The Ontario Ministry of the Environment passed a mandatory regulation that requires municipalities to regularly sample potable water in homes and businesses for potential lead contamination. The Town of Gananoque is seeking volunteers to participate in this lead testing program. All residents, landlords and private businesses in the municipality are eligible for testing for lead in their drinking water at no charge.
How can I tell if my home of business is at risk of lead contamination? The most common sources of contaminated water are lead pipes or connections in household plumbing. Buildings constructed prior to 1955 are most at risk. What are my obligations as a volunteer for the lead testing program? Volunteers will be contacted twice annually to make an appointment for lead testing. When the appointment is made, the licensed operator will ask that you run your kitchen tap for 5 minutes half an hour prior to the appointment. You’ll be asked not to touch the tap again until after the sample has been taken. The licensed operator will visit homes and businesses, free of charge, to take a sample directly from the tap and you will receive a written report of the results. These results remain confidential. How can I obtain more information regarding this program? For information regarding the lead testing program, please call 613-382-4360 extension 112 or visit our website at www.townofgananoque.ca. |
