April 21, 2008

Water Infrastructure

Epcor launches Lead Service Replacement Program in Edmonton

Richard Gilbert

staff writer

Epcor has initiated a new program to remove the remaining lead service lines from Edmonton’s water infrastructure.

Epcor is launching a Lead Service Replacement Program in Edmonton to test water in homes with lead service pipes. The program targets 5,000 homes built before 1950 and will replace all lead service pipes owned by Epcor.

The replacement will be funded by Epcor up to the property line. Customers will be responsible for costs of replacing pipe on their property.

“The quality of Edmonton’s tap water is extremely high, 99.9 per cent of Edmonton homes met or exceeded all water quality parameters,” said Dr. Stephen Stanley, senior vice president for Epcor Water Services.

“We have been actively working to develop a plan that ensures our water system continues to build on those high standards, now and in the future.”

Residents or owners in the 5,000 homes will be offered free testing of household tap water, free tap-mounted water filters for those who may have concerns about tap water quality and permanent replacement of the water lines servicing their property. The program does not affect the 97 per cent of Edmonton homes that receive their water through non-lead pipes.

Epcor and Capital Health initiated a study assessing the impact of lead water services on water quality and health.

The study showed that while flushing taps before drinking can maintain good water quality for homes with lead services, in a small number of homes the lead concentration was still above the Health Canada guidelines.

“Capital Health has done an initial small sampling of blood tests on 16 individuals, 14 adults and two children, and based on our initial results we believe the health risk to be low,” said Dr. Gerry Predy, vice president, public health and medical officer of health.

“These results are consistent with other jurisdictions who have had this same issue.”

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