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Our drinking water is safe and clean

We take pride in providing safe and clean drinking water to Edmonton and surrounding areas. Our water quality lab tests for hundreds of parameters, which helps to assure safe, reliable and high-quality drinking water for our customers. 

There are no measurable levels of lead in drinking water when it leaves our water treatment plants. However, lead can leach into tap water in homes with lead service lines or from lead-containing plumbing fixtures.  ​

Our lead management initiatives

Since 2008, we have implemented several lead management initiatives to ensure our Edmonton customers with lead service lines on the public (utility) side have good water quality. The program has evolved over the years, and we continue to educate customers and provide advice on how to maintain high water quality for homes with a lead service line. ​​

Together, with the support of the City of Edmonton, our aligned lead mitigation strategy seeks to:  ​​

  • Educate customers and provide advice on how to maintain good water quality when you have a lead service line.  
  • Avoid partial lead service line replacements, as replacing only one section of a lead service line can temporarily increase lead levels. When partial replacements are required for water main repairs and renewals, we notify customers.   
  • Uphold standards for new infill development to work with property owners to connect new water services. We do not support reusing lead service lines for redeveloped properties. ​
In 2019, Health Canada updated their Guideline Technical Document for lead in drinking water.  ​
 

​A​bout water service lines​​

A water service line is the pipe that connects your property's plumbing to the water main in the street.  

  • The utility's portion of the service line runs from the water main under the street or alley to the property line.  
  •  The homeowner's portion of the service line runs from the property line to the water meter in the home or building.  
  • EPCOR has been proactively replacing lead water services since 2008. ​

​

 

How to tell if you have a lead water service line in your home​

Here are a few indicators that you may have lead pipes.

  • Your home was built prior to 1960 when lead was a material used by homebuilders for water service lines. Today, the preferred materials are copper and polyethylene (plastic tubing).
  • When the utility's portion of the water service line is lead, it's often likely that your portion could be lead too. If you receive an annual notice from us, this means our records show the utility portion of your service line is lead.
    • Note: EPCOR does not maintain records for the homeowner's portion of water service lines. 
If you're still not sure what your portion of the service line is made of, follow our 3-step process below or watch our video.

 

How to perform a scratch test for lead pipes

Step 1: Find your emergency water shut-off valve

Find your emergency water shut-off valve​ and ensure it is in good working order and ​inspect the pipe coming out of the ground and into the meter.

Step 2: Check the pipe colour

Check the colour of the pipe coming out of the ground. You may have to lightly sand the surface of the pipe. If the pipe is:

  • The colour of a Canadian penny: It's copper.
  • Bright blue or black: It's likely plastic tubing (polyethylene). Important: Don't attempt to test the hardness of your pipe if you suspect it's plastic.
  • Grey: It's galvanized iron or lead.​​​​​

Step 3: Determine the pipe material

If you think your water service​ line could be lead, try gently etching into the pipe​​. Lead is relatively soft metal and scratches easily. Do not attempt this if you think the line could be plastic.​​​

Note: While these are all good indicators of whether your water service pipe is lead, every pipe is a little different. The only way to be sure if you have a lead service line is to have your water tested. 

If you have, or suspect you have, a lead service line and would like more information on having your water tested, please contact us. ​​

​Notice the compression fitting used to attach a soft lead pipe to galvanized iron pipe.​​​

Examples of what your water service line may look like

    ​               

Contact us

To inquire if your property has a lead water service line, if you are considering replacing your lead water service line, or you want to learn more about lead service lines, please contact us at 780-412-6858​ or leadmanagement@epcor.com. ​​
​

How to maintain good water quality when you have a lead service line

  • Install a water filter or in-premise filtration system that is NSF-53 Certified for lead reduction. These can be found at most home improvement stores. If you're using a water filtration system, follow the manufacturer's guidelines. Properly condition new filters before their first use and replace used filter cartridges as required.
  • Replace in-home lead or brass plumbing fixtures. If you have plumbing fixtures, such as faucets that contain lead or leaded brass, consider replacing them with lead-free fixtures.
  • Don't use water from your hot taps for drinking, eating, cooking or baking. Only consume water from your cold taps, then heat it up if needed.
  • Run your cold water tap for at least 3 minutes, or until it is cold, any time you haven't used the water for 6 or more hours if you are drinking or cooking with it. This flushing time can be reduced if combined with other water uses like flushing toilets, showering or running household appliances like the dishwasher or washing machine.
  • Take note of construction in your area. Following these water quality tips is particularly important if construction is occurring near your property, as ground disturbance has the potential to disturb the water service line and temporarily increase lead levels in your tap water if you have a lead water service line.​

​Our drinking water is safe and clean

We take pride in providing safe and clean drinking water. Our extensive water testing during the water we deliver is safe for you and your family to drink.

