2. Check to see if you have a lead service line
There are no measurable levels of
lead in drinking water when it leaves our water treatment plants. But lead may be found in tap water for those homes with lead pipes or if there are lead plumbing components or fixtures inside your home.
Only 1.6% of homes in Edmonton have a lead service line on the utility side. These residences are part of our Lead Management Program and can receive free water testing.
Customers who do not have a lead service line but are still interested in a water test should purchase one from an
accredited lab.
3. Replace in-home plumbing fixtures
If you have plumbing fixtures, such as faucets that contain lead or leaded-brass, consider replacing them with lead-free fixtures.
4. Replace your lead service line
Replacing your lead service line will reduce lead in your drinking water. It'll also help improve water quality throughout your home in comparison to point-of-use filters, which only remove lead at the tap where they have been installed.
In the past, EPCOR replaced our portion of lead services lines during the construction season (May to October). We prioritized replacement for homes with young children and pregnant women. We also prioritized homeowners who
chose to replace their portion of the line, as replacing only one section of a lead service line has been shown not to be as effective in reducing lead levels in the home and may result in temporarily increased lead levels.
As a result of the new Health Canada Guideline, EPCOR will be working with the City of Edmonton to develop a new lead service line replacement program as part of our Lead Mitigation Strategy. We will be providing more information and reaching out directly to customers with lead service lines in the coming months.
In the meantime, if you are considering replacing your lead service line, please contact our Lead Management Program Representative first at
(780) 412-6858.