Lead Services
In response to the recent conversations and media coverage of the lead issues in Flint, Michigan, we are including information for both consumers and our members in regards to lead in drinking water. Lead rarely occurs naturally in water. Lead contamination can enter the drinking water supply at any point in the water delivery system and commonly occurs through leaching from old lead service connections, pipes or lead solder in pipes in older homes and communities.
Definition
Lead is a metal that has historically been used in the plumbing and waterworks industry. Almost 4 decades ago when industry learned that lead could dissolve into the water supply from the pipes and fittings, it was decided to limit the amount of lead used in alloys and materials in the water sector. Today that limit is 0.25% as defined by the NSF 372 Standard.
CWQA`s Position on it:
Scientists and toxicologists would correctly state that no amount of lead consumed is good for the human body. As such, any attempts to remove it from the water supply is something that the industry would support. CWQA’s manufacturer members have certified products that comply with the NSF standards for the removal of lead.
How it impacts our members:
CWQA members are your water treatment experts. Lead in municipal water can be removed by applying an NSF 53 certified product that removes lead. CWQA members are trained to work with the local municipal and provincial authorities to help in the management of lead in the drinking water.
What is CWQA doing about it?
CWQA staff assisted in the development of the NSF 372 standards that has been applied and referenced to limit the content of lead in the water system. We have advocated on industry’s behalf to get water treatment as a requirement in the plumbing code. Whenever there is a lead incident in Canada, CWQA and its members are there to help the municipality, and the public health authorities. Safeguarding Canadians are our shared goal.