Kevin Duke expressed doubts about the feasibility of replacing lead pipes in his Thunder Bay home. The senior resident only became aware of the presence of lead pipes after the City of Thunder Bay started distributing NSF/ANSI-53-approved water filter pitcher kits in 2020. While the city had replaced the main water line on his street a couple of years ago, the portion between that line and his water meter remained lead piping.
Lead service pipes were commonly utilized before the mid-1950s to connect homes to city water mains. However, due to growing awareness of the health hazards posed by lead, the National Plumbing Code of Canada prohibited lead piping in 1975 and lead solder in 1986. Despite these regulations, many older homes in Canada still have lead pipes.
The Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA) recently published a report urging Ontario municipalities to cease partial lead service line replacements due to the risks associated with increased lead levels following such replacements. Julie Mutis, a community outreach worker for CELA, emphasized the importance of complete lead pipe removal to prevent ongoing harm.
Hamilton stands out as the sole municipality in Ontario with a bylaw mandating full lead service line replacements on private properties. Mutis highlighted the need for income-adjusted financial assistance to support property owners in replacing lead pipes. Meanwhile, Saskatoon and various Quebec communities have already implemented similar bylaws to replace all lead service lines by set deadlines.
In Thunder Bay, the city offers an interest-free loan program and a $1,500 grant for eligible low-income earners and seniors to aid in lead pipe replacement. However, concerns persist over the adequacy of these financial support measures. A $350 million class-action lawsuit against the city was initiated following complaints about damages resulting from the introduction of sodium hydroxide into the water supply.
Lead exposure, even in small amounts, can have severe health consequences, particularly for children. The urgency of addressing lead contamination is emphasized by Mutis, who stresses the need for proactive measures and equitable solutions for affected individuals. The City of Thunder Bay has committed funds to replace lead service lines gradually, prioritizing publicly owned lines during infrastructure projects.
Coun. Andrew Foulds raised questions about the financial burden of mandatory lead service line replacements for homeowners and advocated for incentivizing rather than penalizing residents. Efforts are ongoing to make financial incentives more accessible and equitable to facilitate lead pipe replacements in privately owned properties. Collaboration between municipalities and property owners is deemed crucial in effectively addressing the lead pipe issue.
