Household Lead & Copper Sampling Program
The Municipality of East Hants regularly samples for lead and copper within our water distribution system, resulting in measurements consistently below the acceptable limits. Water utilities in Nova Scotia are now required to sample for lead and copper from the point of consumption (within a residence).
Lead and copper can occur naturally in the environment, their main source in drinking water is through leaching of plumbing materials such as pipes, solder, faucets, and fittings. While copper is an acceptable material for use in plumbing, lead is not. The National Plumbing Code (NPC) allowed the use of lead in pipes until 1975 and lead in solders in plumbing and distribution systems until 1986. Since 2013, plumbing fittings must meet the low lead requirement.
Participation is free and we will provide you with information on lead and copper levels in your tap water. In addition, it will allow us to assess our facility’s compliance with Health Canada’s new drinking water guidelines for lead and copper.
If you are interested in having your home sampled or have any questions about the program please contact water@easthants.ca
Please Note: Only selected homes that meet the criteria will be eligible for sampling
Resources
If you would like more information on lead and copper in drinking water, including ways to reduce levels, please see the links provided below.