Lead pipes and drinking water: Toronto's Lead in Drinking Water Mitigation Strategy (via WaterSource)

Below is an excerpt from WaterSource, a Toronto Water publication for councillors. It details some of the steps that Toronto is taking to reduce the amount of lead in our drinking water.

Lead pipes and drinking water: Toronto’s Lead in Drinking Water Mitigation Strategy

In 2011, City Council approved the Lead in Drinking Water Mitigation Strategy. This update provides an overview of the program, the various communication activities underway and information on the updated Toronto Water lead and drinking water web page: www.toronto.ca/leadpipes.

Program Overview:

Replacement of the lead pipe that delivers water to homes (also known as a lead water service) is the best way to reduce exposure to lead from drinking water. The water service can be thought of in two sections: the first section, running from the watermain to the property line is owned and maintained by the City; the second section, running from the property line into the house is the responsibility of the homeowner.

• Priority Lead Water Service Replacement Program The replacement of the City-owned portion of lead water services, where the property owner replaces the privately-owned portion at the same time or before the City. The target for this program is 1,500 lead water service replacements per year.

• Water Service Replacement Program Coordination of lead pipe replacement with planned infrastructure renewal. The program targets the replacement of 3,000 substandard water service connections per year (for example, galvanized or lead pipes, or less than the city standard of 19 mm in diameter); resulting in approximately 1,500-2,000 lead service replacements annually. Residents will be advised approximately three months in advance of construction to encourage them to replace their private portion of any lead water services.

• Faucet Filter Program The faucet filter program has been expanded to include a one-time free faucet filter (NSF-053-certified for lead removal), provided to all homes immediately following the replacement of the City-owned portion of a lead water service. The faucet filter rebate program continues to offer an annual $100 rebate for the purchase of a NSF-053-certified, faucet-mounted filter to applicants who meet the eligibility requirements.

• Corrosion Control The corrosion control plan (now required under MOE regulations) will reduce the acidity of drinking water. By changing the water treatment process at the plant, we are able to reduce corrosion and therefore lower the lead concentration at the tap. Key dates: design to take place in 2011, construction in 2012, implementation in 2013.

• Emergency replacement Emergency replacements occur where the water service is broken or has low flow. This component of the strategy will result in approximately 500 water service replacements per year.

Communicating with Residents:

• Website Updated website: www.toronto.ca/leadpipes with program information including details, schedules, eligibility requirements, applications and frequently asked questions about: o Water Service Replacement Program (including the 2011 schedule)

o Priority Lead Water Service Replacement Program

o Faucet Filter Program

o Regulated lead testing results

o Residential on-demand lead testing

o Toronto Public Health information

• Faucet Filter Program One NSF-053-certified faucet filter will be provided free to homes immediately following the replacement of the City-owned section of the lead water service; the filter will be accompanied by important information from Toronto Public Health including post-replacement instructions.

• Customer Service Training for 311 staff on the program changes and extensive updates to the 311 knowledge base to reflect the new program information.

• Water Service Replacement Program o Three months in advance: A construction notice will be delivered to homes advising residents that construction will be occurring on their street and to arrange for the possible replacement of the private side of the water service if it’s determined to be made of lead. A fact sheet with important information about lead water service replacement will also be included.

o One to four weeks in advance: A second reminder construction notice will be delivered to homes, with similar information as above. This notice will also provide contact information for the City-hired contractor and advise residents that if they decide to replace the private portion of the lead water service, they may hire their own contractor, or consult with the City-hired contractor. Residents are responsible for the cost of replacing their portion of the lead pipe and are encouraged to obtain several independent quotes for this work before choosing a contractor.