Lead in Drinking Water

Transcription

1 Lead in Drinking Water Presentation by Wendy Krkosek to Nova Scotia Association of Realtors November 23, 2016 Providing world-class services for our customers and our environment

2 Why are we talking about lead? Sources of lead exposure Lead based paint and dust in older homes Imported products (toys, jewelry) Drinking Water Children under 6 and pregnant women are the most vulnerable Lead exposure today is an Acute health risk Figure source: adapted from Bellinger and Bellinger (2006) 2

3 Sources of lead in drinking water Water in water mains in Halifax is virtually lead-free. Lead Service Lines (Stopped use in 1950 s) Lead Solder (banned in 1986) Leaded Brass Fixtures can contain up to 8% lead 3

4 Getting the Lead Out A Shared Responsibility 4

5 Flint, Michigan In an effort to save money, Flint Michigan changed water supplies in 2014 and did not add a corrosion inhibitor The outcome was significant corrosion and lead exposure Increased blood lead levels in children 5

6 Identifying a Lead Service Line in the Home Scratch test Perform a scratch test on the pipe coming into the home prior to the water meter If it is silver and shiny it is likely lead If it is copper in colour like a penny, it is copper If it remains dull grey and a magnet sticks, it is galvanized steel. Call or Halifax Water or lead@halifaxwater.ca HW staff will check service records and potentially: Send staff out to identify service material entering the home Arrange for complimentary profile lead sampling Home inspection Ask to have a lead service line identified as part of the home inspection 6 Steel Lead Copper

7 Where are Lead Service Lines in Halifax/Dartmouth?

8 Where do lead service lines exist in HRM? Homes built prior to 1960 Practice of using Lead services was stopped in the 1950 s Estimated number in HRM Public lead service lines 2500 Private lead service lines much greater than

9 How to Minimize Exposure to Lead in Drinking Water? Replace any lead components in the service line and premise plumbing Draw cold water for cooking and drinking Flush cold water prior to use Clean aerators Boiling water will not remove lead! Use a NSF 53 certified filter for the removal of lead Read labels carefully! 9

10 What is Halifax Water doing to minimize exposure? 1. Corrosion control treatment Zinc orthophosphate corrosion control inhibitor 2. Corrosion control monitoring a. Internal water quality monitoring in distribution system b. Research projects with Dalhousie University, consultants 3. Customer sampling Free service! a. Residential monitoring program Annually in August b. Customer initiated sampling anytime there is a suspected lead service line c. LSL replacement program sampling 4. Lead Service Line (LSL) Replacement Program 5. Public outreach and education initiatives Website, Stewardship reports, AWWA Opflow, NSAR

11 What will it take to get the lead out? Develop a plan to remove all lead service lines by a reasonable target date Develop an accurate inventory of lead service lines Public outreach and engagement Transparent and continual outreach to customers in affected areas Developing policies and initiatives to promote private lead service line renewal Engagement with government, regulator and industry associations Continue research on lead in the distribution system and optimize corrosion control 11

12 Cost of a Lead Service Line Renewal Dependent on contractor Hire someone with experience Get multiple quotes Typical cost ranges from $2,000-$7,000 and depends on: Length of private service line Location of private service line Retaining walls Asphalt Decks/stairs Landscaping Trees 12

13 Why is it important to flag lead service lines during a property transaction? Often the buyers are in the most vulnerable demographic: Families with young children or planning for children Long-term residents often reluctant to replace lead service lines Price of the renewal can be incorporated into the purchase or sale price Buyers should be aware of any potential risks at time of sale 13

14 Possible actions to take during property transactions Seller Determine the type of service material/plumbing - Check in basement - or call Halifax Water Request a lead test from Halifax Water lead@halifaxwater.ca Gather quotes for the replacement and/or replace the private portion of the service line Buyer Determine the type of service material/plumbing - Check in basement - or call Halifax Water N/A due to turnaround time for samples Negotiate the sale price of the property if the buyer is to upgrade the service line 14

15 Questions or Comments? Wendy Krkosek, Ph.D., P.Eng. Water Quality Manager Halifax Water or 15