Water Quality

I try not to duplicate press releases from the City on my blog too often – too much duplication of communications.

However, Guelphites value the quality of their water supply and we are seeking important input on plans to reduce lead in drinking water.

Residents invited to weigh in on City’s plan to reduce lead in drinking water

Public information session to outline Guelph’s lead reduction options

GUELPH, ON, Tuesday, May 11

Residents are invited to voice their preference for the City’s proposed actions to reduce lead in municipal drinking water at a Public Information Session on Thursday, May 13. Although only a portion of Guelph’s homes and businesses are serviced by lead water pipes, the City, under regulations from the Province, will submit a plan to the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) that outlines its course of action for addressing lead in municipal drinking water. One option the City is considering involves the replacement of lead service lines at designated locations within the city.

An alternative option involves safe chemical treatment of the entire municipal water supply, which would affect everyone connected to the municipal water supply’s drinking water.

In March the City commissioned a telephone survey of 480 residents conducted by OraclePoll Research Limited, to gauge residents’ awareness of drinking water and lead. Of those surveyed, 73 per cent were in favour of replacing lead service lines compared to the alternative of chemical treatment. City staff will ask residents for their feedback about the proposed options after providing information about lead in drinking water, the health risks associated with lead and the City’s Corrosion Control Plan that will be submitted to the MOE in February 2011.

The Public information session will take place at Waterworks, 29 Waterworks Place (off York Road) from 6 to 8 p.m. For more information about drinking water and lead, visit guelph.ca/water or call 519-837-5627.