Written By: Canadian Water Compliance | On
Ontario’s water infrastructure is aging. Many cities and towns across the province rely on decades-old water pipes, treatment plants, and distribution systems, some of which date back over 50 to 100 years. While these systems were built to last, deterioration over time poses increasing risks to drinking water quality, public health, and service reliability.
Issues like lead contamination, bacterial infiltration, water main breaks, and increasing repair costs are growing concerns for municipalities, businesses, and homeowners alike. This article explores how aging water infrastructure affects drinking water quality in Ontario and what can be done to address these challenges.
One of the most serious risks associated with aging water systems is lead contamination. Older distribution networks, particularly those built before the mid-1950s, often contain lead service lines or lead-based solder.
🔹 Risk Factors:
Homes built before 1990 may still have lead service lines or fixtures.
Corrosion in old pipes can cause lead to leach into drinking water.
Boiling water does not remove lead—only proper filtration or pipe replacement can.
🔹 Health Risks:
Lead exposure is linked to neurological damage, developmental delays in children, and cardiovascular issues in adults.
The Ontario Drinking Water Quality Standard sets the maximum allowable lead level at 10 µg/L, but even lower levels can be harmful.
🔹 What Can Be Done?
✔ Municipalities are gradually replacing lead service lines, but this can take decades.
✔ Homeowners can test for lead and install NSF-certified filters if necessary.
✔ Proper water treatment with corrosion control chemicals can help minimize lead leaching.
Cracks and leaks in aging pipes allow bacteria and other contaminants to enter the water supply. Older infrastructure is more susceptible to:
🚨 Water main breaks – Aged pipes are more likely to rupture, creating opportunities for bacteria to enter.
🚨 Cross-connections & backflow issues – Older plumbing systems may lack proper safeguards, increasing contamination risks.
🚨 Biofilm buildup – Over time, pipes can accumulate biofilms that harbor E. coli, coliform bacteria, and Legionella.
🔹 Health Risks:
Gastrointestinal illnesses from bacteria such as E. coli and coliforms.
Legionnaires’ disease, caused by Legionella bacteria thriving in old pipes.
🔹 What Can Be Done?
✔ Regular municipal water testing and compliance with Ontario’s Drinking Water Quality Standards.
✔ Flushing programs to remove biofilm buildup.
✔ Replacing outdated plumbing and ensuring proper backflow prevention in older homes and businesses.
Aging pipes, particularly those made of cast iron or galvanized steel, corrode over time, leading to:
⚠ Discolored water – Rust and sediment buildup can cause brown or yellowish water.
⚠ Metal leaching – Corrosion can introduce iron, manganese, or even lead into drinking water.
⚠ Reduced water pressure – Narrowing of pipes due to mineral buildup restricts flow.
🔹 What Can Be Done?
✔ Annual water quality testing to check for metals and contaminants.
✔ Installing whole-home filtration to remove rust, sediment, and heavy metals.
✔ Municipal pipe replacement programs to phase out aging infrastructure.
In addition to quality concerns, old water mains pose a growing risk of frequent leaks and bursts. In Ontario, many water distribution systems are past their intended lifespan, leading to:
🌊 More frequent boil water advisories due to main breaks.
💸 High repair costs—Ontario municipalities spend millions annually on emergency repairs.
⏳ Delays in infrastructure upgrades due to funding constraints.
🔹 What’s Being Done?
✔ The Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) helps municipalities upgrade aging systems.
✔ Federal and provincial funding programs support water infrastructure improvements.
✔ Some cities offer subsidies for lead pipe replacement at the homeowner’s expense.
While municipalities are responsible for major water infrastructure projects, individuals can take steps to protect their drinking water:
🏡 Homeowners:
✅ Test for lead if your home was built before 1990.
✅ Install a water filter certified to remove lead and other contaminants.
✅ Flush pipes regularly, especially if water hasn’t been used for several hours.
🏢 Businesses & Property Managers:
✅ Schedule regular water quality testing, particularly in older buildings.
✅ Maintain plumbing systems and replace outdated fixtures.
✅ Follow Ontario regulations for backflow prevention and Legionella control.
Ontario’s aging water infrastructure is an ongoing challenge that affects drinking water quality, safety, and reliability. While municipalities are working to replace outdated systems, contamination risks from lead, bacteria, and pipe corrosion remain concerns for homeowners and businesses alike.
By staying informed, testing water regularly, and using proper filtration and maintenance, Ontarians can help ensure their water remains safe and clean—even as infrastructure upgrades take time.
🔎 Need water testing for your home or business? Contact Canadian Water Compliance for expert solutions!
