The Town of Stellarton is seeking volunteers for its lead and copper monitoring program.
Why is the Town of Stellarton sampling drinking water?
Health Canada has developed the Guidance on Controlling Corrosion in Drinking Water Distribution Systems. In addition, the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality have established limits of 0.005 milligrams per litre for lead and 2 milligrams per litre for copper.
These requirements mean municipalities must regularly sample and test water from private taps in homes for lead. The requirements place particular emphasis on private plumbing that may contain lead. Older homes may have been built with lead service lines or may contain lead-based solder, which was previously permitted in private plumbing.
How is the water tested?
- The homeowner who has volunteered will be contacted by phone. Town Water Treatment staff will visit the home and provide a 1-litre plastic sample bottle.
- The homeowner will fill the bottle with cold water from the kitchen faucet and replace the cap.
- The homeowner will return the sample to Water Treatment staff, who will record the sample details on the label.
- The samples will be sent to a laboratory in Halifax for analysis. Results are typically available within 30 days and will be reported by Town Water Treatment staff.
If a result above 0.005 milligrams per litre of lead or 2 milligrams per litre of copper is recorded for a residence, Town Water Treatment staff will advise the homeowner immediately. Additional testing consisting of four 1-litre samples will then be required. These samples will be taken after no water has been used in the residence for more than six hours.
When will sampling take place?
Sampling typically takes place during the summer months.
What if lead or copper is found in samples taken from my home?
If testing identifies a value above 0.005 milligrams per litre of lead or 2 milligrams per litre of copper in a residence or business, you can expect the following:
- Town Water Treatment staff will advise the homeowner immediately.
- Additional testing consisting of four 1-litre samples will be required. These samples will be taken after no water has been used in the residence for more than six hours.
If you have lead in your water, what can you do?
If you are concerned about lead in your drinking water or suspect that your plumbing may contain lead, you can take steps to reduce your exposure:
- Flush your pipes by running the water until it is cold, usually about one minute, after the water has been sitting in the pipes for several hours, such as first thing in the morning or after work.
- Use a drinking water treatment device certified to meet National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) Standard 53 or 58 for the removal of lead and copper. A faucet-mounted unit is preferred, although pitcher-style filters are also acceptable.
- Inspect and clean faucet aerators or screens monthly. If debris is present, inspect and clean them more frequently to remove particles that may contain lead.
- Replace brass faucets and valves with products certified to have a low lead content.
- Removing the source of lead is the only way to eliminate exposure from that source.
Can everyone participate?
The Town is required to sample 20 residential households. If more than 20 households volunteer, staff will select the 20 homes that best represent different areas of the Town and a range of ages among residents.
To volunteer for this program, please contact the Town Office at (902) 752-2114 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Homeowner's Guide to Identifying Private Service Lateral Material
Step 1: Locate the water meter or incoming water line in your home. Typically, this will be in the basement or, if you do not have a basement, in a utility closet containing your hot water tank.
Step 2: Use an object such as a butter knife to gently tap the pipe close to where it enters the house through the wall or floor. There is a distinct difference between the sound of metal and plastic. If you are unsure of the difference, compare the sound by tapping the knife against something in your home that you know is plastic and something that you know is metal.
Step 3: If the pipe is metal, use a key or coin to scratch the pipe close to where it enters the house through the wall or floor. Look at the colour of the exposed pipe:
- Metallic and orange, like a penny: It is a copper service lateral.
- Metallic and yellow or gold, like a loonie: It may be a brass service lateral. Brass is uncommon, but it can contain lead.
- Grey: Continue to Step 4.
Step 4: Hold a magnet against the service line. Does the magnet stick?
- No: It is a lead service lateral.
- Yes: It is a steel service lateral.
- Remember to wash your hands when you are finished.
