{"address":{"label":"200 King St W, Kitchener, ON","lat":43.451764,"lon":-80.492419,"city":"Kitchener","province":"ON","country":"CA"},"verdict":{"band":"low_chance","headline":"This building was built in 1993, after 1980. Lead is unlikely, though no record names the pipe material.","certainty":"low","certainty_note":"This rests on the age of the building or the service, not on a test of the pipe.","reasons":["The City of Kitchener's record for this service does not name a material (code XXX).","The building dates from 1993, after 1980. Health Canada reports that the National Plumbing Code allowed lead for service lines until 1975, and that some provinces and territories kept installing them until 1980.","In this census area, 35 % of dwellings were built in 1960 or before, and 17 % from 1961 to 1980 (2021 Census).","In this area, 57 % of the 516 active service line records have no material recorded."]},"record":{"publisher":"City of Kitchener (Kitchener Utilities)","material_code":"XXX","material":"not recorded","install_year":1992,"status":"ACTIVE","verified":false,"retrieved":"2026-10-24","licence":"Open Government Licence - City of Kitchener","attribution":"Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence - The Corporation of the City of Kitchener.","pipes_on_record":1,"matched_by":"property unit"},"building":{"year_built":1993,"estimated":false,"source":"City of Kitchener building outlines"},"area":{"cell":"882ab48e09fffff","lines":516,"unknown_share":0.572,"source":"Galena city results, service line records counted by area","census_area":"35300381","dwellings_2021":795,"built_1960_or_before_share":0.346,"built_1961_1980_share":0.17,"census_source":"Statistics Canada 2021 Census, dissemination area 35300381"},"tests":null,"programme":{"name":"Kitchener Utilities in-home lead testing","url":"https://www.kitchenerutilities.ca/safety/your-safety/drinking-water-testing-for-lead/"},"how_to_check":["Ask Kitchener Utilities what its records show for your address, and whether the part on your property has been checked.","Kitchener Utilities tests drinking water in homes for volunteers. Staff from the Region of Waterloo take the sample, and the results are shared with you. Questions go to kitchenerwaterquality@kitchener.ca. When the page was read on 2026-10-24, it offered a $50 bill credit to the first 50 volunteers, one per household.","A licensed plumber can identify the pipe material where the water service enters your home.","Health Canada's maximum acceptable concentration of lead in drinking water is 5 micrograms per litre."],"sources":[{"name":"City of Kitchener, address points (read 2026-10-24)","url":"https://services1.arcgis.com/qAo1OsXi67t7XgmS/arcgis/rest/services/Addresses/FeatureServer/0","licence":"Open Government Licence - City of Kitchener"},{"name":"City of Kitchener, water service pipes (read 2026-10-24)","url":"https://services1.arcgis.com/qAo1OsXi67t7XgmS/arcgis/rest/services/Water_Service_Pipes/FeatureServer/0","licence":"Open Government Licence - City of Kitchener"},{"name":"City of Kitchener, building outlines (read 2026-10-24)","url":"https://services1.arcgis.com/qAo1OsXi67t7XgmS/arcgis/rest/services/Building_Outlines/FeatureServer/0","licence":"Open Government Licence - City of Kitchener"},{"name":"Statistics Canada, 2021 Census, period of construction by dissemination area, as published by the City of Kitchener","url":"https://services1.arcgis.com/qAo1OsXi67t7XgmS/arcgis/rest/services/Census_2021_Housing/FeatureServer/1","licence":"Statistics Canada Open Licence"},{"name":"Health Canada, Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality: Guideline Technical Document, Lead (March 2019)","url":"https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/hc-sc/documents/services/publications/healthy-living/guidelines-canadian-drinking-water-quality-guideline-technical-document-lead/guidance-document/guidance-document.pdf","licence":"Government of Canada publication"},{"name":"Kitchener Utilities, Drinking water testing for lead (read 2026-10-24)","url":"https://www.kitchenerutilities.ca/safety/your-safety/drinking-water-testing-for-lead/","licence":"Public web page of the City of Kitchener"},{"name":"Galena, service lines counted by area, from City of Kitchener (Kitchener Utilities) data","url":"https://galena.craftpine.com/data/check/kitchener-on.json","licence":"Open Government Licence - The Corporation of the City of Kitchener, version 1.0"},{"name":"Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Drinking Water Quality and Enforcement, test results (read 2026-11-03)","url":"https://data.ontario.ca/dataset/drinking-water-quality-and-enforcement","licence":"Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Ontario."}],"map":{"center":[-80.492419,43.451764],"zoom":17},"geometry":{"type":"FeatureCollection","features":[{"type":"Feature","geometry":{"type":"LineString","coordinates":[[-80.492109,43.451122],[-80.492186,43.45115],[-80.492199,43.451136],[-80.492209,43.451139]]},"properties":{"material_code":"XXX","material":"not recorded"}}]},"area_map":{"id":"kitchener-on","name":"Kitchener","url":"https://galena.craftpine.com/data/check/kitchener-on.json","sha256":"eb68f966b1d01cf328559fce5cfc17df5edfa92d0132249d902bf9daa39c277d","unit":"H3 resolution 8, about 0.7 square kilometres a cell","counts":"lines","count_word":"service lines","labels":{"lead":"lead on record","grr":"galvanized, needs replacing","not_lead":"not lead on record","unknown":"no material on record"},"measures":["lead","unknown"],"cell":"882ab48e09fffff","here":{"cell":"882ab48e09fffff","where":"here","lat":43.45036,"lon":-80.49419,"lines":516,"lead":0,"grr":0,"not_lead":221,"unknown":295,"share_lead":0.0,"share_grr":0.0,"share_unknown":0.5717},"near":[{"cell":"882ab48e09fffff","where":"here","lat":43.45036,"lon":-80.49419,"lines":516,"lead":0,"grr":0,"not_lead":221,"unknown":295,"share_lead":0.0,"share_grr":0.0,"share_unknown":0.5717},{"cell":"882ab48e47fffff","where":"north","lat":43.4583,"lon":-80.49793,"lines":874,"lead":0,"grr":0,"not_lead":343,"unknown":531,"share_lead":0.0,"share_grr":0.0,"share_unknown":0.6076},{"cell":"882ab48e43fffff","where":"north-east","lat":43.45652,"lon":-80.48618,"lines":641,"lead":0,"grr":0,"not_lead":132,"unknown":509,"share_lead":0.0,"share_grr":0.0,"share_unknown":0.7941},{"cell":"882ab48e55fffff","where":"east","lat":43.44858,"lon":-80.48245,"lines":937,"lead":0,"grr":0,"not_lead":310,"unknown":627,"share_lead":0.0,"share_grr":0.0,"share_unknown":0.6692},{"cell":"882ab48e0bfffff","where":"south","lat":43.44242,"lon":-80.49045,"lines":627,"lead":0,"grr":0,"not_lead":392,"unknown":235,"share_lead":0.0,"share_grr":0.0,"share_unknown":0.3748},{"cell":"882ab48e01fffff","where":"south-west","lat":43.4442,"lon":-80.50219,"lines":628,"lead":0,"grr":0,"not_lead":261,"unknown":367,"share_lead":0.0,"share_grr":0.0,"share_unknown":0.5844},{"cell":"882ab48e0dfffff","where":"west","lat":43.45214,"lon":-80.50593,"lines":491,"lead":0,"grr":0,"not_lead":320,"unknown":171,"share_lead":0.0,"share_grr":0.0,"share_unknown":0.3483}],"summary":"In the area around this address (about 0.7 square kilometres), 516 service lines are on record: 0 lead on record (0 %), 221 not lead on record, 295 no material on record (57 %).","notes":["These are Galena's city results cells, as published, so both pages show the same figures.","A category the utility made with a statistical or predictive model counts as unknown here, as in Galena's city results."],"min_cell":10,"source":{"publisher":"City of Kitchener (Kitchener Utilities)","dataset":"water service pipes","url":"https://open-kitchenergis.opendata.arcgis.com","licence":"Open Government Licence - The Corporation of the City of Kitchener, version 1.0","retrieved":"2026-10-24","city_results":"https://galena.craftpine.com/data/cities/kitchener-on/"},"city_totals":{"lines":66638,"lead":4,"grr":0,"not_lead":17738,"unknown":48896}},"water":{"summary":"Measured public data for this address's water system is below. Only a test of your own water can tell how much lead is in it. These figures describe other homes, not yours.","measured":[{"kind":"provincial","place":"Kitchener","system":"ON260001458","name":"Kitchener Utilities","conditional":false,"title":"What required tap tests by Kitchener Utilities found","period":"summer 2024","stats":{"n":112,"first":"2024-09-10","last":"2024-10-03","start":"2024-06-15","end":"2024-10-15","complete":true,"median":0.578,"p90":1.86,"max":9.88,"over_5":1,"share_over_5":0.0089,"share_over_5_95":[0.0016,0.0488],"over_10":0,"below_detection":5,"detection_limit":0.2,"distribution":{"n":10,"max":0.727,"over_10":0}},"sentences":["In summer 2024 (samples taken September 10 to October 3, 2024), Kitchener Utilities sent the province 112 tap samples from homes and buildings with lead pipes or likely lead pipes. Each was taken after the tap ran 5 minutes and then sat 30 minutes. Half had 0.58 µg/L of lead or less, 9 in 10 had 1.86 or less, and the highest had 9.88. 1 sample (1 %, 95 % interval 0.2 % to 4.9 %) was over Health Canada's 5 µg/L, and none was over Ontario's standard of 10 µg/L.","From December 15, 2024 up to March 31, 2025 (the latest data the province has published), 92 more samples: the highest had 26.9 µg/L, and 2 samples were over Ontario's standard of 10 µg/L."],"certainty":"These samples come from homes and buildings chosen because lead is likely, so they are not typical homes.","notes":["Under the provincial rule each home or building gives two one-litre samples, and both are tested."],"unit":"µg/L","source":{"name":"Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Drinking Water Quality and Enforcement, test results (read 2026-11-03)","url":"https://data.ontario.ca/dataset/drinking-water-quality-and-enforcement","licence":"Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Ontario."},"sources":[{"name":"Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Drinking Water Quality and Enforcement, test results (read 2026-11-03)","url":"https://data.ontario.ca/dataset/drinking-water-quality-and-enforcement","licence":"Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Ontario."