Kevin Duke expressed concerns about the financial feasibility of replacing lead pipes in his home. The senior from Thunder Bay, Ontario, only became aware of the presence of lead pipes after the City of Thunder Bay started distributing NSF/ANSI-53-approved water filter pitchers in 2020. Despite the city replacing the main water line on his street a few years ago, the section from there to his water meter still consists of lead piping, which Duke believes he cannot afford to replace entirely.
Lead service pipes were commonly utilized before the mid-1950s to connect homes to city water mains. However, due to the acknowledged health risks associated with lead, the National Plumbing Code of Canada prohibited lead piping in 1975 and lead solder in 1986. Despite these regulations, many older properties in Canada still have lead pipes. Recently, the Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA) published a report urging Ontario municipalities to cease partial lead service line replacements to prevent potential spikes in lead levels and health risks.
The association recommends cities enact bylaws mandating property owners to replace lead pipes beyond the property line, accompanied by income-adjusted financial aid to assist with costs. This comprehensive approach aims to eliminate all lead pipes at once, ensuring that unknowing residents with lead pipes receive support for removal.
Hamilton stands out as the sole Ontario municipality with a bylaw targeting partial lead service-line replacements. Several Quebec and Saskatchewan communities have already implemented similar bylaws, with Saskatoon expected to replace all lead service lines by 2029.
In Thunder Bay, the city offers an interest-free loan program and a $1,500 grant for qualifying low-income earners and seniors for lead pipe replacement. However, Duke questions the adequacy of these financial aids and suggests a more tailored approach based on individual income levels.
Corrosion control programs, such as the introduction of sodium hydroxide by the City of Thunder Bay in 2018, have been implemented to mitigate lead seepage from aging pipes. However, this initiative led to issues like pinhole leaks in copper pipes and subsequent flooding, prompting the city to discontinue the chemical in 2020 and offer NSF/ANSI-53-approved water pitchers and filters to affected properties.
In response to the sodium hydroxide-related incidents, a $350-million lawsuit was filed against the city by a resident representing affected individuals. The city is contesting the claims, emphasizing that none have been substantiated in court.
With thousands of lead service lines still in use in Thunder Bay, lead exposure remains a significant health concern, especially for children. Efforts to replace lead pipes entirely are gaining traction, with calls for equitable financial support and education to ensure a smooth transition and improved public health outcomes.