The City of Brandon is taking steps to reduce the potential for lead in drinking water in older homes that might have lead service lines. The city’s drinking water is safe, but older homes with lead service lines might have higher concentrations at the tap.
According to a media release, the City will be adding orthophosphate, a chemical that helps reduce lead leaching from service lines into the tap water, as well as proposing a new Lead Service Line Replacement Policy.
“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.”
Free water testing and a $250 rebate for water filters are available.
More information on the rebate program can be found at brandon.ca/watertreatment/water-filter-rebate-program.