}],"file":"https://galena.craftpine.com/data/check/water-ontario.json","sha256":"683a00dbf5ca8275f4db1a339246503ff2000d30eed932e3e867bda6c20f8f36"}],"published":[{"kind":"published","text":"In 2025, Kitchener took 244 plumbing (tap) samples for lead. Results ranged from below 0.200 to 40.8 µg/L.","quote":"Plumbing 244 <0.200 – 40.8 ug/L 4 exceedances","url":"https://media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com/kitchener-ca/media/4fahurrv/city-of-kitchener-annual-drinking-water-report-2025.pdf","source":"Kitchener Distribution System Annual Report 2025 (O. Reg. 170/03)","read":"2026-11-03","clarity":"clear","what":"Highest lead result, plumbing samples under Schedule 15.1","value":40.8,"unit":"µg/L","n":244,"period":"January 1 to December 31, 2025","above":"4 exceedances (the report does not name the limit; Ontario's standard is 10 µg/L)","sample_kind":"Plumbing samples under Schedule 15.1 of Ontario Regulation 170/03; the report does not describe how they were taken"},{"kind":"published","text":"4 of the 244 plumbing samples were reported as exceedances.","quote":"Plumbing 244 <0.200 – 40.8 ug/L 4 exceedances","url":"https://media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com/kitchener-ca/media/4fahurrv/city-of-kitchener-annual-drinking-water-report-2025.pdf","source":"Kitchener Distribution System Annual Report 2025 (O. Reg. 170/03)","read":"2026-11-03","clarity":"clear","note":"The report does not say where the exceedances were or what was done.","what":"Plumbing samples reported as exceedances","value":4,"unit":"count","n":244,"period":"January 1 to December 31, 2025","above":"4 of 244 samples","sample_kind":"Plumbing samples under Schedule 15.1 of Ontario Regulation 170/03; the report does not describe how they were taken"},{"kind":"published","text":"Samples from Kitchener's water mains (25 samples) ranged from below 0.200 to 2.85 µg/L, with no exceedances.","quote":"Distribution 25 <0.200 – 2.85 ug/L 0 exceedances","url":"https://media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com/kitchener-ca/media/4fahurrv/city-of-kitchener-annual-drinking-water-report-2025.pdf","source":"Kitchener Distribution System Annual Report 2025 (O. Reg. 170/03)","read":"2026-11-03","clarity":"clear","what":"Highest lead result, distribution system samples","value":2.85,"unit":"µg/L","n":25,"period":"January 1 to December 31, 2025","above":"0 exceedances","sample_kind":"Distribution system samples (water mains), not home taps"}],"limits":[{"text":"Region of Waterloo Public Health says the Region's water is tested regularly and meets Ontario's lead standard of 10 µg/L.","quote":"All potable water distributed by the Regional Municipality of Waterloo is regularly tested and meets Ontario’s drinking water standard for lead, 10 micrograms per litre.","url":"https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/media/kgkhr0cb/lead_drinkingwater_schoolsnurseries.pdf","source":"Lead in Drinking Water In Schools and Day Nurseries (Region of Waterloo Public Health)","read":"2026-11-03","clarity":"clear","page_updated":"09/18 (code printed on the sheet)"},{"text":"Ontario's regulation sets the drinking water standard for lead at 0.010 mg/L, which is 10 µg/L.","quote":"36. Lead 0.010","url":"https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/030169","source":"O. Reg. 169/03 ONTARIO DRINKING WATER QUALITY STANDARDS | ontario.ca","read":"2026-11-03","clarity":"clear","page_updated":"e-Laws currency date October 29, 2026","note":"Schedule 2 (Chemical Standards) of O. Reg. 169/03, where each standard is a maximum concentration in milligrams per litre."},{"text":"Health Canada's guideline is lower: a maximum acceptable concentration of 0.005 mg/L (5 µg/L), measured in water taken at the tap.","quote":"The maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) for total lead in drinking water is 0.005 mg/L (5 µg/L), based on a sample of water taken at the tap and using the appropriate protocol for the type of building being sampled.","url":"https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/healthy-living/guidelines-canadian-drinking-water-quality-guideline-technical-document-lead.html","source":"Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality: Guideline Technical Document – Lead - Canada.ca","read":"2026-11-03","clarity":"clear","page_updated":"2019-03-13"},{"text":"Health Canada's maximum acceptable concentration for lead is 0.005 mg/L (5 µg/L), measured in water taken at the tap.","quote":"The maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) for total lead in drinking water is 0.005 mg/L (5 µg/L), based on a sample of water taken at the tap and using the appropriate protocol for the type of building being sampled.","url":"https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/healthy-living/guidelines-canadian-drinking-water-quality-guideline-technical-document-lead.html","source":"Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality: Guideline Technical Document – Lead - Canada.ca","read":"2026-11-03","clarity":"clear","page_updated":"2019-03-13"},{"text":"Lead should be kept as low as reasonably achievable, because science has not found a level with no health effects.","quote":"As current science cannot identify a level under which lead is no longer associated with adverse health effects, lead concentrations in drinking water should be kept