Source: City of Brandon Media Release - September 5, 2024
Brandon, MB — The City of Brandon is taking steps to reduce the potential for lead in water with two updated initiatives: adding a chemical at the Water Treatment Facility and proposing a new Lead Service Line Replacement Policy.
Brandon’s drinking water supply leaving the City’s water treatment system continues to be clean and safe, meeting the provincial standards for lead concentrations. However, there is a concern for homes with older individual service hook-ups in specific areas of the City, as lead service lines may cause increased concentration at the tap. The Potential Lead Water Services Connections Map showing properties with potential lead services lines is available online at brandon.ca.
The City plans to start adding orthophosphate, a chemical that helps reduce lead leaching from service lines into the tap water. The City has been testing this chemical on a lead service line from a residence in Brandon to evaluate its effectiveness in reducing lead levels. The study is nearing completion with promising results, and a full-scale chemical addition is planned for 2025 at the water treatment facility.
Replacing lead service lines is the most effective way to reduce lead in water. The City’s proposed policy will coordinate replacement efforts between the City and the homeowner to reduce costs on both sides. The formal policy will be presented at a future Council Meeting. 410 - 9th Street, Brandon, MB R7A 6A2 | www.brandon.ca
The City continues to offer free water testing for lead in homes. Additionally, the City’s water filter rebate program is ongoing and allows residents with elevated lead levels to purchase an NSF-certified water filter. The filter rebate value has been increased to $250. More information on the rebate program can be found at brandon.ca/watertreatment/water-filter-rebate-program.
The City has partnered with the Province of Manitoba’s Office of Drinking Water and Manitoba Public Health to coordinate messaging on the health impacts of lead. Residents within the potential lead service line area can expect a mail-out this fall with more details on lead and the City’s programs. Check the City’s website and social media for additional updates.
Any resident of the City of Brandon who is concerned or curious about lead concentrations in their tap water can participate in Brandon’s volunteer sample testing program. Contact the Water Treatment Plant at 204-729-2190 or a.howe@brandon.ca for more information.
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