Test results from water samples taken from residential wells in Champagne were returned with mixed results, says a spokesman for the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations.

Lawrence Joe said late last week that while results show the water to be within acceptable limits for alpha radiation, traces of other material detected including antifreeze and prescription drugs have forced the continued ban on water consumption.

The presence of alpha radiation in mid-September was detected in 11 residential wells through an intensive water testing program initiated as a result of health concerns raised at the first nations' annual general assembly in July.

Joe explained that additional testing shows the presence of alpha radiation is occurring naturally as a product of radon gas in the water, which is caused by natural decay, and that no other radionuclide were detected.

Advice from the federal radiation protection bureau indicates the level of alpha radiation does not pose a threat for long-term consumption of the well water, he said.

'What the results mean is we have tested for the worst offenders, and they were not there, which is a good thing.'

Joe said with the test showing the detection of other unnatural substances, however, it was necessary to continue the ban on consumption, though the Champagne residents are now able to shower and bathe with the well water.

Champagne and Aishihik staff were the midst of hooking the bathroom plumbing back up for well use last week.

Joe pointed out the test for radioactive material conducted by the first nations was the first of its kind in the Yukon. Standard water tests look for 30 different elements, including uranium, he pointed out, but added the standard test does not look for radionuclides.

The community well for the Mendenhall subdivision, located not far from Champagne, tested positive for unacceptable levels of uranium in 2005 and remains closed.

The first nation will continue to provide water delivery for drinking water and cooking, he said, noting that staff have already moved the tanks inside the several homes in the community.

Joe said further testing and monitoring will be conducted in an attempt to locate the source of the other toxins in the water.

Once the direction of ground water flow is determined, which is not terribly difficult, the first nations will design a more sophisticated drilling program in an attempt to find the source of the other contaminants, he said.

Joe pointed out information suggests at least three dump sites served the community, including old military sites and the existing site.

Historically, Champagne has been a hub of activity, whether during the days of the old wagon road or during the construction of the Alaska Highway, Joe said.