The detection of lead in the water of several Canadian communities has been back in the news recently, and at a meeting of North Battleford city council last week, administration gave an update on what the city is doing about lead service lines.
Director of Utilities Stewart Schafer reported to council that they maintain a database on properties in the city with known lead service lines. There are 306 properties in the city that have lead water lines that they know of, he said.
As part of Health Canada requirements, North Battleford has been conducting an annual lead monitoring program in the city.
Schafer is urging those “who wish to know how bad the lead is coming into their property” to contact City Hall. The city provides a free test that those individuals can do on their property, where bottles are supplied and instructions are provided to obtain water samples, and then the bottles are sent off and results are sent back. Results are also sent to the provincial and federal government.
Right now, the responsibility in North Battleford lies with property owners to replace lead lines from the connection to their home.
The city also offers to replace lead lines for $1,000 during construction as part of the Underground Pipes and Asphalt Replacement program. This is a voluntary program in North Battleford, though Schafer did point out that it is mandatory for the city of Saskatoon.