as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA).","url":"https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/healthy-living/guidelines-canadian-drinking-water-quality-guideline-technical-document-lead.html","source":"Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality: Guideline Technical Document – Lead - Canada.ca","read":"2026-11-03","clarity":"clear","page_updated":"2019-03-13"},{"text":"Health Canada lowered its guideline from 0.01 mg/L to 0.005 mg/L because new studies showed harm at lower levels.","quote":"Health Canada revised the previous guideline value (0.01 mg/L) for lead because new scientific studies have shown that health effects can occur from exposure to lead at much lower levels than previously thought.","url":"https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/environmental-workplace-health/reports-publications/water-quality/water-talk-minimizing-exposure-lead-drinking-water-distribution-systems.html","source":"Water Talk - Lead in drinking water - Canada.ca","read":"2026-11-03","clarity":"clear","page_updated":"2016-10-11"},{"text":"The guideline document was published on March 8, 2019.","quote":"Published: [March 8, 2019]","url":"https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/healthy-living/guidelines-canadian-drinking-water-quality-guideline-technical-document-lead.html","source":"Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality: Guideline Technical Document – Lead - Canada.ca","read":"2026-11-03","clarity":"clear","page_updated":"2019-03-13"}],"own_test":"Only a test of your own water can tell how much lead is in it. These figures describe other homes, not yours.","match":{"sure":true,"system":"ON260001458","how":"a City water service pipe on record"}},"fix":{"city":"Kitchener","utility":"Kitchener Utilities, City of Kitchener","replacement":{"programme":[{"text":"During road projects, the City may replace watermains and water service connections. The page does not mention lead.","quote":"If watermain and water service connections are being replaced, we will extend a temporary water supply line to your house to ensure minimal service interruption.","url":"https://www.kitchener.ca/roads-and-cycling/roads/how-road-construction-affects-you/","source":"How road construction affects you | City of Kitchener","read":"2026-11-03","clarity":"unclear","note":"The page does not say whether lead pipes are targeted or which part of the service pipe is replaced."}],"who_replaces":[{"text":"The homeowner owns the water service pipe from the home to the curb stop (the shut-off valve), and the pipes and valves on either side of the meter.","quote":"You, the homeowner, own the piping and valves on either side of the meter as well as the water service line from the home to the curb stop.","url":"https://www.kitchenerutilities.ca/services/water/","source":"Water | City of Kitchener Utilities","read":"2026-11-03","clarity":"clear"},{"text":"Kitchener Utilities is responsible for the pipe from the shut-off valve to the watermain.","quote":"The area from the shut-off valve to the main watermain is also our responsibility. If there is a leak on this section of pipe, we will repair it.","url":"https://www.kitchenerutilities.ca/services/water/","source":"Water | City of Kitchener Utilities","read":"2026-11-03","clarity":"clear","note":"Stated in the section on water leaks, not about lead replacement."}],"owner_pays":[{"text":"Replacing the water service pipe on private property needs a City building permit.","quote":"You need a building permit to replace or install a new water, storm or sewer service connection on private property.","url":"https://www.kitchener.ca/development-and-construction/building-permits/miscellaneous-permits-and-applications/","source":"Miscellaneous permits and applications | City of Kitchener","read":"2026-11-03","clarity":"clear"},{"text":"The permit fee is $95 minimum, or $0.59 per linear foot.","quote":"permit fee: $95 minimum or $0.59 per linear foot","url":"https://www.kitchener.ca/development-and-construction/building-permits/miscellaneous-permits-and-applications/","source":"Miscellaneous permits and applications | City of Kitchener","read":"2026-11-03","clarity":"clear","note":"Fee for the 'Water, sewer, storm - new or replacement' permit. The page does not give the cost of the work itself."},{"text":"A building permit is needed for any repair or replacement of your water service.","quote":"Under the Municipal Code, a building permit is required for any repairs or replacement of your water service.","url":"https://www.kitchenerutilities.ca/services/water/","source":"Water | City of Kitchener Utilities","read":"2026-11-03","clarity":"clear"}],"money_help":[],"how_to_apply":[]},"filters":[{"text":"Region of Waterloo Public Health advises a filter certified to remove lead. Look for the NSF-53 mark.","quote":"Foundation (NSF) to remove lead. Look for the NSF-53 mark","url":"https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/media/kgkhr0cb/lead_drinkingwater_schoolsnurseries.pdf","source":"Lead in Drinking Water In Schools and Day Nurseries (Region of Waterloo Public Health)","read":"2026-11-03","clarity":"clear","page_updated":"09/18 (code printed on the sheet)","note":"Two-column PDF from 2018. The sentence begins on the line above: 'Use a filtration system certified by the National Sanitation'. Kitchener Utilities' own pages give no filter advice."