There are no measurable levels of lead in drinking water that EPCOR supplies to the community. Lead is a naturally occurring metal. In the past it was used in many different ways, but we now know it can be a health concern. Since 1960, Health Canada has put forward many studies and reports showing the health effects of lead and has set a minimum acceptable concentration of lead in the home. We agree with Health Canada's report and are working to determine lead levels in drinking water within the community.

​Our drinking water is safe and clean

We take pride in providing safe and clean drinking water. Our extensive water testing during the water we deliver is safe for you and your family to drink.

There are no measurable levels of lead in drinking water that EPCOR supplies to the community. Lead is a naturally occurring metal. In the past it was used in many different ways, but we now know it can be a health concern. Since 1960, Health Canada has put forward many studies and reports showing the health effects of lead and has set a minimum acceptable concentration of lead in the home. We agree with Health Canada's report and are working to determine lead levels in drinking water within the community.

 

Sources of lead in
drinking water

The source of lead is not the drinking water itself or when water is in the public distribution system.

Sources of lead

 

Your responsibility with water service lines

Both EPCOR and the property owner have responsibilty when it comes to water service lines.

What you're
responsible for

 

Check for lead pipes in your home

Use these 3 simple steps to do a quick check and find out what your portion of the service line is made of.

3-step
testing process

 

Sources of lead in
drinking water

The source of lead is not the drinking water itself or when water is in the public distribution system.

Sources of lead

 

Your responsibility with water service lines

Both EPCOR and the property owner have responsibilty when it comes to water service lines.

What you're
responsible for

 

Check for lead pipes in your home

Use these 3 simple steps to do a quick check and find out what your portion of the service line is made of.

3-step
testing process

 

General tips for good water quality

If you have concerns about your home water quality, follow these tips to maintain good drinking water quality.

At-home water
quality tips​

 

Health Canada guidelines for lead

We're aligned with the new Guideline for drinking water quality in Canada.

How we're meeting Health
Canada's guidelines

 

Testing for presence of lead in drinking water

We are testing for the presence of lead in drinking water within the community.

More about testing

 

General tips for good water quality

If you have concerns about your home water quality, follow these tips to maintain good drinking water quality.

At-home water
quality tips​

 

Health Canada guidelines for lead

We're aligned with the new Guideline for drinking water quality in Canada.

How we're meeting Health
Canada's guidelines

 

Testing for presence of lead in drinking water

We are testing for the presence of lead in drinking water within the community.

More about testing​

​

Sources of lead

There are no measurable levels of lead in drinking water when it leaves our water treatment plants and/or is in the distribution systems we operate and maintain.

Sources of lead in drinking water are typically:

  • Internal plumbing components: containing old solder or brass plumbing fixtures or lead deposits in plumbing systems within the property.
  • Lead services lines: our current records do not indicate the water service lines on the utility side are made of lead in the community.  However, residences built before 1960 may have water service lines made of lead on the homeowner side as it was a common material for homebuilders at the time. Follow our three-step process to see if you have a lead service line.

​Your responsibility with lead pipes

A water service line provides your home with water and connects your property to the water distribution system. The water service line is divided between the utility and the property owner.

  • A water service line is the pipe that connects your property's plumbing to the water main in the street.
  • The utility's portion of the service line runs from the water main under the street or alley to the property line.
  • The homeowner's portion of the service line runs from the property line to the water meter in the home or building.
  • This split ownership is common to most cities in North America.
  • EPCOR does not have records for the homeowner portions of water service lines.

Learn more about other homeowner responsibilities.

​Your responsibility with lead pipes

A water service line provides your home with water and connects your property to the water distribution system. The water service line is divided between the utility and the property owner.

