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I have immediate concerns about lead in my water, what can I do in the meantime to reduce exposure?

Tap water in homes built before 1990 may have lead in the plumbing, which can increase the lead in tap water. The older the home the greater the risk of possible lead materials used. How to find out if there’s lead in your water, and ways to limit possible risk:
  • Inspect lines in your home or contact licensed plumber
  • Submit a lead water test to a lab 
  • Use a filter at the tap or pitcher filter that meets the NSF/ANSI standard for reducing lead levels
  • Only use cold tap water for drinking and cooking – hot water can contain more lead
  • Run the water until it is cold before using it for cooking or drinking
  • Avoid drinking discoloured water
  • 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.
  • Read only reliable trusted sources that focus on lead information specific to Manitoba/Canada
  • Contact professionals on options for replacing confirmed lead lines/fixtures
 
Additional Lead Information/sources: