Epcor to add lead-reducing chemical to Edmonton's water in 2023, two years behind schedule

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Levels of lead in drinking water city-wide should begin dropping in early 2023 when orthophosphate is added at Edmonton’s water treatment plant, two years later than initially promised.

Epcor announced Thursday the odourless, colourless chemical will be added to city water by early 2023. Orthophosphate creates a protective barrier inside a pipe to prevent lead from leaching into the water. Around 4,200 Edmonton homes are currently serviced by lead pipes owned by Epcor, the utility said. Adding this treatment by the end of 2020 was promised as part of broader lead-reducing plans approved by city council in March 2019 around the time Health Canada reduced the concentration of lead in water allowed to five micrograms per litre from 10 micrograms per litre.

Jeff Charrois, a senior manager with Epcor, said in an interview on Thursday that the pandemic played a role in the delay. Once added, Charrois said the chemical is a safe and effective way to reduce lead exposure.

“From our studies, we’ve conservatively estimated that orthophosphate will reduce lead by at least 80 per cent in water. Because orthophosphate is used around the world, we’re really confident that is a solution for us,” he said.

“Orthophosphate is a comprehensive solution for all customers that receive Epcor water, not just homes with lead services lines, because we know lead can come from anywhere.”

Asked if the delay is unfortunate since Edmontonians have been drinking lead-containing water for two years longer, Charrois said Epcor notifies homeowners annually if they have high levels of lead, provides filters and options for testing.

Ward papastew Coun. Michael Janz said “any sort of delay is concerning” since Epcor has continued with other construction projects, and he plans to ask for more information at the next utility committee meeting.

No councillors asked Epcor about the delay this past March after representatives said the chemical would be added by the end of 2022. The Alberta government granted Epcor permission to use orthophosphate in early 2020.

No plan to remove 4,200 Epcor lines with lead

Epcor estimates about 1.4 per cent of homes in Edmonton, mainly those built before 1960, have lead in the water service lines. In 2018, Epcor told Postmedia around 30,000 homes would be affected by Health Canada’s new lead standards.

Some lead-containing lines belong to Epcor — the approximately 4,200 lines running from water mains to the edge of private property lines  — while portions on private property, along with taps or other fixtures made with brass or lead soldering, may also be contaminating drinking water.

Part of the utility’s 2019 lead-reduction plan includes replacing 325 high-priority lines that are likely to exceed the lead allowed with the new standards. As of March, all 325 were expected to be replaced by the year’s end.

But Epcor doesn’t have any immediate plans for its remaining 4,200 lead water lines.

Charrois didn’t provide a timeline for replacement. But he said they can be removed and replaced when other work is done with nearby water mains.

“The removal of all lead service lines will be stretched out over time, but we feel that’s alright because orthophosphate will be reducing lead at the customer’s tap, and that’s providing the big protection,” he said.

Ward Métis Coun. Ashley Salvador also asked about Epcor’s plans and the timeline for the low-priority lines during the March meeting. A company representative said Epcor “opportunistically” replace lead service lines when a private owner replaces its portion, or if other upgrades are done in the area.

To find out more about your water lines and lead testing, visit Epcor’s website or email leadprogram@epcor.com.

lboothby@postmedia.com

@laurby