By Duncan Cairns-Brenner

Lead in the water of older homes

Feb 20, 2016 | 11:54 AM

Older homes in North Battleford could have potentially high levels of lead in their water.

A municipal monitoring program of water quality in 61 North Battleford households showed that out of the 41 homes with lead service pipes, 21 have lead levels in the water over Health Canada and Saskatchewan Environment’s maximum acceptable concentration.

There are 369 homes in North Battleford that have lead service pipes, most of which are older, having been built before the 1980’s. 

“Lead poses risks to health, particularly in children up to three years of age,” André Gagnon, a spokesperson for Health Canada, said in an email. “Reductions in (IQ) are seen in children exposed to high levels of lead and science cannot identify a safe level where we can say there is no risk.”

The effects of lead on adults are generally reversible, but are not for children under six years of age.

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“It is important to reduce the exposure of children, as they are at greater risk from the effects of lead because their metabolism is faster and they can better absorb and retain substances such as lead,” Gagnon said.

Suzanne Abe, Communications Co-ordinator with the city of North Battleford, said there are steps that residents can take to help reduce lead levels in their water:

“One option would be to install carbon based filters and treatment devices. However, the best choice would be to get the lead pipes removed and replace them with plastic pipes.”

Through the city’s Underground Pipes and Asphalt Replacement program, residents will be able to replace their lead service line for a flat fee of $1,000.

In the city’s data, one home with lead pipes’ water tested above the maximum acceptable concentration of 0.01mg/L, but below when a carbon filter was attached to the tap.

Running the tap for five minutes, if the water has been sitting for more than six hours, can also help reduce the amount of lead potentially leaching out of pipes into drinking water.

The Government of Saskatchewan advises this process in all households with lead pipes, not just those with lead levels over the maximum acceptable concentration. 

Abe said it houses with lead service pipes likely also have other lead plumbing, making replacing only the service line a step in the right direction, but not a solution to the problem.

In Aug. 2015, the city sent out letters to all homeowners with lead service lines.  

“Theoretically they are all aware that they have lead pipes,” said Abe. “However, we have them on file and if anyone is concerned whether or not they have lead pipes in their home, they can call city hall.”

While home owners may be aware that their properties have lead pipes, it is unlikely tenants on these properties would be.     

Health Canada has been updating the guideline for lead in drinking water and will post the proposed updated guideline for public consultation later in 2016.

dcairnsbrenner@jpbg.ca