Residents of Torbay, Newfoundland, were recently confronted with alarming news: their drinking water may be contaminated with toxic “forever chemicals” (PFAS) traced back to historic firefighting activity at St. John’s International Airport. In a major investigation published by CBC News, Memorial University professor Karl Jobst and his research team uncovered unsafe PFAS levels in surface water and private wells near a wetland conservation area known as The Gully. Their findings raised urgent concerns for local families, including those with young children.
To ensure accuracy and credibility, CBC News turned to AGAT Laboratories to verify the results. Water samples collected independently by CBC were analyzed in our Mississauga, Ontario, facility — an accredited laboratory specializing in ultra-trace PFAS detection. Our analysis confirmed what Professor Jobst’s team had found: PFAS levels in some samples were significantly above Canadian drinking water guidelines. Independent experts reviewing our results told CBC they were “disturbing” and aligned with the academic data.
This investigation underscores the growing importance of rigorous PFAS testing across Canada. Read the full CBC article.
At AGAT Laboratories, we are proud to support communities, regulators, and researchers by delivering high-quality, accredited testing that helps bring clarity to complex environmental challenges.
Learn more about our PFAS testing services.
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