Changes to City's drinking water system
In early 2020, an adjustment was made to the pH of the City's drinking water by phasing out the addition of sodium hydroxide. Before the summer of 2020, the pH of the drinking water returned to the same level as in 2017. Lead levels are expected to increase for customers with lead service pipes.
Resources:
Changes to the City's Drinking Water (PDF)
Drinking Water Update brochure (PDF)
Our Drinking Water webpage
Water filters for homes with lead service pipes:
The City has identified properties with lead water service pipes. In the last two years, properties received free water filter kits consisting of a NSF/ANSI-53 approved PUR – Ultimate Filtration System with Lead Reduction water filters to eliminate the risk of consuming lead while drinking tap water. To continue to reduce the risk of consuming lead while drinking tap water at this time, properties that has been identified with a known lead service pipe will receive two additional 3 pack of lead reduction replacement pitcher filters, which is a 12-month supply of NSF/ANSI-53 approved filters for the PUR – Ultimate Filtration System, at no cost.
Lead found in drinking water can pose a significant health risk. The population at the highest risk from lead exposure are infants, children under the age of 6, and pregnant women.
If you purchased a home in 2022-2023 and believe you may have a lead service pipe, please call City Dispatch at 625-2195.
Users must follow the manufacturer’s owner’s manual that provides instructions on how to use the pitcher and filters. These water filters are certified to reduce lead in tap water and should be used for drinking, cooking, and preparing baby formula. It is important to use these filters as lead in drinking water can pose health risks, especially for infants, children under the age of six, and pregnant women.
ClearSensor™ Monitor
Be sure to reset your ClearSensor™ Monitor every time you replace your filter. The ClearSensor™ Monitor contains a non-replaceable battery. After several years of use, the battery will stop working but the pitcher is still functional.
How to tell if you have lead pipes
Customers with lead service pipes should have received a notice from the City identifying that their property has a lead service connection. If you did not receive a letter and are still concerned that you may have a lead service pipe, contact the City of Thunder Bay's Infrastructure & Operations Dispatch at 625-2195 to arrange a free test.
Lead pipes are a dull grey colour. If you scrape the surface of the pipe gently with a Loonie, the metal beneath will be shiny and silver.
Changes to Drinking Water System – Questions & Answers |
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Lead water service replacement loan program
City Council has approved an interest-free loan program that will allow property owners to borrow funds from the City to assist in the replacement of privately owned lead water service pipes.
This program provides financial assistance to homeowners to reduce lead levels in drinking water at the tap. Loans for up to $5,000 of eligible costs are available for five years. There is also a 10-year loan option for property owners that qualify under the Tax and Credit Program for Low-Income Seniors and Low-Income Persons with Disabilities, or the Tax and Water Credit Program for Low-Income Persons, and a $1,500 grant will also be provided. Loan and Grant approvals will be subject to the availability of funding and priority given on a first come first serve basis.
Lead Water Service Replacement Loan Program Application Form
Corrosion Control Plan
The City of Thunder Bay is required to have an approved Corrosion Control Plan in accordance with Drinking Water System Regulation O. Reg. 170/03. The City is working closely with the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks and the Thunder Bay District Health Unit on this change to the drinking water and evaluating other means of corrosion control that may be implemented in the future.
The removal of lead service pipes remains a key priority in the Plan. However, the full removal of lead service pipes will take many years to accomplish. In the interim, lead levels will be reduced in properties with lead service connection with a NSF/ANSI 53 approved water filter.
Studies have shown chronic exposure to lead, even at low levels, can have health impacts. Of particular concern are the neurodevelopmental effects impacting learning and memory on developing fetuses and young children.
Learn how to Get the Lead Out.
In addition, you should routinely clean your faucet screens.
*Below, the American Water Works explains where lead comes from, how it gets into water, and what households can do to keep their water lead-safe:
*Excepted by permission. Copyright © American Water Works Association.
Lead service replacement |
Prior to a watermain being replaced (performed by a private contractor under a capital contract), the City notifies the homeowner to discuss the replacement of the private portion of their service line. Prior to the City portion being replaced under the capital contract, testing of the tap water in the private residence is requested to provide a baseline lead result. If a homeowner wishes to have the private portion of their service line (property line to meter) replaced at the same time as the City portion, they must arrange with the on-site contractor to do the work at their own expense. A plumbing permit must be obtained, and a plumber must complete the final connection. Once the service line is partially or completely replaced, it is recommended that the tap water be tested again to ensure lead levels are reduced. Testing is free and arranged through the City by calling 684-3568. On streets not scheduled for watermain renewal, homeowners may arrange with a contractor to replace the private portion (property line to meter) of their lead service line and the City will fund and complete the work extending from the property line to the watermain. It is preferred that the homeowner contact the City to arrange for lead testing prior to the replacement of their private portion to obtain a baseline lead result. The homeowner must obtain the required plumbing permit, hire a plumber for the final connection and have all final inspections done. Once this is complete the homeowner will submit a Priority Lead Water Service Replacement, with all documentation to The City of Thunder Bay Engineering Division. The homeowner completes the final restoration of their property, and the City will restore City property. The City processes such requests in sequence, the priority given to cases of elevated lead levels according to drinking water testing. In all cases, you will need a Building/Plumbing Permit from the City. Please print out the Building Permit, Plumbing Permit and Guide below |
Partial lead service replacement |
Research indicates that when lead service lines are disturbed, the amount of lead found in consumer’s drinking water may increase for weeks to months. In the event a service line is partially replaced by the City or the homeowner, it is strongly recommended that private plumbing lines be flushed prior to consumption. After a partial replacement of a lead service line has been completed, the following steps should be taken prior to consuming the water from your tap.
In addition to the above instructions, a daily mini-flush consisting of a 5min displacement flush is recommended for 6 months post partial replacement of a lead service line. Aerators should be should be cleaned regularly to remove any particulate lead that may have accumulated.
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How can you reduce your exposure to lead in drinking water |
There are many steps you can take to reduce your exposure to lead in drinking water, but if you have a lead service line, the best step you can take is to have it replaced.
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What the City is doing to reduce lead |
The City of Thunder Bay strives to reduce overall lead service connections and fixtures, provide ongoing watermain flushing/cleaning, increase overall water quality awareness and provide free testing for lead at the tap. The piped water infrastructure is renewed by the watermain replacement program, which also replaces the individual service connection to the property line (partial replacement). |
How you can help |
If you have a lead service, please contact the City to arrange for testing. A qualified licenced operator will come to your home and test your tap water free of charge. You will be provided with the results of the testing. You can also help by replacing your lead service line – reducing the amount of lead. If you replace your service line, follow the flushing instructions post replacement and contact the City for testing. Submit a priority lead replacement form through the Engineering Department so that the City can replace their portion of the service line. Once this full replacement is complete, arrange for testing through the City to ensure lead levels have been reduced. Free testing can be arranged by contacting the City at 684-3568. |
Past public engagement and information materials
The City hosted a series of Public Information Session regarding the Corrosion Control Plan and also distributed public notices to customers with their water bills:
- Important Public Notice - Drinking Water System Change to Reduce Lead Levels at the Tap Pamphlet
- Storyboards from the 2017-2018 Public Information Session
- Corrosion Control Chemical (Sodium Hydroxide) FAQ
- Corrosion Control Pilot Study - Hodder Pressure Zone
More information
Visit the Ministry of the Environment & Climate Change's Drinking Water Ontario website.
In addition, visit Health Canada's webpage on reducing your exposure to lead from drinking water.
For more information about Thunder Bay's drinking water, contact the Infrastructure & Operations Department at 625-2195.
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