THUNDER BAY — The City of Thunder Bay is supplying additional water pitcher filters to the nearly 9,000 residences and businesses that are connected to the municipal water supply with a lead service pipe.
In a notice to residents, the city says a package of three filters approved for use with the water pitchers it delivered last February will be delivered directly to each location.
The pitchers, equipped with a year's supply of filters to remove lead, were distributed free of charge after the city decided to stop adding sodium hydroxide to the water system.
The chemical was introduced in 2018 to reduce corrosion and the amount of toxic lead leaching into tap water.
However, the practice was stopped after the city began receiving complaints about pinhole leaks in copper water pipes.
Six filters were initially supplied for about 8,700 customers.
The notice from the city doesn't explain why only half that number are being provided in the second delivery.
It also doesn't say how much longer it expects the water pitchers will be needed.
However, it states "the city continues to work with the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks, and the Thunder Bay District Health Unit, to evaluate methods to reduce lead levels at the tap and update the city's Corrosion Control Plan. Residents will be informed of any changes made to the drinking water."
City council recently approved a new interest-free loan program to help homeowners replace their privately-owned lead water service pipe.
Residential property owners can apply for a loan up to a maximum of $3,000 of eligible costs for the work, payable over a five or 10-year period.
More information is available at www.thunderbay.ca/leadpipes or by calling 684-2433.
