Very Low Lead Levels in Thunder Bay's Water Distribution System
Information below is from a June 7, 2007, media release from the City of Thunder Bay:
Provincial testing of water in 35 communities across Ontario has shown the City of Thunder Bay’s Water Distribution System is very low for lead levels – less than 1 part per billion. This is significantly lower than the Ministry of the Environment standard of 10 parts per billion.
Testing was also done at the tap on 20 homes that have lead service connections between the watermain and the house. Of those, two homes had results exceeding the limit of 10 parts per billion and one was at the limit. The remaining 17 homes were within the allowable limits.
The homeowners whose water tested above the limit were notified of the results and advised that a good way to reduce lead levels is to “flush” the system by running cold water for a minimum of five minutes in the morning, or after six hours of non-use.
The lead is not in the City’s drinking water system. It enters the water from lead-soldered household plumbing and/or lead service connections. The City estimates several thousand of the 36,000 water connections in Thunder Bay are affected.
Before residents use water for drinking or cooking first thing in the morning, they are advised to run the cold water for a minimum of five minutes. This will flush the standing water from the pipes and ensure that fresh water is drawn in from the City main.
Property owners who live in a home built before 1950 can contact the City at 684-2195 to determine if they have a lead service connection.
The City’s Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2006 is available online on the City of Thunder Bay’s web site at www.thunderbay.ca/water.
To learn more about lead and human health, visit: