Drinking Water

In March of 2019, Health Canada updated the national standard for lead content in drinking water. Lead is a naturally occurring metal but is considered harmful if inhaled or swallowed. Exposure can have a range of adverse health effects. Manitoba Public Health and the Office of the Drinking Water are working with school divisions across the province to ensure schools have safe drinking water.

Hanover School Division samples for lead in drinking water at each of our schools, prioritizing fountains and faucets used by students and staff. Regular ongoing testing for lead in drinking water will continue as part of our routine health and safety programs. Where levels of lead are found to be elevated beyond the national guideline, immediate corrective actions will be undertaken.

 
  • Water Testing Report
  • Corrective Measures
  • Resources

The table below reflects data submitted to the Office of Drinking Water as of May 1, 2023.

SchoolIs Testing Completed?Are Results Elevated?Mitigation Status
Blumenort SchoolCompleteNoNot Required
Bothwell SchoolCompleteYesCompleted
Clearspring Middle SchoolCompleteYesIn-Progress
Crystal Springs SchoolNot Started--
Elmdale SchoolCompleteNoNot Required
Green Valley SchoolCompleteNoNot Required
Kleefeld SchoolCompleteNoNot Required
Landmark CollegiateCompleteNoNot Required
Landmark Elementary SchoolCompleteNoNot Required
Mitchell Elementary SchoolCompleteNoNot Required
Mitchell Middle SchoolCompleteNoNot Required
Niverville Elementary SchoolCompleteYesCompleted
Niverville Middle SchoolCompleteYesCompleted
Niverville High SchoolNot Started--
South Oaks SchoolCompleteNoNot Required
Southwood SchoolCompleteNoNot Required
Steinbach Regional Secondary SchoolCompleteYesCompleted
Stonybrook Middle SchoolCompleteYesCompleted
Woodlawn SchoolCompleteNoNot Required

Immediate Actions for Reducing Elevated Lead Levels

Where lead levels are above the national guideline, HSD will take necessary action for reducing lead as set out by the Province of Manitoba. This may include:

  • Closing plumbing fixtures that exceed the limit (ex: removing handles, posting signs, or bagging the fixture).
  • Posting “Do Not Drink” signs on taps that cannot be easily closed.
  • Providing an alternate safe drinking water source (ex: bottled water coolers), particularly if the issue is widespread throughout a building.

Maintenance Solutions for Reducing Elevated Lead Levels

Where lead levels are above the national guideline, maintenance solutions to reduce lead might include:

  • Replacement of lead pipes, if present.
  • Replacing of fixtures with new “lead-free” products.
  • Adding point-of-use filtration devices that are NSF certified.
  • Assessment of grounding wires attached to water pipes. An electrical current may accelerate the corrosion of lead in piping materials.
  • Reconfiguration of plumbing to bypass sources of lead contamination, targeting the small pipe branches that may have more elbows, joints and therefore more solder.
  • Addition of automatic flushing valves to reduce water stagnation.

Operational Solutions for Reducing Lead Levels

Where lead levels are below the national guideline, but still detectable, operational solutions may include:

  • Implementation of daily or weekly flushing programs (as needed). Running all indoor taps and water fountains until the water is clear and cold.
  • Advising students and employees to run the water until cold before drinking.
  • Regular cleaning of tap aerators.
  • Use of only cold clear water for food and beverage preparation.

Source: Manitoba Health 

Online Resources and Documentation