Some of the highest levels of lead-tainted water in Canada can be found in Saskatchewan.
A report in Monday’s “Regina Leader-Post” stated that 58 per cent of samples collected between 2013 and 2018 in “older” homes in the province’s three largest cities measured lead levels that were above Health Canada’s recommended limit.
In fact, the report says test results for lead in Regina, Moose Jaw and Saskatoon homes suspected of having lead service lines are comparable to similar homes with lead service connections in Flint, Michigan at the height of its water crisis in 2015.
Lead is colourless, odourless, and tasteless when dissolved in water and is impossible to detect without a lab test.
Lead-tainted water can leave children and pregnant women with multiple health risks, with adults perhaps experiencing increased blood pressure or kidney problems.
The City of Regina has information for homes with lead pipe service connections posted on their website.
In Regina homes built before 1960 have lead services lines and connections.
More to come.
