News Contamination Water Issues
CELA launches lead removal campaign

The Canadian Environmental Law Association is calling on Canadians to speak up about the impact of lead in drinking water.

While lead is a naturally occurring element, it does not occur naturally in our drinking water, the Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA) said on its website. Water becomes contaminated with lead as it moves through corroded lead pipes or plumbing fixtures with lead solder.

Although there is widespread recognition of the health impacts of lead, CELA asserts Canada is not doing nearly enough to address them.

Is lead a problem in the places you live, learn, work or play? As CELA develops its lead removal campaign, the organization wants to hear from concerned citizens. Canadians are encouraged to fill out this form and use it to ask questions, request resources, provide suggestions, or let CELA know that you’d like to stay connected to the campaign.

CELA released a report on lead in drinking water in 2019, highlighting ongoing health concerns and laying out five key recommendations to eliminate lead from our water:

• Lower the mandatory minimum standard to 5 micrograms per litre in Ontario, and strive for much lower levels of lead.
• Identify exactly where the lead service lines are and create an inventory and notice requirements.
• Create an enforceable plan for the complete removal of lead services lines.
• Reduce risk through corrosion control.
• Raise awareness of the problem through public education.

Learn more about CELA’s campaign here.