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Notice: The City's Lead Sampling Program is happening now, and will end April 15, 2020.
The Water Division provides clean and safe drinking water to all the residents and businesses within the City of Cambridge. Our Drinking Water Quality Management System is in place to keep our water safe. Water samples from around the City continue to confirm our water quality exceeds provincial standards.
Lead Sampling Program | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
In 2007, the Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) implemented a Community Lead Sampling Program under which the City of Cambridge is required to collect, analyze and submit the results of water samples taken in areas suspected of having lead service pipes. Prior to the mid-1950’s, lead was commonly used to build pipes that deliver water from the water main on the street into residential homes. This section of pipe is called the water service pipe. Twice every year, the City of Cambridge is required to collect water samples to determine if lead is detected in the drinking water above the regulated limit of 10 parts per billion (ppb). The MOECC requires the following samples to be collected twice per year:
The results are analyzed by an accredited laboratory and provided to homeowners/occupants within 14 days of sample collection date. I received a letter from the City requesting to collect a water sample. What does this mean? If you received a letter from the City, we are canvassing your area for participants in the Lead Sampling Program. Your area was chosen because the age of your home may indicate that the water service pipe may be lead. Please note that even if the plumbing inside your house has been replaced, the underground water service pipe coming from the water main to your home could be lead or have lead-containing solder, which could impact your water quality. Please contact 519-621-0740 or email leadtesting@cambridge.ca to request an appointment or if you have any questions or concerns related to lead in your drinking water. |
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Drinking Water Quality Management System | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Approved by City Council on November 10, 2008 and developed by the Cambridge Public Works department, the Drinking Water Quality Management System (DWQMS) Operational Plan, helps ensure that the City of Cambridge can operate its own water systems and the drinking water quality is not just maintained but continually improved. Our DWQMS includes 21 elements that all QMSs must conform to, including the City of Cambridge Quality Policy. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Water Testing | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
In accordance with provincial legislation, the City of Cambridge regularly samples its water and analyzes it for water quality. This helps to ensure that the water supplied to the public meets the Ministry of the Environment's water quality standard. Our Annual Water Quality Reports summarize testing results for review by City Council and the Ministry of the Environment. If the water quality does not meet the provincial standards, actions as specified through legislation must be followed until it can be proven that the water meets the standard. These actions include immediate notification to the Ministry of the Environment and the local Medical Officer of Health, as well as watermain flushing, increased disinfectant levels and resampling.
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Water Main Cleaning Program | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Water mains are underground pipes that carry water from the pumping stations to your street and the service pipes connected to your house. The City of Cambridge cleans water mains on a regular basis in order to remove accumulated material and maintain drinking water quality. The Water main Cleaning Program consists of a combination of water main swabbing and flushing. No chemical cleaning products are used in this process, and minimal water service interruptions are experienced by customers. In 2020, water main cleaning is scheduled for Preston (click here for map) between October 13, 2020 and December 11, 2020. If you live in this area, watch for a door hanger notice that will be placed on your door a few days before works begins. I received a door hanger notice. What should I do? Before Flushing Since water cannot be used during the cleaning process, you should:
During Flushing
After Flushing
Your understanding and co-operation during the Water main Cleaning Program is appreciated. If you require additional information or have a concern, please call Public Works at 519-621-0740 or email: publicworks@cambridge.ca Frequently asked questions How does the City notify customers affected by the program? We use a number of methods to inform customers of planned water main cleaning and possible discoloured water caused by the program. Notification is done by the following methods:
What is the cleaning process? Water main flushing is done by forcing water through water mains at high speed and discharging it through a fire hydrant. The fast-moving water flow scours and cleans out mineral deposits and sediment that may have built up over time. Water main swabbing entails inserting a soft material bullet-shaped device, called a swab, into the water main through a fire hydrant. The diameter is slightly larger than the water main and the swab is pushed through the water main by water pressure. As it passes through the water main, the swab scours the inside of the pipe and removed any built-up material. Will water main cleaning impact my water service? Your water service will not be turned off but we advise that you do not use water during the cleaning process to avoid drawing discoloured water into your home’s pipes. Is flushing my pipes to remove discoloured water expensive for me? At the current 2019 water and wastewater rates ($4.6533 per m³) a customer in Cambridge pays approximately 3 cents for every minute that a tap runs. The recommended 10-minute flushing process will cost you approximately 30 cents. |
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Drinking Water System Inspection Report | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2018-2019 Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks Drinking Water Inspection Report 2017-2018 Ministry of the Environment Drinking Water System Inspection Report |
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Frequently asked questions | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Water Division is committed to:
- Providing safe sustainable drinking water to our residents and businesses;
- Complying with applicable legislation and regulations as related to the provision of safe drinking water;
- Maintaining and continually improving our Quality Management System (QMS).
One dollar of water
Watch our short video to see what $1 of water looks like.