  • A water service line is the pipe that connects your property's plumbing to the water main in the street.
  • The utility's portion of the service line runs from the water main under the street or alley to the property line.
  • The homeowner's portion of the service line runs from the property line to the water meter in the home or building.
  • This split ownership is common to most cities in North America.
  • EPCOR does not have records for the homeowner portions of water service lines.

Learn more about other homeowner responsibilities.​

​

​Test for lead pipes in your home

You may have lead pipes if your home was built prior to 1960 when lead was a material available for homebuilders for water service lines. Today, the preferred materials are copper and plastic.

Often, when the utility's portion of the water service line is lead, it's likely that your portion could be lead too. Our current records do not indicate the water service lines on the utility side are made of lead in the community.

To determine if your portion of the service line is made of lead, follow our three-step process below or watch our video.

How to tell if you have lead water pipes

 

3-step testing process 

Step 1: find your emergency water shut-off valve

Once you find your emergency water shut-off valve or water meter in your home (usually in the basement), check the colour and hardness of the pipe.

Step 2: check the pipe colour

Check the colour of the pipe coming out of the ground and into the meter. You may have to lightly sand the surface of the pipe. If the pipe is:

  • The colour of a Canadian penny: It's copper.
  • Bright blue or black: It's likely plastic tubing (polyethylene). Important: Don't attempt to test the hardness of your pipe if you suspect it's plastic.
  • Grey: It's galvanized iron or lead.

Step 3: check the pipe hardness

If you think your water service line could be lead, try gently etching into the pipe (see video). Lead is relatively soft metal and scratches easily. Do not attempt this if you think the line could be plastic.

While this checklist is a good indicator of whether your pipes are lead, please note that every pipe is a little different. The only way to be sure if you have lead is to have your water tested from an accredited lab.

Water service line examples

Click on the links to view the images.

How to tell if you have lead water pipes

 

3-step testing process 

Step 1: find your emergency water shut-off valve

Once you find your emergency water shut-off valve or water meter in your home (usually in the basement), check the colour and hardness of the pipe.

Step 2: check the pipe colour

Check the colour of the pipe coming out of the ground and into the meter. You may have to lightly sand the surface of the pipe. If the pipe is:

  • The colour of a Canadian penny: It's copper.
  • Bright blue or black: It's likely plastic tubing (polyethylene). Important: Don't attempt to test the hardness of your pipe if you suspect it's plastic.
  • Grey: It's galvanized iron or lead.

Step 3: check the pipe hardness

If you think your water service line could be lead, try gently etching into the pipe (see video). Lead is relatively soft metal and scratches easily. Do not attempt this if you think the line could be plastic.

While this checklist is a good indicator of whether your pipes are lead, please note that every pipe is a little different. The only way to be sure if you have lead is to have your water tested from an accredited lab.

Water service line examples

Click on the links to view the images.

General tips for good water quality

  • Don't use water from your hot taps for drinking, eating, cooking or baking. Only consume water from your cold taps, then heat it up if needed.
  • Run your cold water tap for at least 3 minutes, or until cold, any time you haven't used the water for 6 or more hours, if you will be drinking or cooking with it. This flushing time can be reduced if combined with other water use like flushing toilets, showering or running household appliances like the dishwasher or washing machine.
  • If you're using a water filter system, follow the manufacturer's guidelines. Properly condition new filters before their first use, and replace used filter cartridges as required.
  • Take note of construction in your area. Following these general water quality tips is particularly important if construction is occurring near your property, as ground disturbance has the potential to disturb the service line and temporarily increase lead levels in your tap water.

In addition to these general tips, you can take any of the following steps to maintain good water quality.

1. Install a water filter

If you purchase a water filter from a home improvement store, ensure the filter you choose is NSF-53 Certified for lead reduction.

Here are some water filtration options.

Filtered water pitcher

COST OF FILTER: $25 and under
FILTER TYPE: Activated Carbon (NSF-53 certified)
LIFESPAN: 2-3 months

Tap-mount water filtration unit

COST OF FILTER: $25 - $40
FILTER TYPE: Activated Carbon (NSF-53 certified)
LIFESPAN: 2-3 months

Content here

Fridge water-dispenser unit

COST OF FILTER: $55 and over
FILTER TYPE: Activated Carbon (NSF-53 certified)
LIFESPAN: 6-12 months

Under-the-counter water filtration unit

COST OF FILTER: $55 and over
FILTER TYPE: Activated Carbon (NSF-53 certified)
LIFESPAN: 6-12 months

Content here

2. 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.

