- In 2007, the Government of Ontario
introduced more stringent requirements for flushing and testing of
drinking water taps in schools, private schools and day nurseries.
These requirements are found in Ontario Regulation 243/07 made
under the Safe Drinking Water Act of 2002. Amendments were
made to update the Regulation and these changes came into force on
December 14, 2009.
- According to Health Canada, research
shows that exposure to even small amounts of lead can be harmful to
human health, especially for young children, infants and pregnant
women.
- The flushing of plumbing has been
shown to reduce lead levels in water at the tap.
- All schools, private schools and day
nurseries are required to carry out annual sampling and testing for
lead between May 1 and October 31. This frequency could be
reduced from once a year to once every three years if certain
criteria are met and a notice is sent to the Ministry of the
Environment.
- Drinking water samples must be sent
to a laboratory licensed by the Ministry of Environment for lead
testing.
- The laboratory is required to report
any test results that exceed any Ontario standards to the operator
of the school, the local Medical Officer of Health and the
ministry's Spills Action Centre within 24 hours.
- The school operator is responsible
for keeping records on flushing and testing. The records for the
two most recent years must be available at the site of the facility
for inspection by any member of the public.
The Ontario drinking water quality standard for lead is 10
micrograms per litre. This standard can also be written as 10 µg/L
or 0.010 milligrams per litre.
This standard is based on a national guideline set by Health
Canada.
Read the full report 'Flushing and Testing for Lead in Drinking
Water'.