Lead Service Line Replacement Program
To permanently address lead issues, Halifax Water has placed significant efforts in getting the lead out of the distribution system as this is the only way to permanently address sources of lead in drinking water. Currently, public lead service lines are proactively replaced in conjunction with street or paving projects and water main infrastructure upgrades. The complete removal of lead from the distribution system, however, requires the joint efforts of Halifax Water and the customer.
Who Is Responsible For Replacing My Lead Service Line?
Halifax Water owns the portion from the watermain in the street to the shut-off valve near the property line. The customer owns the portion from the property line into the house. In homes built in the1950’s or earlier, both the private and public portions of the service line may be composed of lead, or one section may be composed of lead and the other composed of a non-lead material (typically copper). Replacing the service pipe on private property is the homeowner’s responsibility.
When Will The Public Portion Of My Lead Service Line Be Replaced?
Halifax Water replaces the public portion of a lead service line in conjunction with street or paving projects and water main infrastructure upgrades. When possible, affected residents are notified within 45 days of a scheduled replacement. We recommend you coordinate the replacement of your private lead service line with the public replacement to help reduce your replacement/restoration costs.
Halifax Water will also replace lead public service lines of households who have replaced the private portion of their lead service line.
Why Should I Replace The Private Portion?
If only the public portion of your lead service pipe is replaced, the portion on private property can continue to be a source of lead in your drinking water. It is important to note that removing part of the service line will not necessarily decrease the concentration of lead in your tap water.
How Do I Go About Having My Lead Service Line Renewed?
Once you’ve made the decision to replace your lead service line, it is important to follow the steps outlined below.
1. Find a Contractor
Halifax Water cannot replace the private portion of your service line, therefore the customer is responsible for attaining a contractor experienced in this line of work. Halifax Water does not recommend specific contractors. We encourage the customer to obtain a few competing quotes for the required service and to also ensure the company has liability insurance.
2. Obtain a Permit
You are required to fill out and submit a “New Services & Renewal Application” to Halifax Water when preparing for a service line renewal. Reputable contractors will often fill out and submit the permit on your behalf, however, the responsibility ultimately falls on the homeowner to secure the proper permits from HRM. Ensuring you have the proper permit helps protect you and your property.
A copy of the permit can be downloaded here: New Services & Renewal Application
3. Schedule an Inspection
Once the service line has been replaced, you must ensure that the work has been inspected and approved by Halifax Water. Inspections are free of charge.
Having the work properly inspected helps ensure the contractor has completed the work to required specifications, and provides you with the security and peace of mind that job has been carried out properly. Not having the work properly inspected could lead to problems such as leaks down the road, and potential issues with your home insurer.
The inspection must be done prior to backfilling the ground in and covering the line so that the work can be thoroughly inspected. To avoid delays, it is recommended that you contact Halifax Water once you have confirmed the date of the service renewal with your contractor.
For homes with a public lead service line, an inspection is required for your address to be placed on the list of public service line renewals at Halifax Water.
Finally, the inspection allows staff at Halifax Water to update maintenance records for your home which is important for future work considerations as well as resale information.
What Are The Risks Associated With LSL Replacements?
After a lead service line replacement, some customers may experience an increase in lead levels in their water for some time as a result of pipes being disturbed during construction; and in cases where the private portion of the service line is a lead pipe, from the galvanic reaction between the lead and copper connection.
How Is Halifax Water Addressing Risks Associated With Lead Service Line Replacements?
Residences that have had a portion of or their entire service line replaced will be encouraged to participate in a comprehensive sampling program coordinated between Halifax Water and Dalhousie University. Lead concentrations are monitored and reported back to the customer prior to and following (72 hours, and 1, 3 and 6 months) a lead service line replacement.
As well, Halifax Water distributes information outlining corrective action measures to follow to minimize lead exposure in your home after lead pipe replacement.
How Can I Minimize Lead Exposure Following A Lead Service Line Replacement Or Repair?
To help minimize lead exposure following a lead service line replacement or repair, Halifax Water recommends households practice the following mitigative measures:
Step#1
Immediately after construction:
- Flush your inside cold water plumbing at the highest achievable flow rate for approximately 60 minutes total to remove any lead particles or sediment dislodged during construction. Flush water throughout the house by opening cold water faucets one at a time, working from the lowest level to the highest level in your house.
- Do not open hot water faucets until the plumbing system is completely flushed.
- After flushing, remove and clean all faucet aerators. Lead particles and sediment can build up in the screen.
Step#2
For 30 days after construction:
- Each day, flush your plumbing by opening at least one cold water faucet for 10 minutes. Flushing can also be achieved by running appliances such as your dishwasher, washing machine etc…
- After flushing, remove and clean faucet aerators.
Step#3
For six months after construction:
- Use cold tap water for cooking and drinking. Hot tap water can cause a greater release of lead from plumbing.
- If water is not used for more than six hours (i.e., overnight, during work hours), flush the cold water tap for five minutes prior to drinking and cooking. Flushing can also be achieved by running appliances such as your dishwasher, washing machine etc…
- Periodically remove and clean all faucet aerators.
- If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have children under the age of six, it is recommended that you use a household water filter that is certified to remove lead from drinking water at the tap. Please ensure the filtration device is certified to NSF 53 international standards for the removal of lead.
- Boiling water will NOT remove lead!
Where Can I Get More Information About The Lead Service Line Replacement Program?
If you have questions regarding Halifax Water’s Lead Service Line Replacement Program, please call 490-4098, or email us at lead@halifaxwater.ca.
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