Getting the Lead Out of Toronto Tap Water

Lead In Old Water Pipes May Be A Health Hazard In GTA

You know what they say about oil and water? Try substituting lead. Toronto is one of 35 towns and cities across the province that the Ministry of the Environment has ordered water be tested to measure the amount of lead that could be in it. How do you know if your home is in danger? A lot depends on its age. Experts estimate any residence built before 1955 could have a problem. It's not that the water itself isn't clean. It's the old pipes that carry the liquid you and your family drink every day. If they're made of lead, there's the danger of contamination leaching into your supply.

It's a big problem with a potentially big area - tens of thousands of homes across Ontario and as many as 45,000 in the city alone may be affected. If your water is contaminated by lead, you might never know it until health problems start showing up. Children under six and pregnant women are at the highest risk. But it's not good for anyone.

The situation first came to light when Ontario's Chief Drinking Water Inspector tested the taps in London, Ontario and discovered a full 25 percent of older homes had unsafe lead levels. But Jim Smith insists there's nothing for most people to worry about. "I think all expecting mothers and children under six should be able to drink the water without taking precautions," he maintains. That doesn't do much to reassure a mother of a young child. "I want to make sure that the water that she's going to be drinking is going to be safe," she demands.

What can she - and you - do? The city has a program in place that literally tests your water for any danger. You can also access a program to replace those old pipes. It will cost you about $2,000 by the time it's all done, and while it's a big price tag, it's a small one to pay for your family's health.

And many believe you can flush out your system by running the water for a few minutes in the morning before you drink any of it or use it for things like coffee. But not all experts are convinced this actually works.

Source: CityNews.ca