Ontario’s lead in drinking water standard remains too high to protect public health. Lead is a serious public health concern, especially for children and older adults. Despite Health Canada’s expert recommendation that the lead in drinking water standard be lowered to 5 ug/L five years ago, Ontario’s standard remains twice that level, at 10 ug/L.
Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA) and the Ontario Municipal Water Association (OMWA) call on the provincial government to reduce the amount of lead allowed in our drinking water. CELA and OMWA have made the request under the Environmental Bill of Rights, along with recommendations for mandatory municipal plans to map lead service lines (LSLs) and remove them by 2030. LSLs are the primary source of exposure to lead in drinking water in Ontario, along with lead fixtures. Specifically, we requested a review of the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002 (SDWA), and the Ontario Drinking Water Quality Standards.
The Ministry responded and denied CELA’s request in May 2024. CELA and OMWA disagree with the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Park’s determination that a review was not warranted. You can view the Ministry’s letter here and rationale here.
CELA and OMWA outlined some of their concerns with the decision in a reply letter. This publication is found on the Canadian Environmental Law Archive website; click here to open it in a new tab.
We urge the provincial Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks to take steps to address this ongoing public health threat and ensure that lead exposure is reduced.
Application for Review of Lead in Drinking Water Standard under the Environmental Bill of Rights
Ontario’s lead in drinking water standard remains too high to protect public health. Lead is a serious public health concern, especially for children and older adults. Despite Health Canada’s expert recommendation that the lead in drinking water standard be lowered to 5 ug/L five years ago, Ontario’s standard remains twice that level, at 10 ug/L.
Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA) and the Ontario Municipal Water Association (OMWA) call on the provincial government to reduce the amount of lead allowed in our drinking water. CELA and OMWA have made the request under the Environmental Bill of Rights, along with recommendations for mandatory municipal plans to map lead service lines (LSLs) and remove them by 2030. LSLs are the primary source of exposure to lead in drinking water in Ontario, along with lead fixtures. Specifically, we requested a review of the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002 (SDWA), and the Ontario Drinking Water Quality Standards.
This publication is found on the Canadian Environmental Law Archive website; click here to open it in a new tab.
The Ministry responded and denied CELA’s request in May 2024. CELA and OMWA disagree with the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Park’s determination that a review was not warranted. You can view the Ministry’s letter here and rationale here.
CELA and OMWA outlined some of their concerns with the decision in a reply letter. This publication is found on the Canadian Environmental Law Archive website; click here to open it in a new tab.
We urge the provincial Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks to take steps to address this ongoing public health threat and ensure that lead exposure is reduced.
CELA Publication Numbers: 1572 & 1596
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