The Town of Newmarket regularly conducts water tests including samples for lead annually as required by the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) to ensure that we continue to provide safe and high-quality water to our residents. The Town DOES NOT have any lead pipes on the municipal side of our water distribution system.
Newmarket annually conducts their lead sampling program in compliance with Schedule 15.1 of O. Reg. 170/03 of the O.Reg 169/03 - Ontario Drinking Water Quality Standards.The stipulated amount of samples, in accordance with provincial legislation and regulations, are taken and submitted to an accredited lab for analysis. In 2019, lead sample results were all below 0.0005 mg/L (lowest detectable limit)
In 2019, lead sample results were all below 0.0005 mg/L (lowest detectable limit) for distribution system samples. The provincial standard for lead content in water is 0.01 mg/L and Health Canada has proposed a Maximum Acceptable Concentration of 0.005 mg/L for lead.
Due to sufficient evidence indicating that lead is not leaching from infrastructure in the Newmarket water distribution system, combined with a significant decline in volunteers for residential samples, the Corporation of the Town of Newmarket submitted a request for regulatory relief from lead sampling requirements. This application for relief was approved by the provincial regulating body.
Lead pipes on private property were banned for use in 1975. Residents who are concerned about lead pipes on their private property can contact the Town of Newmarket by calling 905-895-5193.
For more information, on the Lead in Water, view our Frequently Asked Questions webpage.