},{"text":"The Region says most end-of-tap filters are NSF-53 certified.","quote":"Most end-of-tap filtration systems are NSF-53 certified.","url":"https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/media/kgkhr0cb/lead_drinkingwater_schoolsnurseries.pdf","source":"Lead in Drinking Water In Schools and Day Nurseries (Region of Waterloo Public Health)","read":"2026-11-03","clarity":"clear","page_updated":"09/18 (code printed on the sheet)"},{"text":"Buy a device certified to the NSF International standard for lead removal (check the box or label), and install and maintain it as the maker says.","quote":"Make sure that any device you buy is: certified as meeting the NSF International standard for lead removal (look at the box or label) installed and maintained according to the instructions given by the manufacturer","url":"https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/environmental-workplace-health/reports-publications/water-quality/water-talk-minimizing-exposure-lead-drinking-water-distribution-systems.html","source":"Water Talk - Lead in drinking water - Canada.ca","read":"2026-11-03","clarity":"clear","page_updated":"2016-10-11"},{"text":"The Water Talk page lists carbon-based filters and reverse osmosis or distillation devices as certified to remove lead at the tap.","quote":"There are effective household water treatment devices that are certified to remove lead from drinking water at the tap. These include: carbon-based filters reverse osmosis or distillation treatment devices","url":"https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/environmental-workplace-health/reports-publications/water-quality/water-talk-minimizing-exposure-lead-drinking-water-distribution-systems.html","source":"Water Talk - Lead in drinking water - Canada.ca","read":"2026-11-03","clarity":"unclear","page_updated":"2016-10-11","note":"The 2019 guideline document says: 'There are currently no certified distillation systems.'"},{"text":"The 2019 guideline document says certified home devices for lead use adsorption (such as carbon) or reverse osmosis, and that no distillation systems were certified then.","quote":"Certified residential treatment devices using adsorption and RO are currently available for the reduction of lead (dissolved and particulate forms) in drinking water. There are currently no certified distillation systems.","url":"https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/healthy-living/guidelines-canadian-drinking-water-quality-guideline-technical-document-lead/guidance-document.html","source":"Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality: Guideline Technical Document – Lead (complete guideline) - Canada.ca","read":"2026-11-03","clarity":"clear","page_updated":"2019-04-08"},{"text":"Put the device on the tap you use most for drinking water, usually the kitchen tap.","quote":"For best results, a device should be installed at the tap that is most commonly used for drinking water. In most cases, this is the kitchen tap.","url":"https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/environmental-workplace-health/reports-publications/water-quality/water-talk-minimizing-exposure-lead-drinking-water-distribution-systems.html","source":"Water Talk - Lead in drinking water - Canada.ca","read":"2026-11-03","clarity":"clear","page_updated":"2016-10-11"},{"text":"On the package, look for a certifier's mark and text saying the filter was tested to NSF/ANSI Standard 53, with a lead reduction claim. Health Canada also suggests NSF/ANSI Standard 42 for particulate reduction (Class I).","quote":"Certification bodies require their mark and a statement indicating testing against NSF/ANSI Standard 53 along with a claim of lead reduction. We recommend that you also look for filters tested against NSF/ANSI Standard 42 for particulate reduction (Class I).","url":"https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/hc-sc/documents/services/publications/healthy-living/infographic-finding-drinking-water-filter/infographic-finding-drinking-water-filter.pdf","source":"Finding a drinking water filter certified to reduce lead (Health Canada infographic)","read":"2026-11-03","clarity":"clear","page_updated":"2023"},{"text":"Certification marks should have a small letter C in the lower left corner, which shows they are accredited in Canada.","quote":"All certification marks should have a letter C in the lower left hand corner to designate that they are accredited in Canada.","url":"https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/hc-sc/documents/services/publications/healthy-living/infographic-finding-drinking-water-filter/infographic-finding-drinking-water-filter.pdf","source":"Finding a drinking water filter certified to reduce lead (Health Canada infographic)","read":"2026-11-03","clarity":"clear","page_updated":"2023"},{"text":"Canada has no federal rule that filters be tested or certified, so check the label.","quote":"There is no federal requirement for testing or third-party certification in Canada, however some provinces or territories may have testing or