Be Part of De Salaberry's Lead Sampling Program
Health Canada has updated the national guideline for lead in drinking water. In compliance with provincial guidelines (Office of Drinking Water), the R.M. of De Salaberry will complete annual water sampling for lead at various residential properties across the R.M.
The R.M. of De Salaberry is looking for residents to volunteer their homes to be part of the water sampling process each year. Participation requires a one-time, 1-litre sample to be collected by the resident directly from a drinking water tap on their premises.
Drop-off of collected samples will take place bi-weekly on Wednesdays, between 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., between June and October, starting June 11th, 2025. Collected Samples are to be dropped off at the St. Malo Public Works Shop.
Homeowners will collect the sample themselves with the provided sample bottles and instructions. Collected samples will be dropped off at the St. Malo Public Works Shop where R.M. staff will send the samples to an independent laboratory for testing. The entire sampling process is expected to take less than 15 minutes. If a property is chosen to be sampled, test results will be shared directly with the resident (and landlord, if applicable) by email, along with any recommended course of action.
If you are connected to the R.M. of De Salaberry's water distribution system and are interested in being part of the Drinking Water Sampling Program, please complete the form on this page. Full completion of the form is required to be considered for the program. Submission of form does not guarantee participation in the program. However, interested residents with eligible properties will be contacted, and all submissions will be kept on file so residents may be contacted to participate in future years. All information collected is for the sole purpose of the R.M. of De Salaberry’s Water Sampling Program, is confidential, and will not be shared outside of the requirements of this program.
Applications will be reviewed annually to be considered for the upcoming sampling season.
The sampling program is only open to residential or home-based daycare properties at this time.
To learn more, please email info@rmdesalaberry.mb.ca or call 204-433-7406.
Program Prioritization
The use of lead in plumbing was prohibited in 1990 in the province of Manitoba. R.M. records indicate that no lead components were used in the water distribution system. However, lead plumbing fixtures can be found in the plumbing of individual properties. The presence of lead is more likely in older homes and buildings located in older neighborhoods'. For this reason, sampling priority will be based on location and age of properties.
Please Note:
- There is no cost to property owners whose homes are selected to participate in the program.
- Only properties connected to the R.M. of De Salaberry’s water distribution system will be considered for this sampling program. Properties operating with a private well are not eligible.
- The R.M. of De Salaberry will not be completing sampling outside of this program.
Lead in Drinking Water
What is lead?
Lead is a soft, bluish-grey metal that has many industrial uses and can be found naturally in the environment. Tap water is generally not the most significant source of exposure to lead, however, drinking water can contribute to a person’s overall lead exposure. Trace amounts can also be found in air, soil, household dust, food, and various consumer products.
Why is lead a health concern?
Exposure to high levels of lead can cause a variety of health and developmental issues. Lead exposure has the greatest impact to infants, young children, and pregnant women.
How does lead get in drinking water?
Lead is usually found in drinking water as a result of leaching from distribution and plumbing system components. Lead is no longer used in service lines and fittings, so its presence is more likely in the plumbing of older homes and buildings. Lead can enter drinking water when a chemical reaction occurs in plumbing materials that contain lead (built prior to 1990). This process is known as corrosion – the dissolving and wearing away of metal from pipes and fixtures.
Is there lead in De Salaberry's water?
There are no lead structures in the R.M. of De Salaberry's water distribution system. Any lead detected in tap water will be the result of leaching lead plumbing fixtures located in older properties.
What is the R.M. of De Salaberry doing about lead?
In addition to implementing an annual water sampling program in the spring and summer, the RM of De Salaberry has been very proactive in managing its water supply and testing and monitoring regularly for all contaminants, including lead. Specific to lead:
- De Salaberry's water distribution system has never had any lead service piping or components
- De Salaberry has a natural ground water source; lead in ground water is minimal;
- All water services installations in the RM have been completed after lead was prohibited in plumbing components;
- Fluctuating PH levels in water can influence the rate of leaching of lead; De Salaberry's water PH levels change minimally, and have always stayed within the optimal zone to minimize lead leaching characteristics;
How do I check for lead pipes?
A licensed plumber is the best way to determine if your plumbing has lead in it. They will likely need to enter your home to make a visual inspection of your pipes and plumbing system.
What if I have lead pipes?
Flush your pipes
If it has been a few hours since you have used water, run a tap until the water is very cold, and then let it run for at least one more minute. This will pull fresh water from the watermain into the pipes.
Use cold water for cooking and drinking
Lead in pipes moves more readily into hot water than into cold water. Cold water is less likely to contain lead, even after flushing the pipes.
Don't drink discoloured water
Avoid drinking discoloured water as it may contain temporarily elevated levels of lead or other contaminants.
Purchase a water filter
Filters should be NSF-certified. To be effective, filters and cartridges should be maintained and replaced as per the manufacturer.
Replace lead plumbing
Be sure to contact a licensed plumber to understand your options and cost.
Resources
Manitoba Office of Drinking Water
Lead in Drinking Water - Manitoba Sustainable Development
Lead in Drinking Water - Government of Canada
Annual Drinking Water Report - The RM of De Salaberry publishes an extensive annual drinking water report.
