The main source of lead found in drinking water is from aging pipes and plumbing infrastructure. Eventually the pipes become corroded, leaking the harmful substance into the water. Lead contamination can go unnoticed because it is virtually undetectable. It does not give off any odour, taste or visual hints.

 

According to the government of B.C., the maximum allowed content of lead in drinking water is 10 ug/l (microgram per litre). This can still be considered toxic as lead is persistent and can accumulate in your body over time. Young children, infants and fetuses are most vulnerable to lead because the effects of lead occur at lower exposure levels in children than in adults.

In June 2016, the Victoria School District completed water testing and found that 39 out of 47 schools had at least one lead-related reading. Out of the 39 schools, 16 had elevated lead levels. Some preflush readings read up to 10 times high than the national guidelines. Information Source: Times Colonist

In response to high traces of lead found in the Victoria School District water system, all 47 schools will have water filters in place before the academic year begins. So far, there have been a total of 150 filters installed at fountains and sinks.

Victoria School District is not the only school district to find traces of lead in their water system. Throughout B.C., more than ¼ of BC school districts have found lead in drinking water that exceed safe limits. Information Source: Vancouver Sun. A water test sample found more than five times the provincial and federal standards of lead in the drinking water at British Columbia’s 119-year-old legislature. Information Source: The Globe and Mail. As our old buildings get older, the concern to remove lead form drinking water has never been greater.

 

Lead Health Effects

Children

• Behaviour and learning problems
• Lower IQ and Hyperactivity
• Slowed Growth
• Hearing Problems
• Anemia

*In rare cases, ingestion of lead can cause seizures, coma and even death.

Pregnant Women

• Reduced growth of the fetus
• Premature Birth

*Lead can also be transmitted through breast milk.

Other Adults

• Cardiovascular effects
• Increased blood pressure
• Incidence of hypertension
• Decreased Kidney function
• Reproductive problems

To learn more about the health effects from lead, click here: Learn About Lead Health Effects

What You Can Do

If you’re looking to get your water tested on Vancouver Island or the Gulf Islands, we recommend MB Laboratories or MAXXAM Labs. For more information on water sample submission guidelines, how to read your report and more, click here: MB Laboratories Water Sampling or MAXXAM Drinking Water Testing.

 

Afterwards, bring your drinking water results to one of our two Van Isle Water locations and we will help prepare a water treatment system that will provide you and your family with safe, better tasting water.

The removal of old pipes is extremely costly, so installing a water filtration system is usually the best solution. Depending on the quantity of the lead in your water and the people in your house, there are several options to choose from when filtering your water. Two of the most common lead reduction methods are:

1. Point-Of-Use Water Treatment Systems*

• Under the counter RO (Reserve Osmosis) system
• Single Cartridge Tap Treatment

* To learn about Point-Of-Use water treatment systems, click here: Point-Of-Use Water System2. Whole House Water Treatment System

• Back washing water conditioner utilizing metsorb media
• RO (Reserve Osmosis) System (300 – 500 gpd)

*To learn more about whole house water treatment system, contact one of our water treatment experts. Scroll down for contact information.

NOTE: THESE TECHNIQUES DO NOT GET RID OF LEAD:

• BOILING WATER
• UV WATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS
• SEDIMENT FILTERS
• SAND FILTERS

To learn more about your solutions..

CONTACT:

Victoria Location

Chris 1-888-444-8497 chris@vanislewater.com

Courtenay Location

Brian 1-800-665-8311 Brian@vanislewater.com