Special Edition: Lead Testing in Drinking Water

Tanya Musgrave BSc, BTech (Env. Health), CPHI(C)

Since 2007, there have a number of changes to Ontario Regulation 243/07, with the most recent change taking place on July 1, 2017. Due to the recent media coverage surrounding test results and exceedances, this is a reminder to Daycares on the importance of this Regulation.

Children up to six years old are more sensitive to the effects of lead because they are still developing and their small bodies can absorb it more easily than adults. Even small amounts of lead can be harmful to young children, infants and pregnant women.

By law, if you own or operate a school, private school or child care centre, you must:

• flush your plumbing regularly (as required)
• sample your water to test for lead

If a sample indicates elevated levels, the operator shall take corrective action as directed by the Medical Officer of Health (MOH). The operator must maintain records on flushing and testing and they must be available for inspection by any member of the public. Flushing and testing records are kept for a period of six years.

If you have any questions feel free to contact the Duty Inspector at the Porcupine Health Unit at 1-705-267-1181 (or toll free at 1-800-461-1818) Ext. 2996 or email us at [email protected].

Reference: https://www.ontario.ca/page/flushing-and-sampling-lead#section-5