Water supply - Lead testing
Lead tests are no longer a factor in getting a priority replacement. Instead, a homeowner's willingness to replace the private side of the water service is the main factor in qualifying for a priority lead water service replacement. Other determining factors are the age of the home and whether or not the City portion of the water service has already been replaced
If you know your home was built before the mid-1950s, your water service has not been replaced and you are concerned lead in your drinking water, there is no need to wait for a lead test result. Full water service replacement is the best way to reduce your exposure to lead from drinking water, so check out the Priority Lead Water Service Replacement Program.
If you are still interested in getting your water tested, residents of older homes can get their water tested for lead by picking up a sample bottle at a number of Toronto Public Health locations and dropping it off after collecting a water sample from their home. The Toronto Water Laboratory will advise residents of their results over the phone and/or by mail. The Public Health offices are open from 8:30am to 4:30pm., Monday to Friday. Bottles are available at the reception desk.
West Region
Etobicoke Civic Centre, 4th floor
399 The West Mall, at Burnhamthorpe Road
North Region
North York Civic Centre, 2nd floor
5100 Yonge Street, north of Sheppard Avenue
East Region
1530 Markham Road, 5th floor
At Milner Avenue, north of Hwy. 401
South Region
2340 Dundas Street West, main floor Near Dundas West subway station; area known as The Crossways
44 Victoria Street, 18th Floor Adelaide Street, north of King Street
East York Civic Centre, main floor 850 Coxwell Avenue, at Mortimer Avenue
Which homes should be tested?
Lead contamination of drinking water is only a concern in homes built prior to 1955. If a home was built before 1955, a resident can request free water testing. If a home was built later, the water supply should not come in contact with lead pipes.
- More information about lead in drinking water
Contact the Toronto Water Laboratory at 311 to pre-register for your lead test or if you have any questions about your lead test results.