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.