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Skip Navigation LinksEPCOR / Products & Services / Water / Water Quality / Our Lead Mitigation Strategy / Lead Service Line Replacement

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​  COVID-19 and our programs

EPCOR is committed to ensuring that we protect both your safety and the safety of our workers. When we conduct lead line replacement activities, our crews will maintain a safe physical distance and wear proper PPE at all times. ​

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EPCOR has launched a Lead Service Line Replacement Program to accelerate the removal of lead service lines in Edmonton.

As part of our enhanced Lead Mitigation Program, we have identified homes based on our sampling data that are priority lead service line replacements in Edmonton. The Lead Service Line Replacement Program was approved by City Council and City Administration in July 2019 and will remove priority lead lines throughout the city free of charge. The lead service line program along with the addition of orthophosphate will help us to proactively meet the new Health Canada Guideline and ensure compliance testing at the customer's tap.​​

 

Elimination of Partial Lead Service Line Replacements

EPCOR is proposing to end its current practice of replacing just the utility portion of a lead service line while leaving the private portion in place as it can elevate lead levels at the tap. On a go-forward basis, EPCOR is proposing to replace the private portion any time it replaces the utility portion.

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Accelerated Replacement of High Priority Lead Service Lines

EPCOR is proposing to accelerate the r​eplacement of any lead service lines (private and utility portions) that is above the Health Canada Guideline (based on testing) after the implementation of orthophosphate.

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​What to expect​​

Confirmation of lead pipe

  • We'll hydrovac your waterline to confirm the presence of lead.
  • We don't require home entry to perform this task.

 Timeline: 2 hours

Legal document

  • We'll provide you with a legal document setting out the terms and conditions for our lead service line replacement agreement.
  • The homeowner must review and sign before we replace the lead service line.

Phone Walkthrough

  • We'll phone you to discuss the enhanced Lead Service Line Replacement program and answer any questions you may have.
  • We'll discuss access requirements and make sure you're prepared for the pre-condition assessment of the water meter.

Precondition assessment

  • We'll need to assess the current condition of your home a​nd property before we begin any construction activities.
  • We'll provide an assessment of your property to make sure we're returning the condition of your home exactly to the way we found it.

Timeline: 1 to 3 hours 

Water line replacement construction

  • We'll use a horizontal directional drill that will tunnel from the street underneath your property and up into your basement. This method of drilling results in minimal disruption to your home. 
  • If construction lasts longer than one day, we'll provide a temporary hose and hook your home up to water so your service isn't disrupted. 
  • Post construction, we'll do a walk-through to make sure there are no issues or damage.

Timeline: 1 to 3 days

High velocity flush

  • To be performed within one day of lead service line replacement.
  • Will help remove any lead remaining in the home plumbing after the replacement.
  • We'll provide instructions and support on how to perform a high velocity flush in our after construction care package.

Timeline: 1 to 3 hours 

Surface / interior restoration

  • Will be scheduled after the lead service line is replaced.
  • Restoration of basement and yard to original condition.

Timeline: 1 day

Water sample

  • Performed within 3 months of lead service line replacement.
  • Home entry is required for this test.

Final walk through

  • 1 year post lead service line replacement.
  • An appointment is required to check on warranty.​

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​Understand your water service line

The pipe that connects your property's plumbing to the water main in the street is called a service line. The EPCOR portion of the service line runs from the water main under the street or alley to the property line, and the homeowner portion of the service line runs from the property line to the water meter in your home.

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