drinking water comprise vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, and diarrhea. The kidney and liver may become damaged as a result of prolonged exposure.

In the meanwhile, lead poisoning can harm a child’s hearing, growth, behavior, and intellectual development, according to the health authority.

The Chilliwack Law Courts were the last new courthouse to be constructed in the province when the Abbotsford Law Courts opened in January 2021, which was over 20 years ago.

The province provided around $152 million in funding for the 180,000 square foot building, while the City of Abbotsford contributed an extra $5.7 million.