Guidance on Controlling Lead Corrosion

Summary#

The Minister of Health published final guidance under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 on controlling lead corrosion in drinking water systems. The guidance, posted January 31, 2025, gives practical steps for testing for lead and for reducing its release from pipes and plumbing.

What it does#

• Explains how to assess corrosion in drinking water distribution and plumbing systems.
• Describes when to start corrosion-control programs based on lead monitoring results.
• Provides sampling protocols and corrective steps for:
  • multi-dwelling buildings,
  • schools and daycare facilities,
  • office buildings.
• Aims to help authorities reduce lead at the tap and also notes that the same actions can reduce exposure to other corrosion-related metals (for example, copper).
• Says the guidance was prepared with the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Committee on Drinking Water and updated after a public consultation held for 60 days in 2023.
• Points readers to the technical document on the Water Quality — Reports and Publications web page for details.

Who's affected#

• Local water authorities and municipalities that manage drinking water distribution.
• Building owners and managers (including landlords, school boards, and employers) responsible for multi-dwelling, school, daycare, and office plumbing.
• Residents and building occupants who use tap water, especially people in affected buildings.
• Plumbing and water-quality professionals who carry out sampling and corrective work.
  If it is unclear who is affected in a specific case, the guidance is aimed at the “responsible authorities” in charge of the building or water system.

Why it matters#

• Lead in drinking water can harm health, especially in children and pregnant people. This guidance gives practical steps to find and reduce lead at the tap.
• It helps communities and building owners prioritize testing and fixes, so problems can be spotted and addressed before people are exposed.
• Because corrosion can release other metals, following the guidance can improve overall tap-water quality, not just lead levels.