Water filters for homes with lead service pipes

The City has identified properties with lead water service pipes. To reduce the risk of consuming lead while drinking tap water at this time, properties that have been identified with a known lead service pipe will receive a Brita® Tahoe Water Pitcher with a total of two (2) Brita® Elite™ water filters, which for an average household is a 12-month supply of NSF/ANSI-53 approved lead-reducing filters at no cost. Additional filters can be purchased at a variety of local retailers.  

Lead found in drinking water can pose a significant health risk. The population at the highest risk from lead exposure are infants, children under the age of 6, and pregnant women.

If you recently purchased your home, and/or are unsure if you may have a lead service pipe, please call City Dispatch at 807-625-2195.

Users must follow the manufacturer’s owner’s manual that provides instructions on how to use the pitcher and filters. These water filters are certified to reduce lead in tap water and should be used for drinking, cooking, and preparing baby formula. It is important to use these filters as lead in drinking water can pose health risks, especially for infants, children under the age of six, and pregnant women.

Water filter delivery

In March and April 2025, the City will deliver two Brita Elite water filters to households with known lead service pipes, providing a 12-month supply for an average household. Residents are encouraged to continue using their water pitchers, as lead in drinking water poses health risks, particularly for infants, young children, and pregnant women.

If there are any changes to the schedule, customers will be notified in advance. If you have used your annual supply, additional filters can be purchased online and/or in-person at local suppliers. 

For more information, contact the Infrastructure & Operations Department at 807-625-2195.

How to tell if you have lead pipes

Customers with lead service pipes should have received a notice from the City identifying that their property has a lead service connection. If you did not receive a letter and are still concerned that you may have a lead service pipe, contact the City of Thunder Bay's Infrastructure, Development & Operations Dispatch at 807-625-2195 to arrange a free test. 

Lead pipes are a dull grey colour. If you scrape the surface of the pipe gently with a Loonie, the metal beneath will be shiny and silver.

Lead water service replacement loan program

City Council has approved an interest-free loan program that will allow property owners to borrow funds from the City to assist in the replacement of privately owned lead water service pipes.

This program provides financial assistance to homeowners to reduce lead levels in drinking water at the tap. Loans for up to $5,000 of eligible costs are available for five years. There is also a 10-year loan option for property owners that qualify under the Tax and Credit Program for Low-Income Seniors and Low-Income Persons with Disabilities, or the Tax and Water Credit Program for Low-Income Persons, and a $1,500 grant will also be provided. Loan and Grant approvals will be subject to the availability of funding and priority given on a first come first serve basis.

Lead Water Service Replacement Loan Program Application Form

Corrosion Control Plan

The City of Thunder Bay is required to have an approved Corrosion Control Plan in accordance with Drinking Water System Regulation O. Reg. 170/03. The City is working closely with the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks and the Thunder Bay District Health Unit on this change to the drinking water and evaluating other means of corrosion control that may be implemented in the future.    

The removal of lead service pipes remains a key priority in the Plan. However, the full removal of lead service pipes will take many years to accomplish. In the interim, lead levels will be reduced in properties with lead service connection with a NSF/ANSI 53 approved water filter. 

Studies have shown chronic exposure to lead, even at low levels, can have health impacts. Of particular concern are the neurodevelopmental effects impacting learning and memory on developing fetuses and young children. 

*Below, the American Water Works explains where lead comes from, how it gets into water, and what households can do to keep their water lead-safe: 

 *Excepted by permission. Copyright © American Water Works Association. 

More information

Visit the Ministry of the Environment & Climate Change's Drinking Water Ontario website.

In addition, visit Health Canada's webpage on reducing your exposure to lead from drinking water.

For more information about Thunder Bay's drinking water, contact the Infrastructure & Operations Department at 807-625-2195.

Contact Us

City Services Dispatch Line (roads, snow, waste, traffic signals, street lighting, street signs, trees, sewer and water)
807-625-2195