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If so, please read carefully all of the following information.

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Throughout the summer of 2006, more than 1500 water samples were taken in buildings with fewer than eight dwellings constructed before 1970 across the island of Montreal. Test results on these samples showed that the majority of these residences respect the standard for maximum lead content in drinking water of 0.01 milligrams per litre established in 2001. In the cases where the lead content standard is exceeded, the average is 0.014 milligrams per litre, slightly higher than the Quebec standard and much below the previous standard of 0.05 milligrams per litre.  

 

The drinking water supplied to the Westmount water distribution system is of good quality and meets the Quebec standard for lead content. Each day, our drinking water supplier conducts tests at treatment plants to verify water quality. The lead concentrations observed in these tests registers 0.002 milligrams per litre, well below the standard of 0.01 milligrams per litre. This indicates that it is only when passing though lead service entrance pipes (connecting the municipal water distribution system to the house) that lead may dissolve and be found in drinking water.

 

Montreal’s public health department (the Direction de santé publique de Montréal or DSP) considers that the health risks associated with the presence of lead in drinking water, used in buildings constructed before 1970 with fewer than eight units and with lead water service connections, are very low and are primarily limited to pregnant women (for their unborn babies) and children under the age of six.

 

To reduce this risk to a minimum, however, the DSP recommends that pregnant women and parents of children under age six install commercially available water filters such as faucet-mounted filters or use filter pitchers certified by the NSF for lead reduction (in keeping with NSF/ANSI standard 53), or to drink bottled water. This precaution applies in particular to infants who are fed commercial water-based reconstituted milk formulas (concentrated milk, powdered milk).  

It is important to note that there has never been a reported case of lead poisoning caused by tap water on the island of Montreal.

Helpful Tips on the Use of Filters
Regardless of the type of filter, the manufacturer’s recommendations relating to filter installation and maintenance must be strictly followed. Please note:

• These filters are certified for lead reduction, but they do not eliminate bacteria. You must always use water that is microbiologically safe with these devices.
• If you use a filter attached to the tap, let the water run for at least 30 seconds before each use.
• Strictly adhere to the established guidelines for the frequency of filter changes.