Lead in water
In Gatineau, drinking water distributed through the water supply system is of excellent quality, surpassing the Government of Quebec's requirements under the Regulation respecting the quality of drinking water.
Gatineau does not have any lead watermains in its territory. Based on analysis over the past few years, we estimate that approximately 1,600 homes, built before 1970, have lead service lines. The service lines connecting those houses to the municipal mains, and their plumbing are entirely or partly lead. When lead comes in contact with water, it dissolves. Thus, the water in those houses may contain higher concentrations of lead.
Gatineau samples drinking water as set out in the Government of Quebec's Guide d'évaluation et d'intervention relatif au suivi de plomb et de cuivre dans l'eau potable. Sampling is done every year, between July 1 and October 1, in accordance with the Regulation.
The pipe in your house is lead if the water inlet valve:
If you cannot check for these indicators, contact the owner of your property or a plumber.
The only way to reduce the concentration of lead in water is to replace the infrastructures on both the residential and municipal sides.
If you decide to replace your portion of the lead water line, Gatineau will do the same on the municipal side.
In addition, when Gatineau works on water supply systems containing lead, it automatically replaces them with lines that meet current standards. It will inform the neighbouring residents so that they can take advantage of the intervention to replace their own lead lines.
You can also contact the Direction de la santé publique de l'Outaouais at 819 966-6484.
Recognized for its quality of life, Gatineau is a city of 291,000 inhabitants. It is located on the north shore of the Ottawa River, and extends east and west of the Gatineau River.
