City of Ottawa’s Lead pipe replacement program
Most homes in Ottawa that were constructed before 1955 have lead
water service lines. A water service line is the service pipe that
connects a house to the city’s water main. Both lead and copper
piping were used up until 1958 when copper water service lines
became the standard.
In Ottawa, the ownership of a water service line is shared between the city
and the property owner. The portion of the water service under the street
and sidewalk belongs to the city, while the property owner is responsible for
the portion under their private property.
The city has a lead pipe replacement cost-sharing program to assist property
owners who wish to replace their pipes. The property owner pays for the
portion of the replacement service on their property; the city pays the
balance. The estimated cost for the property owner to replace the section
of water service that is privately owned is usually between $2,500 and $5,000.
Deferred payments plans are available, where the cost of the replacement is
added to the homeowner’s property taxes over a five- or ten-year period.
Homeowners who have lead water service pipes can apply for this program by
contacting the City of Ottawa at 3-1-1. If you aren’t sure whether your pipe
is lead, you can check it by scratching the paint covering the portion of the
pipe that is below the water meter in your basement. Lead pipes are dull grey,
while copper pipes are red-brown and may be corroded greenish.
Homeowners can also have their home’s drinking water tested for lead
content at no cost.
If you have any questions or want to discuss lead pipes, feel free to
call or e-mail me at any time.
Yours truly,
Jean Richer
Salesperson
Keller Williams - Ottawa Realty Ltd
Office: 613.590.3000
Direct: 613.614.3025
Fax: 613.590.3075
www.JeanRicher.com