News Release                              For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                         May 23, 2007

Lead in Drinking Water

Public Health is working with the City of Owen Sound Public Works division in the investigation of lead in the Owen Sounds drinking water system. Public Works staff identified 160 local homes that may have both lead service connections and a lead pipe feeding into the home. These are homes constructed over 60 years ago. Public Works will also investigate fire hydrants and their possible role in leaching lead into drinking water.

Public Health will test water from 32 identified homes. This survey represents 20% of the homes with lead services. Standing water samples and samples taken after five minutes of flushing will be taken at each home. The results will be assessed by the Public Health, Public Works and the Ministry of Environment.

This is a special test procedure. Routine water sampling through Public Health does not normally test for the presence of lead.

Additionally the Grey Bruce Health Unit advises those home occupants who reside in older homes and are on municipal drinking water services other the Owen Sound to contact their local Public Works Departments for further information on lead sampling programs.

In Owen Sound, each one of the 160 homes will receive an information package on lead and its health affects. Homeowners will be encouraged to take precautions and will receive advice on measures to protect themselves from lead exposure in water as well as from other potential sources.

Public Works has a capital budget program to replace the lead service connections at these 160 homes. This program will be completed over the next several years.

There has been a lot of discussion in respect to lead in drinking water and the potential health hazards and risks associated with exposure. Children six years of age or under, infants and the fetuses of pregnant women are most at risk due to their small mass and higher metabolism. Lead from water may account for up to 10% of the lead blood levels found in children, however the major source of lead exposure is not water related.

For further information call Public Health at 519-376-9420 or visit our web site at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

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For more information:

Lou D’Alessandro

Program Manager, Safe Water Program

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456, ext. 223