On March 8, 2019, Health Canada released revised guidelines, significantly reducing the maximum allowable concentration of lead in drinking water from 0.01 mg/L to 0.005 mg/L. This reduction makes Canada’s guideline value for lead in drinking water one of the lowest in the world. For Municipal drinking water systems in Ontario, like the Kemptville Drinking Water System, the maximum allowable concentration of lead under the Safe Drinking Water Act continues to be 0.01 mg/L.

Since 2010, Kemptville has only had one distribution sample test higher than 0.005 mg/L. The concentration of lead in the sample was 0.0052 mg/L, below the Ontario standard of 0.010 mg/L. Lead is more likely to be present in the drinking water of older homes and neighbourhoods because the National Plumbing Code of Canada considered lead an acceptable material for use in pipes that bring water to homes until 1975. The most significant source of lead in drinking water is likely to be from lead service lines. These are the water pipes that link the house to the main water supply. Some plumbing parts or fittings, such as solder or faucets or valves, may also contain lead that can leach (seep) into drinking water.

Run taps for 10 minutes each morning or when you have not used water for a few hours as this will flush through any water that has been sitting in pipes and have been potentially exposed to lead. Filter drinking water with a home point-of-use system that is CSA or NSF/ANSI 53 (for filters) or NSF/ANSI 58 (RO units) certified to remove lead. These vary from simple jug filters to installing a filter system under your sink or in your refrigerator system. It is very important that these filters are maintained and/or replaced in accordance with the product’s recommended guidelines. Activities such as bathing, showering, swimming and washing dishes or clothes will not cause a significant exposure to lead. Lead in water is not easily absorbed through the skin or eyes.

For more information contact: Water Wastewater Compliance Coordinator at 613-258-9569 ext. 152 or send an email to the Water Department.

You may not have water for a number of reasons such as a water main break, a street valve having been closed, internal plumbing (your main valve may be closed), frozen water line or meter or non-payment of your water bill.  If you require further information, please contact the Water & Wastewater Division by email or phone at 613-258-9569 ext. 159.

A curb stop or shut-off valve is the valve on the Municipality’s water service connection owned and used by the Municipality to turn on and off the water supply from the water distribution system to any premises.  

If there is an issue with your curb stop, please contact the Water & Wastewater Division to have this addressed.  Curb stops may only be operated or repaired by a Municipal water operator unless otherwise approved by the Superintendent of Environmental Services.

Only certified municipal employees and firefighters may take water from hydrants.  If you suspect someone is taking water illegally, please call the Water & Wastewater Division at 613-258-9569 ext. 159.