Lead and Drinking Water
What is lead?
Naturally occurring element, commonly found in the environment both naturally and as a result of human activity.
What are the health effects of lead exposure?
Long-term lead exposure can lead to problems with thinking, muscles weakness, increased blood pressure and kidney dysfunction in adults, and can affect mental and physical growth in children. Short-term high levels of lead exposure can cause stomach aches, kidney injury, muscle weakness, and brain injury.
What are acceptable standards of lead in drinking water in Ontario?
10 micrograms per liter, as per Ontario Drinking Water Quality Standards, O. Regulation 169/03
How does lead get into my water?
Water leaving a municipal water treatment plant is regularly tested and is lead free. Lead can enter your drinking water from:
- Lead service lines (pipes) in homes built before 1950
- Lead solder in plumbing used to join pipes before 1990
- Leaded-brass fixtures, such as faucets and valves
How do I know if there is lead in my drinking water?
Whether your water is from a municipal or a private water source, the only way to know if lead is in your water is to test for it. To test your drinking water for lead, contact a MECP licensed laboratory and then contact KFL&A Public Health for help with interpretation and corrective measures.
What if there is lead in my drinking water?
Simple action to reduce exposure to lead from drinking water:
Flushing – lead levels increase in water as it stays in the pipes. Flush or run your water until it is cold, or at least one minute. Flush aerators occasionally to remove debris.
Filtration – install a filter that is certified for lead reduction and achieves National Sanitation Foundation or NSF standard 53, 58, or 62.
Replace or remove fixture – if faucets and valves are leaded-brass, replace them with lead-free material or if the fixture can not be replaced, do not use water from this faucet or valve for drinking or cooking.
For more information on how to reduce lead in water, contact KFL&A Public Health or visit Health Canada’s website.
For information on Kingston’s drinking water the Community Lead Testing Program, visit Utilities Kingston’s website or call (613) 546-1181 extension 2291.
For information related to lead sampling in schools and child care centres, please consult with the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks or visit their website.