What is the safe limit for lead in drinking water?
The Health Canada guideline for maximum acceptable levels for lead in drinking water is 10 parts per billion*. In 2009, new procedures for sampling for lead in tap water will be recommended to utilities.
*10 parts per billion is equivalent to 10 drops in 520 full bathtubs of water.
Did You Know?
• The service pipe connects the watermain in the street or alley to the plumbing in your home. Owners are responsible for the portion of the water service pipe on their property. • There are 213,000 residential water service pipes in Edmonton. Less than 2.5% of these may be made of lead. • The majority of homes that may have water service pipes made of lead were built prior to 1950. • Home owners with lead piping can immediately improve their water quality by flushing the pipes prior to using their water. This can be done by having a shower, flushing the toilet or running the cold water faucet for at least 2 minutes. • The best long term solution to remove lead in drinking water is to replace the entire lead service pipe.
What are lead levels in Edmonton’s drinking water supply?
The lead concentration in Edmonton’s water supply and in our distribution system is usually non-detectable (below 0.2 parts per billion). In a few homes, lead can enter the drinking water as it moves through a lead water pipe or if it comes into contact with lead in solder or in some brass plumbing fittings. Running the tap to flush your water pipe is recommended, especially after periods of non-use. Edmonton’s drinking water, when tested in residents’ homes, typically meets Health Canada’s standard 99% of the time.
Lead Service Pipe Replacement Program – 2009 Update
10065 Jasper Avenue Edmonton AB T5J 3B1 www.epcor.ca To arrange for a water testing or a tap filter call EPCOR Water Lab at 780-412-6858. To find out more about replacing your lead service pipe call EPCOR Customer Services at 780-412-6868.
FSC LOGO HERE
012009
In 2007, EPCOR conducted a study to determine the impact of the service pipe material and plumbing on the quality of tap water in Edmonton homes. Less than 2.5% of Edmonton residences have water pipes made of lead. Most of these homes were built before 1950. The study showed that in most of the affected homes, lead levels are reduced to acceptable limits by running water taps to help flush the pipes; however, in a few homes additional steps must be taken to bring lead levels in the drinking water to Health Canada recommended levels. The long term solution in these situations is to replace the entire lead service pipe.
How do I know if my home is affected?
In 2008, EPCOR notified by letter all property owners on record with lead service pipes. EPCOR collected water samples from half these homes for testing. The rest of the homes will be offered testing in 2009. EPCOR will contact the residents by mail or home visits. Testing is free of charge and test results are usually available in 4 – 6 weeks.
How could lead get into my drinking water?
Drinking water supplied by EPCOR is essentially lead-free. Lead enters the drinking water from either water pipes made from lead materials or from solder containing lead. Lead can dissolve into drinking water when it sits in household plumbing. About 10% of homes constructed before 1950 were fitted with water service pipes made of lead. Lead-based solder was also used for plumbing until the late 1980s when changes to the Plumbing Code prohibited its use. Even with today’s standards some bronze or brass plumbing fixtures may contain low amounts of lead.
How do I participate in the Service Pipe Replacement Program?
EPCOR has a Service Pipe Replacement Program to replace those made of lead. If you have been notified that you have a lead service pipe and you wish to replace it, contact EPCOR at 780-412-6868.
What is the cost to the homeowner?
EPCOR will pay for the replacement of its own section of the service pipe which runs from the watermain to the property line. See diagram above. The estimated cost for homeowners to replace their section of the service pipe is usually between $2,500 to $5,000 (any landscaping or building repair costs are not included in the estimate).
If I have health related questions, who should I call?
Please contact Alberta Health at www.capitalhealth.ca or phone 780-408-5465 for questions about the health impacts of lead.