Request in-home lead testing
We test drinking water in older homes to monitor lead levels and make sure it meets provincial safety standards.
Request free in-home testing by filling out a short pre-screening form.
On this page:
Why we test for lead
Before the 1950s, lead pipes were sometimes used to connect homes to watermains. They were banned in 1986 and are generally not found in Waterloo homes built after the mid-1970s.
Lead levels are regulated by the Province of Ontario, and exposure can affect health.
The city removes lead pipes during road construction and runs a proactive testing program to monitor lead levels in drinking water. This program meets all provincial safety standards.
Who can request testing
We test water samples every 6 months in:
- private homes built before 1989
- selected non-residential properties
Testing focuses on single-family homes in neighbourhoods where lead plumbing may still exist, including Mary Allen, Uptown, Westmount, Lincoln Heights, Sugarbush and Northdale.
What testing involves
What happens when you take part in in-home lead testing:
- testing takes about 1 hour at your home
- appointments are available on weekdays
- staff collect a sample from a cold, hard-water tap
- we notify you with the results
Homes can be tested again after six months.
If unsafe lead levels are found in the test results:
- we retest your water to confirm results
- read the Region of Waterloo’s Lead in Drinking Water guide (PDF) for information on how to reduce exposure
Request testing
To volunteer for free testing:
- complete the lead testing pre-screening form
- call 519-886-2310 ext. 30287
The form confirms if your home qualifies. Each year, we test about 50 residential and 5 non-residential sites.
Participants receive a $25 credit on their next water bill.
Contact us
If you have questions about lead testing:
- email leadsampling@waterloo.ca
- call 519-886-2310