Lead Testing for Residents

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

1. Contact 311 to pre-register for a lead testing kit.
2. Pick up a kit at one of the locations listed below between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Each kit includes a container and instructions on how to take an accurate sample.
3. Drop the sample off at any of the listed locations. Toronto Water staff will collect and test the sample at an accredited Toronto Water lab.
4. You will be notified of the results by phone or email within 30 days of submitting a sample.

Where to Pick up a Sample Kit and Drop it Off

Kits can be picked up and dropped off at any of the following Toronto Public Health locations between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.