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North Cowichan’s testing of drinking water verifies quality and safety

Lead content and other metals monitored closely, with reports published each of the last five years
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A recent study by Ryerson University uncovered unacceptably high levels of lead in drinking water across many municipalities in Ontario. As a result, the issue of lead in drinking water has become a topic of discussion across Canada, but North Cowichan residents can breathe easily knowing their drinking water is safe.

North Cowichan has water systems in Crofton, Chemainus, and the largest system in the South End. Each system is tested quarterly for water quality and safety and annual water quality reports have been published every year dating back to 2014.

“We have never exceeded the Canadian Drinking Water Standard for lead going back to 2009,” noted Mayor Al Siebring. “Anyone concerned about lead in our water can rest assured that our water is safe and we monitor our systems closely.”

However, Siebring added a precaution.

“While the water tested in our systems is verifiably safe, water in residents’ homes could test differently depending on the makeup of pipes, soldering materials, and fittings in their home,” he noted. “If any of these items contain lead, there is always a possibility that residents could have higher traces of lead in their household supply, but that would have nothing to do with the quality of the water we supply to them.”