2008 Archive

Lead Concentrations in Drinking Water

Capital Health is working with municipalities across the region to inform residents of the health implications of lead in drinking water. This work is a direct result of new regulations that Health Canada will be proposing and mostly impacts residents living in homes that were built before 1960 when some houses had water lines installed that were composed of lead. Information about the exact composition of water lines to houses can be obtained from the local water provider in your municipality. 

Although the chance of detrimental health effects from elevated lead levels in drinking water is very low, concerned residents may wish to have their residential drinking water tested.  These tests will identify households that may consider actions to reduce/remove lead from their drinking water such as the installation of an approved NSF-53 filter on kitchen taps. As well, simply flushing water lines (running the water) before drinking is a simple and effective way to decrease lead levels. For information on water testing, residents in the City of Edmonton can contact EPCOR at 412-6878, and individuals outside the City of Edmonton should contact their municipality.

For health information regarding this or any other issue please contact Capital Health Link at 408-LINK (5465) or toll-free 1-866-408-LINK (5465).

More Information

• EPCOR/Capital Health News Release
  
  
• FAQs
  
  
• Alberta Environment - Drinking Water
  
  
• EPCOR
  
  
• Drinking Water Quality in Canada
  
  
• Health Canada Effects of Lead on Human Health
  
  
• Minimizing Exposure to Lead from Drinking Water Distribution Systems
  
  
• Water Treatment Devices - for the Removal of Taste, Odour and Chemicals

Information for Health Professionals

• Letter To Physicians (PDF)
  
  
• Request for Blood Lead Level Measurement (PDF)