News Release                           For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                  November 7, 2007

Water Filter Fund Provides Lead Filters for Low Income Households

GREY COUNTY – Qualified residents in Grey County can receive financial assistance to purchase a filter to remove lead from their drinking water. Under the Water Filter Fund, Grey County Social Services, in partnership with the Grey Bruce Health Unit, will provide up to $100 to low-income households meeting eligibility criteria. The funding, provided by the Ministry of Community and Social Services, is available until March 31, 2008.

Eligible households must provide verification of Ontario residency, net annual family income (up to $20,000), and that one or more household members are age 6 years or less, and/or pregnant. The residence must be located within a drinking water system where lead tests results exceed 10ug/L. Public Health will confirm municipal water systems meet test requirements. Private water systems are not eligible for this program.

The Water Filter Fund was introduced to protect vulnerable, at risk  populations as part of the Ontario Action Plan on reducing lead in the province’s drinking water. The program provides funding for the purchase of on-tap filtration systems meeting NSF 53 standards. A list of acceptable filters may be provided to eligible residents, or may be found at:  http://www.nsf.org/Certified/DWTU/.

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For more information, please contact:

Grey County Social Services

519-376-7324 or 1-800-265-3119