Water Quality

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:

• 50 residential buildings;
• 5 non-residential (businesses); and
• 10 distribution samples (from fire hydrants).

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. 

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.

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 2018, water main cleaning is scheduled for postal code area N1S (click here for map) between October 9, 2018 and December 15, 2018.  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:

• Fill a clean container with tap water for drinking and cooking.
• Complete dishwashing, clothes washing, and other activities prior to the cleaning start time indicated on the door hanger notice you receive.
• Turn off the main water supply by using the shut off valve (usually located at your water meter).
• If shutting the valve is impossible and you have an automatic water filtration system (ie. water softener), put the system on bypass to prevent it from using water.

During Flushing

• Do not use any water or flush your toilet to avoid drawing discoloured water into your home’s pipes and causing internal plumbing issues.

After Flushing

• Use a cold, hard (unsoftened) water tap closest to your water meter, like a basement laundry tub, to flush your water service.
• Some customers may experience temporary discoulouration of their water, which should not be consumed.
• If you notice discoloured water, run the cold, hard (unsoftened) water tap closest to your water meter until the water is clear.
• If the water remains discoloured after 10 minutes of running your tap, turn off the tap, wait 60 minutes and repeat the 10-minute flushing process again.
• If your water does not clear after 2 hours, please contact Public Works at 519-621-0740 for assistance.

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:

• Door hanger notifications are placed on customer’s door notifying of cleaning day and time
• Advertisements in the Cambridge Times newspaper
• Information shared through the City’s official social media accounts (Twitter and Facebook)

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 2018 water and wastewater rates ($4.4296 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.