Frequently Asked Questions

Health Canada – Lead and Human Health:

www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/ contaminants/lead-plomb/ asked_questions-questions_ posees_e.html.

Ontario Ministr y of the Environment and Climate Change – Drinking Water Information:

www.ontario.ca/drinkingwater

Ontario Ministr y of the Environment and Climate Change Public Information Centre: 1-800-565-4923. •

The main source of lead in drinking water is through contact with plumbing materials that contain lead.

The amount of lead dissolved into drinking water depends on factors such as pH, alkalinity, water temperature, water hardness, length of piping, and the amount of time water is left in pipes.

Lead is harmful to health when ingested and especially in young children.

• Ingestion means physical consumption through drinking, cooking and teeth brushing.

Water sources with higher lead levels may be used for bathing, handwashing, and dishwashing without the same health risks.

• In water, dissolved lead has no taste, smell, or colour.

Lead can only be detected in water sources through a chemical test.

Lead cannot be removed from water through boiling. Boiling water may increase the concentration of lead.

• The longer water sits in pipes, the more lead it may contain.

Flushing pipes before drinking is a good way to reduce lead levels in water.