third-party certification requirements.","url":"https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/hc-sc/documents/services/publications/healthy-living/infographic-finding-drinking-water-filter/infographic-finding-drinking-water-filter.pdf","source":"Finding a drinking water filter certified to reduce lead (Health Canada infographic)","read":"2026-11-03","clarity":"clear","page_updated":"2023"},{"text":"Under the 2017 edition of NSF/ANSI 53 cited in the 2019 guideline, a device certified for lead must lower lead from 150 µg/L to less than 10 µg/L.","quote":"For a drinking water treatment device to be certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 (Drinking Water Treatment Units—Health Effects) for the removal of lead, the device must be capable of reducing an influent lead concentration of 150 µg/L to a maximum final (effluent) lead concentration of less than 10 µg/L (NSF/ANSI, 2017a).","url":"https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/healthy-living/guidelines-canadian-drinking-water-quality-guideline-technical-document-lead/guidance-document.html","source":"Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality: Guideline Technical Document – Lead (complete guideline) - Canada.ca","read":"2026-11-03","clarity":"clear","page_updated":"2019-04-08"},{"text":"Reverse osmosis systems certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 58 may also be certified for lead. They are meant for one tap only, because the treated water can corrode plumbing.","quote":"RO systems certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 58 (Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Treatment Systems) may also be certified for the reduction of lead to achieve a final concentration below 10 µg/L (NSF/ANSI, 2017b). RO systems certified to this standard are intended for POU installation only. This is because water treated by an RO system may be corrosive to internal plumbing components.","url":"https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/healthy-living/guidelines-canadian-drinking-water-quality-guideline-technical-document-lead/guidance-document.html","source":"Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality: Guideline Technical Document – Lead (complete guideline) - Canada.ca","read":"2026-11-03","clarity":"clear","page_updated":"2019-04-08"},{"text":"Devices are certified to remove lead down to 0.01 mg/L, and many can reach the 0.005 mg/L guideline.","quote":"Treatment devices are currently certified to remove lead down to 0.01 mg/L, but the technology is able to remove lead to well below that level. Many can achieve the new guideline of 0.005 mg/L.","url":"https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/environmental-workplace-health/reports-publications/water-quality/water-talk-minimizing-exposure-lead-drinking-water-distribution-systems.html","source":"Water Talk - Lead in drinking water - Canada.ca","read":"2026-11-03","clarity":"clear","page_updated":"2016-10-11"},{"text":"Filters need upkeep, such as regular cartridge changes, so Health Canada does not count them as a permanent fix.","quote":"Since water treatment devices require ongoing maintenance, such as the regular replacement of filters, they are not considered permanent solutions.","url":"https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/environmental-workplace-health/reports-publications/water-quality/water-talk-minimizing-exposure-lead-drinking-water-distribution-systems.html","source":"Water Talk - Lead in drinking water - Canada.ca","read":"2026-11-03","clarity":"clear","page_updated":"2016-10-11"},{"text":"A filter at the tap is a temporary solution. It needs maintenance and testing to make sure it works.","quote":"A water filter at the tap can serve as a temporary solution, but this will require proper maintenance and testing to ensure it is working. Make sure any such device is certified to the NSF International standard for removal of lead.","url":"https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/home-garden-safety/reduce-your-exposure-lead.html","source":"Reduce your exposure to lead - Canada.ca","read":"2026-11-03","clarity":"clear","page_updated":"2026-10-02"}],"reduce_exposure":[{"text":"The Region advises flushing taps for five minutes, or until the water runs cold, before using water for drinking or cooking.","quote":"Flush water taps for five minutes, or until the water runs","url":"https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/media/kgkhr0cb/lead_drinkingwater_schoolsnurseries.pdf","source":"Lead in Drinking Water In Schools and Day Nurseries (Region of Waterloo Public Health)","read":"2026-11-03","clarity":"clear","page_updated":"09/18 (code printed on the sheet)","note":"Two-column PDF. The sentence goes on: 'cold, each morning before using the water for drinking or cooking, or any time the water has not been used for six hours or more.'"