Laboratory

Take the Lead on Lead Reduction

Nov. 14 2019

In North America, one of the common dangers to our drinking water is the presence of lead. Many old homes built before the 1980s have pipes that contain higher levels of lead, which can corrode into the tap water we drink and cook with. They may also have solder containing lead, which allows it to more easily seep into water. At even low levels, this can pose significant health effects as lead bioaccumulates in adults and children. Learn more about the damaging effects of lead and other toxic metals in our podcast episode below.

On March 8, 2019, Health Canada implemented more stringent guidelines on lead content in water, and Canadians are acting quickly to mitigate these risks. As an accredited lab, Bureau Veritas is always at the forefront of regulations and analytical requirements like these, and we make it easy for you to keep your homes, schools and businesses safe.

What steps can you take to reduce your exposure to lead?

Follow our risk checklist:

  1. Test your tap water for lead. Schools, daycares and buildings should also test drinking water fountains. 
  2. Replace lead service lines – contact your municipality or water utility to determine if lead service lines have been retrofitted with blue plastic lining in your area.
  3. Replace brass fixtures – since 2014, new faucets have been required to contain less than 0.25% lead.
  4. Run your water to flush the lead out (up to 2 minutes until water becomes cold).
  5. Use cold water to cook with as lead dissolves more easily into hot water.
  6. Avoid water softeners as they reduce calcium and make it easier for lead to seep in.
  7. Use a water filter that’s certified to remove lead and know when it’s time to replace the filter.
  8. Regularly clean your faucet’s aerator.

Thinking about testing your tap water?

Bureau Veritas has been testing drinking water since the 1970s, and offers packages that make it easy for you to accurately detect the presence of lead in your tap water. We also provide easy-to-follow instructions on how to take a tap water sample for lab analysis. 

Contact us today

Atlantic Provinces: 1 800 565 7227
Ontario: 1 800 563 6266
Western Provinces: 1 833 282 5227