Lead in water
In Gatineau, the drinking water that comes through the water supply system is of excellent quality, surpassing the requirements of the Government of Quebec's Regulation respecting the quality of drinking water.
Gatineau does not have any lead watermains within its territory. Based on analyses conducted over the past few years, we estimate that approximately 1,600 residences, built before 1970, have lead service lines. The service line that connects those residences to the municipal water supply system and their connections are entirely or partly made of lead. When it comes in contact with water, lead dissolves. Thus, the water in those residences may contain higher lead concentrations.
Gatineau tests drinking water as stipulated in the Government of Quebec's Guide d'évaluation et d'intervention relatif au suivi de plomb et de cuivre dans l'eau potable. Every year between July 1 and October 1, samples are collected pursuant to current regulations. Priority neighbourhoods for sampling.
Your service line is made of lead if the water supply valve:
If you are unable to check for these things, contact the landlord if you are renting or a plumber.
To reduce lead concentrations, water supply infrastructures must be replaced on both the residential and municipal sides.
A building may be served by a lead service line. Gatineau by-law 923-2023 covers the replacement of the private portion of lead service lines throughout the territory. Replacement of the private portion of a lead service line is mandatory and is the owner's responsibility.
All private portions of lead service lines must be replaced by new lines and materials that comply with Gatineau's specifications, Quebec's Construction Code and the National Plumbing Code of Canada in effect at the time of the replacement of the lead service line.
You have visually confirmed that your supply line is lead or you have received a letter informing you that your building may have one? Here is what we recommend in order to reduce your tap water's exposure to lead and minimize your risk:
Gatineau tests drinking water as stipulated in the Government of Quebec's Guide d'évaluation et d'intervention relatif au suivi de plomb et de cuivre dans l'eau potable. Every year between July 1 and October 1, samples are collected pursuant to current regulations.
If you have not yet received an email on this matter and would like to find out whether your supply line is made of lead, you can check the online map of lead service lines for drinking water and look for yourself or have a plumber come in. Under certain circumstances, you can ask Gatineau to test by calling the non-emergency call centre at 311.
This program provides financial assistance to building owners who need to replace their lead supply line. Anyone wishing to apply for a grant for such work as is eligible under this program must fill out the grant application form and submit it to Gatineau for approval within 12 months of the work being completed on the private portion of the lead supply line.
For additional information, you can submit a request online or call 311.
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 292,000 inhabitants. It is located on the north shore of the Ottawa River, and extends east and west of the Gatineau River.
