Overview
The Alberta government is planning to launch a voluntary pilot program testing for lead and copper in drinking water in schools.
At this time, only schools with children grades 6 and under will be eligible to enroll in the pilot program. The pilot program will be evaluated and may be expanded to include other facilities, such as childcare facilities, in the future.
Health concerns
Lead
There have been significant reductions of lead levels in consumer products such as gasoline and paint. However, food and drinking water remain potential sources of lead. Lead can enter drinking water from plumbing materials within a building.
In 2019, Health Canada reduced the limit for lead in drinking water by half, based on a growing body of evidence that ingesting lead, even at low concentrations, may cause health effects in young children, such as neurodevelopmental issues.
Copper
The human body requires small amounts of copper, but too much exposure to copper can lead to negative health effects.
In 2019, Health Canada also introduced a new limit for copper in drinking water based on evidence that short-term exposure to high levels of copper may cause nausea, stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea, and that long-term exposure at these levels could affect the liver and kidney.
Information for schools
Alberta Education will notify school operators that the pilot program is officially launching. Further program information and application procedures will be available on this website and sent to school administrators directly when the pilot program launches. Once school operators have applied and are accepted in the pilot program, the Alberta Centre for Toxicology (ACFT) will provide additional detailed information, including sampling materials and next steps.
Please note that if water test results show exceedances according to Health Canada’s maximum acceptable concentrations for lead or copper in drinking water, immediate steps will be provided to support schools in ensuring safe drinking water is available, until necessary remediation measures are completed.
Resources
- Drinking water
- Water for Life strategy
- Canadian Drinking Water Guidelines
- Lead pipes and drinking water – EPCOR
- Sample Your Water
- Water Testing: Testing your drinking water in Alberta
- Water Testing: Understanding your trace metals analysis results
Contact
Connect with Alberta Health if you have questions:
Email: [email protected]