Residents who live in homes built before the mid-1950s can submit a tap water sample to the City for testing, free of charge, to help determine the amount of lead in the water.
Prior to the mid-1950s, lead was commonly used to build pipes that deliver water from the street into residential homes. Lead pipes were not used in apartment and other buildings with more than six units, regardless of age. Lead is too soft to handle the pressure needed for these types of buildings.
How it Works
The process is as follows:
- Contact 311 to register for a lead testing kit.
- A kit will be left in your mailbox. Each kit includes a water-sampling container and instructions on how to take a sample.
Another option is to pick up your lead testing kit at one of the following Toronto Public Health locations, Monday to Friday from 8.30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- North – 5100 Yonge St., 2nd floor
- East – 1530 Markham Rd., 6th floor
- South – 175 Memorial park, main entrance north
- West – 399 The West Mall, 4th floor
- Once you have collected your water sample, please drop it off for lead testing at 275 Merton Street. The front door will be unlocked from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. Please walk in and drop off your water sample. You do not need to ring the bell.
- Toronto Water staff will test the sample at an accredited Toronto Water lab.
- You will be notified of the results by mail within 30 days of the sample being received by Toronto Water.
If you need to speak with someone, please call 416-392-7000.