3. Replace your lead service line

If you have confirmed that you have a lead service line, replacing it 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.

​A new Health Canada guideline for Canadian drinking water quality

In March 2019, Health Canada announced a new Guideline for drinking water quality in Canada. Two of the major changes are: 

  1. Reduction of the maximum acceptable concentration of lead in drinking water from 0.010 mg/L (milligrams per Litre) to 0.005 mg/L.
  2. Requirement to complete testing at the tap from within a customer's home or business, instead of testing it at the property line (which was the previous requirement).

Nothing has changed overnight with the drinking water—it continues to be safe to drink. Lead in drinking water at the levels we have found is not an acute or immediate health risk but can be more of a long-term risk over time. Lead can be harmful to the health of people of all ages but particularly children under the age of six and pregnant women.

We strongly support the new guideline as it will benefit public health and aligns with our efforts to reduce lead exposure from drinking water as much as possible.

While Alberta Environment and Parks gives water utilities across the province until 2024 to address the issue of lead and meet the revised Health Canada Guideline, our plan is in action today. EPCOR has been developing a comprehensive Lead Mitigation Strategy that will enable us to proactively meet the new Health Canada Guideline for drinking water quality. 

​Testing for the presence of lead in drinking water

At EPCOR, we care about the health and wellbeing of our customers, and we take our commitment to providing safe, reliable drinking water very seriously. As part of our program to meet the new Guideline, we are determining lead levels at the tap by testing a randomized, representative sample of properties within the community, as determined by our water regulator, Alberta Environment and Parks.

Our plan was in place last year to begin sampling but for the safety of our employees and our customers, we rescheduled for 2021 and have amended the plan to adhere to COVID-19 recommendations.

  • Our crews will maintain a safe physical distance and wear proper PPE when interacting with customers.

    From May to September 2021, we will be working with residents to collect home water samples to test for the presence of lead in drinking water.
  • We have identified neighbourhoods across the community based on records and estimations of the age of properties and construction activity, and selected properties at random to sample in those areas.
  • Customers will receive the results of their sampling, as well as recommendations based on whether their results are above or below the Guideline.
  • Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we will not be entering homes to collect water samples so customers will be required to collect the one-litre sample from their kitchen or bathroom tap.
  • We will drop off the water sample bottle and pick up the sample to take in for testing.
  • Once sampling in the community is complete, we will present our findings and recommendations to Administration and Council. Once results have been gathered and analyzed, we will draw from our experience in this area and the work we have been doing in Edmonton to present a number of options for consideration.

Customers who are concerned about lead in their drinking water can do the following:

  • Follow tips for good water quality.
  • Have their water tested by an accredited lab.
  • Contact us for more information on the steps you can take.

​Testing for the presence of lead in drinking water

At EPCOR, we care about the health and wellbeing of our customers, and we take our commitment to providing safe, reliable drinking water very seriously. As part of our program to meet the new Guideline, we are determining lead levels at the tap by testing a randomized, representative sample of properties within the community.

Our plan was in place last year to begin sampling but for the safety of our employees and our customers, we rescheduled for 2021 and have amended the plan to adhere to COVID-19 recommendations.

  • Our crews will maintain a safe physical distance and wear proper PPE when interacting with customer.

    From May to September 2021, we will be working with residents to collect home water samples to test for the presence of lead in drinking water.
  • We have identified neighbourhoods across the community based on records and estimations of the age of properties and construction activity, and selected properties at random to sample in those areas.
  • Customers will receive the results of their sampling, as well as recommendations based on whether their results are above or below the Guideline.
  • Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we will not be entering homes to collect water samples so customers will be required to collect the one-litre sample from their kitchen or bathroom tap.
  • We will drop off the water sample bottle and pick up the sample to take in for testing.
  • We will draw upon our experience in this area and the work we have been doing in Edmonton to determine a course of action based on the sampling results.

Customers who are concerned about lead in their drinking water can do the following:

  • Follow tips for good water quality.
  • Have their water tested by an accredited lab.
  • Contact us for more information on the steps you can take.

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