Town Launches Lead Management Assessment Program

Health Canada has announced a new guideline for drinking water quality across the country. Under the new guideline, the maximum acceptable concentration for lead in drinking water has been reduced from 10 to 5 micrograms per litre. In response to changes to water quality targets, the Town of Stony Plain will be implementing a Lead Management Assessment Program beginning in August 2021. 

The new guideline shifts the point of compliance from the municipal drinking water system to the tap in the customer's premises. The Town will be administering water quality testing at 60 residences (including apartment and condo units) throughout the community in August.

“It is important for community members to know water quality has not changed and nothing has occurred to make us believe residents are at risk of being exposed to lead,” says Greg Zirk, Manager of Operations. “Both the Town and EPCOR already run extensive tests on water before it gets to the tap. We will be running new tests as per Alberta Environment regulations."

The 60 households will be selected through an online registration process and residents are encouraged to volunteer for water testing. Once selected, participants will be contacted by email with further instruction. All participants will be required to submit a COVID-19 Assessment two days prior to the scheduled testing appointment. For those who are not selected as one of the 60 testing sites but still wish to have their water tested, certified water testing labs can be contacted at the homeowner’s expense.

Lead in water is not an immediate health risk; however, if left unaddressed high levels of lead can lead to health concerns. The Town is working to ensure tap water quality in the community meets national guidelines. Residents can register for the Lead Management Assessment Program and find water safety tips at stonyplain.com

SIGN UP FOR TESTING