Reduce the lead level in your water- Toronto Water Pipe Replacement Program

In Century old Toronto neighborhoods, aging underground water supply system are often 60 yrs or older. Lead was a common material used in the first half of the 20th century when many homes in the City were built at the time. The City's water supply system and pipe connecting to individual home is often made from lead. Since the 1950s, the Ontario Plumbing Code was changed to prohibit the use of lead for water service connection.

As part of the City of Toronto Water Pipe Replacement program at a cost fo $250million, the city will replace the water pipes on its own land during its 5-yr program. Homeowners are repsonsible for replacing the private line water pipe from the property line to the water meter. The cost range from $1800-$3000. Homeowners can ask the City to do the work or hire their own contractor. Due to the costly work, most of the time, homeowners may not bother to replace/upgrade the pipe connecting froirm their home up to the property line to the city water service. Studies have shown that this partial replacement does not mitigate or reduce the lead levels in water, but could often make it worse.

A client who purchased a home in one of the older neighbourhoods recently got their water tested for lead levels. The test results came back 10 times above average. Their particular neighborhood was not scheduled for lead replacement for another 2 years. After taking the water sample to the city, the process of upgarding the water connection is now sped up.

How do you know if you have lead pipes?

If your house was built before the mid-1950's and you're not sure if you have lead pipes, simply go into the basement and find the water meter or main shut off valve; take a look at the pipe coming through the foundation and if possible give it a scrap with a knife.

If the bare metal is shiny and silver in colour, you may have lead.

If you're not sure, contact the city to have someone take a look.
 

Where to get your water tested?

City of Toronto offers free water testing for lead levels in your water. Simply pick up a sample bottle from one of the Public Health locations, and dropping it off with a collected water sample.