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1. Why did the Health Canada guideline change?

Health Canada now recognizes the science says there is a public health benefit to reducing lead exposure to levels that are as low as possible. The guideline is intended to minimize public health risks from lead content in drinking water. It now has a lower maximum acceptable concentration for lead in drinking water. This places Canada with one of the lowest targets in the world for lead in drinking water.

2. What happens if I volunteer to have my water tested?

You will have your water tested for lead and receive the test results within 14 days of the County receiving the results from the laboratory. A test result will only represent a moment in time; however, it identifies any potential concerns with lead levels in your water. You can use this information to make informed health decisions. Your assistance will help Kneehill County discover any issues with lead in the water system.   

3. What happens if my test results exceed Health Canada’s guideline?

Kneehill County Utilities will work with you to complete additional sampling to confirm that the previous test was accurate. If the second test also exceeds the guidelines, the County will provide information on ways you can reduce your exposure.

4. How can I reduce my risk of lead exposure?

Kneehill County's water supply is safe and clean, and meets the new Health Canada guideline. However, the most common sources of lead in drinking water are “at the tap.” In other words, in the plumbing in your house and if you have lead service lines on your property.

Residents who think their homes may have lead fixtures can take measures to reduce their risk of lead exposure.

• Flush standing water in pipes each morning or after returning home at the end of the day—by flushing the toilet, washing your hands, or letting the water run cold. The flushing clears out any water that’s been sitting in the lead pipes. By doing this, you ensure the water is straight from the main service line.
• Use cold water for both drinking and cooking—hot water dissolves more lead from plumbing and boiling water doesn’t remove lead.
• Not all home water-treatment filters remove lead. Before purchasing a filter, check the model to ensure it meets lead reduction certification. It should be NSF-53 certified for lead reduction.

Residents can contact Health Link 24/7 for health information on lead exposure toll-free at 811. The following websites also have good information on how to reduce potential lead exposure.  

Water Talk: Reducing your exposure to lead from drinking water

Common questions about lead and drinking water

Drinking water: what about lead?