},{"text":"Boiling water does not remove lead.","quote":"Boiling the water does not remove lead.","url":"https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/media/kgkhr0cb/lead_drinkingwater_schoolsnurseries.pdf","source":"Lead in Drinking Water In Schools and Day Nurseries (Region of Waterloo Public Health)","read":"2026-11-03","clarity":"clear","page_updated":"09/18 (code printed on the sheet)"},{"text":"Use only cold tap water for drinking, cooking and baby formula. Hot water releases more lead from plumbing.","quote":"use only cold tap water for: drinking cooking preparing baby formula Hot water increases the release of lead and other metals from your plumbing.","url":"https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/environmental-workplace-health/reports-publications/water-quality/water-talk-minimizing-exposure-lead-drinking-water-distribution-systems.html","source":"Water Talk - Lead in drinking water - Canada.ca","read":"2026-11-03","clarity":"clear","page_updated":"2016-10-11"},{"text":"If water has sat in the pipes for a few hours, flush the plumbing first, for example by flushing the toilet, taking a shower or starting laundry, then let the tap run about 1 minute.","quote":"flush out your plumbing after water has been sitting in the pipes for a few hours, such as first thing in the morning or when you get home from work and then let it run for about 1 minute. Clear the pipes by: flushing the toilet taking a shower starting a load of laundry","url":"https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/environmental-workplace-health/reports-publications/water-quality/water-talk-minimizing-exposure-lead-drinking-water-distribution-systems.html","source":"Water Talk - Lead in drinking water - Canada.ca","read":"2026-11-03","clarity":"clear","page_updated":"2016-10-11"},{"text":"Always let the tap run until the water is cold before drinking, cooking or making baby formula, especially first thing in the morning.","quote":"Always let tap water run until it is cold before using it for drinking, cooking and especially for making baby formula. This is very important after water has been sitting in the pipes for long periods of time, like first thing in the morning.","url":"https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/home-garden-safety/reduce-your-exposure-lead.html","source":"Reduce your exposure to lead - Canada.ca","read":"2026-11-03","clarity":"clear","page_updated":"2026-10-02"},{"text":"Clean tap aerators or screens regularly.","quote":"Clean out aerators or screens at the tap regularly to remove any debris that could also contain lead.","url":"https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/home-garden-safety/reduce-your-exposure-lead.html","source":"Reduce your exposure to lead - Canada.ca","read":"2026-11-03","clarity":"clear","page_updated":"2026-10-02"},{"text":"Bathing and showering in water with lead above the guideline is considered safe.","quote":"Lead will not enter the body through the skin or by breathing in vapours while showering or bathing. Bathing and showering in water that contains levels of lead above the guideline value is considered safe.","url":"https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/environmental-workplace-health/reports-publications/water-quality/water-talk-minimizing-exposure-lead-drinking-water-distribution-systems.html","source":"Water Talk - Lead in drinking water - Canada.ca","read":"2026-11-03","clarity":"clear","page_updated":"2016-10-11"}],"unclear":["We found no Kitchener page that describes a lead service replacement program, money help for the private side, or how to apply for a replacement.","Kitchener's pages give the building permit fee for replacing a private service pipe, but not what the work itself costs.","The 2025 annual report lists 4 plumbing exceedances but does not name the limit, say where they were, or say what was done. The 2025 council report on the City's meeting portal returned a bot check (status 403), so we did not read it.","The in-home testing page asks for volunteers and says a form checks who qualifies, but it does not list the rules.","Kitchener Utilities' pages offer no filter program and no filter advice. The Region of Waterloo Public Health advice we quote comes from a 2018 two-column sheet for schools and day nurseries, so some sentences could only be quoted in part. The Region's main lead sheet address returned 404."],"read":"2026-11-03","facts_file":"https://galena.craftpine.com/data/check/fix-facts.json","facts_sha256":"54684f0601dde87243ae649f23c5e939db8a639c57a022248400786e473bb989"},"testing":{"options":[{"text":"Kitchener Utilities tests the water distribution system for lead every year.","quote":"Kitchener Utilities annually tests Kitchener’s water distribution system for lead.","url":"https://www.kitchenerutilities.ca/safety/your-safety/drinking-water-testing-for-lead/","source":"Drinking water testing for lead | City of Kitchener Utilities","read":"2026-11-03","clarity":"clear"},{"text":"Kitchener Utilities asks for volunteers for in-home lead testing.","quote":"We are looking for volunteers to participate in our in-home lead testing program.","url":"https://www.kitchenerutilities.ca/safety/your-safety/drinking-water-testing-for-lead/","source":"Drinking water testing for lead | City of Kitchener Utilities","read":"2026-11-03","clarity":"clear"},{"text":"Region of Waterloo staff come to your home at a set time and take a sample from your drinking water tap. You cannot use water for about 45 minutes.","quote":"To participate in the testing, staff from the Region of Waterloo will need to come into your home to test your drinking water.  