Lead Sampling Program-Volunteers Needed

April 2008

Request for Volunteers
The Town of South Bruce Peninsula is seeking volunteers to participate in the Lead
Sampling Program implemented by the Province of Ontario. In order to participate, your
residence must be connected to a municipal water system.

Sources of Lead in Drinking Water

In the past, lead, a naturally occurring metal, was used in piping, solder, brass fittings
and other water service components. It has also been used in water distribution system
fittings.

Health Concerns

Excessive lead exposure has been linked to decreased intellectual and behavioural
development, hearing loss and birth and fertility difficulties. Unborn children and children
under the age of six absorb lead easily and are more susceptible to the harmful effects
of lead.

Short-term consumption of lead concentrations above 0.01 mg/L does not necessarily
pose risk to human health although the Ontario Drinking Water Standards state that the
maximum allowable concentration for lead in drinking water is 0.01 mg/L.

The Lead Sampling Program and You

When you volunteer to participate in the Lead Sampling Program, you will be contacted
by a Town of South Bruce Peninsula staff member to set up a convenient sampling
appointment.

On your appointment date, you will be visited by Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA)
licensed operators who will require approximately 45 minutes of your time. The OCWA
operators will run your tap water to flush the lines. The operators will then wait
approximately 30 minutes before taking the required lead samples. Samples will be sent
to an accredited laboratory for testing.

Volunteers will receive a report outlining the testing results.

Volunteer NOW

Contact the Town of South Bruce Peninsula 519-534-1400 ext 130 to participate in the
Lead Sampling Program.

For more information on lead in drinking water, visit www.ontario.ca/drinkingwater or call
the Ministry of the Environment Public Information Centre at 1-800-565-4923

Brad McRoberts, P.Eng.
Manager of Public Works
Town of South Bruce Peninsula
315 George Street, PO Box 310
Wiarton ON N0H 2T0
519-534-1400
Toll Free 1-877-534-1400