Lead Pipe Replacement Program
On September 3, 2021, approximately 900 homes in Ward 8 will receive letters from the City of Ottawa with the title “Keep your tap water lead-free.” Additional information may also be found at Lead Pipe Replacement Program | City of Ottawa.
Please be reminded to not allow people into your home asking to inspect your water and sewer infrastructure. City staff do not go door-to-door.
Background
In September 2019, Committee and Council approved an update to the Lead Pipe Replacement Program (LPRP) in response to new federal guidelines that reduce the maximum allowable concentration of lead in drinking water. The program assists homeowners with the replacement of lead service pipes on private property by hiring and managing the contractor and offering deferred payment options to reduce the financial impact of the replacement costs.
A campaign to owners of homes built before 1955 was launched in March 2020. Approximately 5,000 of the 30,000 letters were mailed to eligible property owners. However, the mailout was put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) for lead in drinking water was reduced in March of 2019 and 15 months have passed since the first phase of the mailout, the City has resumed the campaign with an aim to take advantage of the 2021 construction season. Begun July 15, the mailout was sent out in batches. This approach allowed operational staff the time to book appointments to collect water samples and then test the water quality in a timely manner. As the program progresses, staff will continue to evaluate participation levels and make adjustments as necessary. The letters are sent in phases, starting with wards with a high density of homes built before 1955. Prior to the mailout, each respective Councillor is notified to advise them, as residents may reach prefer to reach out to their offices should they have questions about the letter.
Residents are welcome to submit any questions to Rick.Chiarelli@Ottawa.ca as we move towards a Lead-Free Ottawa.
Please be reminded to not allow people into your home asking to inspect your water and sewer infrastructure. City staff do not go door-to-door.
Background
In September 2019, Committee and Council approved an update to the Lead Pipe Replacement Program (LPRP) in response to new federal guidelines that reduce the maximum allowable concentration of lead in drinking water. The program assists homeowners with the replacement of lead service pipes on private property by hiring and managing the contractor and offering deferred payment options to reduce the financial impact of the replacement costs.
A campaign to owners of homes built before 1955 was launched in March 2020. Approximately 5,000 of the 30,000 letters were mailed to eligible property owners. However, the mailout was put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) for lead in drinking water was reduced in March of 2019 and 15 months have passed since the first phase of the mailout, the City has resumed the campaign with an aim to take advantage of the 2021 construction season. Begun July 15, the mailout was sent out in batches. This approach allowed operational staff the time to book appointments to collect water samples and then test the water quality in a timely manner. As the program progresses, staff will continue to evaluate participation levels and make adjustments as necessary. The letters are sent in phases, starting with wards with a high density of homes built before 1955. Prior to the mailout, each respective Councillor is notified to advise them, as residents may reach prefer to reach out to their offices should they have questions about the letter.
Residents are welcome to submit any questions to Rick.Chiarelli@Ottawa.ca as we move towards a Lead-Free Ottawa.