The sampler will visit your home at a pre-arranged time to sample from your drinking water tap. You will not be able to use your water for about 45 minutes during the test.","url":"https://www.kitchenerutilities.ca/safety/your-safety/drinking-water-testing-for-lead/","source":"Drinking water testing for lead | City of Kitchener Utilities","read":"2026-11-03","clarity":"clear"},{"text":"Fill out the online form to see if you qualify. Questions go to kitchenerwaterquality@kitchener.ca.","quote":"Interested participants can fill out the form below to see if they qualify to participate. If you have questions regarding the program, email kitchenerwaterquality@kitchener.ca","url":"https://www.kitchenerutilities.ca/safety/your-safety/drinking-water-testing-for-lead/","source":"Drinking water testing for lead | City of Kitchener Utilities","read":"2026-11-03","clarity":"clear"},{"text":"You get the lab results. If lead is above the limits, Kitchener Utilities gives you more information.","quote":"Laboratory results from the test will be shared with you. Should the results show lead levels above the limits, we will provide additional information on this.","url":"https://www.kitchenerutilities.ca/safety/your-safety/drinking-water-testing-for-lead/","source":"Drinking water testing for lead | City of Kitchener Utilities","read":"2026-11-03","clarity":"clear"},{"text":"Volunteers get a $50 credit on their Kitchener Utilities bill.","quote":"Volunteers will receive a $50 credit on their Kitchener Utilities bill after participating in the program.","url":"https://www.kitchenerutilities.ca/safety/your-safety/drinking-water-testing-for-lead/","source":"Drinking water testing for lead | City of Kitchener Utilities","read":"2026-11-03","clarity":"clear"},{"text":"The credit is a limited-time offer: one per household, for the first 50 volunteers.","quote":"This is a limited time offer, one per household and available to the first 50 volunteers only.","url":"https://www.kitchenerutilities.ca/safety/your-safety/drinking-water-testing-for-lead/","source":"Drinking water testing for lead | City of Kitchener Utilities","read":"2026-11-03","clarity":"clear"},{"text":"Region of Waterloo Public Health advises that if you have lead pipes or solder, you have your water tested by a private laboratory.","quote":"If you do, have your drinking water tested for lead by a private laboratory and consider replacing lead-containing materials.","url":"https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/media/kgkhr0cb/lead_drinkingwater_schoolsnurseries.pdf","source":"Lead in Drinking Water In Schools and Day Nurseries (Region of Waterloo Public Health)","read":"2026-11-03","clarity":"clear","page_updated":"09/18 (code printed on the sheet)","note":"From the Region's 2018 sheet on lead in schools and day nurseries, in its section on reducing exposure at home. The Region's main lead sheet address on regionofwaterloo.ca returned 404."},{"text":"If you think your service line has lead, have your water tested. Ask if your city has a sampling program or tests on request, or ask your local public health authority for help.","quote":"If you suspect that your service line contains lead, you can have your water tested. To do so, you can: Find out if your municipality has a sampling program or will test your water upon request Contact your local public health authority for advice and assistance with the testing.","url":"https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/environmental-workplace-health/reports-publications/water-quality/water-talk-minimizing-exposure-lead-drinking-water-distribution-systems.html","source":"Water Talk - Lead in drinking water - Canada.ca","read":"2026-11-03","clarity":"clear","page_updated":"2016-10-11"},{"text":"Some towns and cities have a sampling program; others may test your water if you ask.","quote":"Some towns and cities have an established sampling program, while others may sample and test it if you ask them.","url":"https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/home-garden-safety/reduce-your-exposure-lead.html","source":"Reduce your exposure to lead - Canada.ca","read":"2026-11-03","clarity":"clear","page_updated":"2026-10-02"},{"text":"If you are pregnant or breastfeeding and suspect lead, have your water tested. If lead is above the guideline, use another source of drinking water or install a device that removes lead.","quote":"If you are pregnant or breastfeeding and suspect that your drinking water may contain lead, you should have it tested. If lead levels are above the guideline value, you should: find an alternate source of drinking water install a treatment device to remove lead","url":"https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/environmental-workplace-health/reports-publications/water-quality/water-talk-minimizing-exposure-lead-drinking-water-distribution-systems.html","source":"Water Talk - Lead in drinking water - Canada.ca","read":"2026-11-03","clarity":"clear","page_updated":"2016-10-11"}],"unclear":[],"read":"2026-11-03"}}