High lead levels found in Saskatchewan drinking water

SASKATOON -- Saskatoon, Regina and Moose Jaw are among a group of Canadian cities where high levels of lead were found in tap water, according to a new study.

The investigation, conducted by more than 120 journalists from nine universities and 10 media groups including the Associated Press, the Saskatoon StarPhoenix, and the Institute for Investigative Journalism at Concordia University, tested water from hundreds of homes and reviewed thousands of undisclosed results.

"What we found is that Montreal, Gatineau, Saskatoon, Regina, Moose Jaw, and Prince Rupert had lead levels comparable or higher than those of Flint, Michigan during its 2015 lead crisis," Patti Sonntag, the institute's director said in a news release.

About one-third of tests exceeded the Canadian guidelines of 5 parts per billion. Some of the highest levels were recorded in Saskatchewan.

Prolonged exposure to high amounts of lead over months or years can result in lead poisoning, which can cause serious health effects, particularly among young children.

In Canada, there is no national mandate to test drinking water and agencies that conduct tests have no obligation to inform residents.

Provinces set their own rules for water testing and lead pipe replacements.

Lead in Saskatoon

In response to the investigation, the City of Saskatoon is porviding an update on its ongoing efforts to replace lead service pipes in the city.

In a news release, Angela Gardiner, the city’s manager of utilities and environment, said Saskatoon “has one of the safest water supplies in the world” – but advises residents with lead pipes to “flush water for at least five minutes if it is going to be consumed.”

The City of Saskatoon identified 4,900 lead connections in 2017. Since then, less than half have been replaced.

The city aims to remove all lead service connections and install lead-free ones within 10 years. The city said it plans to replace about 500 lead connections every year to meet its goal.

With files from CTVNews.ca writer Jonathan Forani