What is a lead service line?
A water service line is the pipe that brings water from the main under your street into your home. The City of Wrenford is responsible for the section from the water main to your property line. Any pipe, solder, or fittings on your side of the property line belong to you.
Questions? Contact Wrenford 311 at 519-555-0100.
Before the 1960s, lead was a common material for these pipes across Ontario. Lead is harmful if swallowed or inhaled, and it can leach into drinking water. You cannot see, taste, or smell lead in your water.
How to check your pipes
You can usually identify your service line material by following these steps:
- Find your water meter. It is typically located in your basement or utility room. Look for a dial that reads cubic metres.
- Follow the pipe where it enters your home from the street.
- If the pipe is plastic, it is not lead.
- If it is metal, try scratching it gently with a key or coin. If the metal underneath is shiny orange, it is copper. If it is dark grey and soft, it may be lead.
- Hold a magnet to the pipe. If the magnet sticks, the pipe is galvanized steel. If it does not stick, it is likely lead.
If you are unsure or cannot reach the pipe, hire a licensed plumber to inspect it for you.
Testing your water
The only way to know if lead is in your water is to test it at the tap. The City runs an annual Tap Water Sampling Program to monitor lead levels in homes with known lead service lines or homes built before 1960. The program runs from May to September each year. To book a free appointment, call 311 and ask for the Tap Water Sampling Program. A City technician will visit your home for about 45 minutes to collect a sample. You will receive your results by letter within three weeks.
For health information about lead exposure, visit the Health Canada website.
Reducing lead in your drinking water
While you arrange testing or replacement, you can lower lead levels at home by following these steps:
- Flush your pipes: After water has been sitting for a few hours, run the cold tap for two to three minutes before using it. If the home has been vacant for weeks, flush for up to 20 minutes.
- Always use cold water: Hot water draws more easily from pipes and can contain higher lead levels. Never use hot tap water for drinking, cooking, or making baby formula.
- Consider a filter: Look for a water filter certified to NSF Standard 53 for lead removal. Pitcher, tap-mounted, and under-sink options are available.
Replacing lead pipes
Replacing a lead service line is a shared responsibility. The City replaces the public side, and you replace the private side. We strongly recommend replacing both at the same time, because partial replacement can disturb lead particles and temporarily raise levels in your tap water.
If your home has a confirmed lead service line, you may qualify for a one-time rebate of up to $200.00 toward an NSF 53 certified filter or up to $350.00 for professional installation of an under-sink system. Visit Water & Wastewater for the application form.
If you have questions or need to report a suspected lead line, call 311 or visit Contact.