The Engineering Department is launching a Lead Reduction program. Phase 1 of the program will be a lead verification visit to homes within the Lead Zone. These will begin May 14, 2019.
The “Lead Zone” is bounded by Murphy Road and the St. Clair River (east to west) and Highway 402 to St. Andrew St (north to south) see Figure 1. These homes are typically built in the mid-1950’s and are suspected to have lead service lines underground and possibly lead plumbing within the house.
Qualified City employees with, proper City ID, will visit homes by pre-arranged appointments time for a lead verification visit. There is no cost to homeowners for this visit.
Lead in Drinking Water
Sarnia’s water contains little to no traces of lead once it leaves the water treatment plant. Lead gets into your drinking water by:
- Lead service lines from the water main to your home, both private and publicly owned
- Internal plumbing lines
- Solder containing lead
- Fixtures such as taps
Effects of Lead in Drinking Water
Elevated lead exposure can pose a threat to the vulnerable public, specifically to children under six years old, pregnant women, women who are planning a pregnancy and the elderly. For more information about the health risks of lead in drinking water please visit Lambton Public Health’s website: https://lambtonhealth.on.ca/health-information/safe-water/drinking-water/lead-in-drinking-water.
Options to Eliminate Lead in Drinking Water
There are two options to eliminate the amount of lead in your drinking water. The first way is a temporary fix, to purchase a filter. Secondly, the only permanent way to eliminate lead in drinking water is to replace lead service lines. Water service lines branch off from the municipal watermain under the street and connect to the interior plumbing of your home. The City of Sarnia is responsible for the water service lines from the watermain to the property line. The homeowner is responsible for the internal plumbing and service lines from the home to the property line.
Homeowner Support Programs
Sarnia will be offering homeowners support through:
- Filter Rebate Program.
- Lead Service Line Replacement Loan Program.
For More Information:
Lead Reduction Program
519-332-0527, ext. 2232 or leadreduction@sarnia.ca
http://www.sarnia.ca/living-here/water-wastewater/lead-reduction
Sharon Bottomley, Environmental Compliance Officer
519-332-0527 ext. 2233
Mike Berkvens, Director of Engineering
519-332-0527 ext. 3359