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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
KINETICO OFFERS SOLUTIONS TO HIGH LEAD LEVELS IN ONTARIO WATER
TORONTO, ON June 15, 2007 - Kinetico Home Water Solutions in Canada recently conducted a national survey to better understand Canadian attitudes regarding the quality of their water. Lead was listed in the top 5 concerns that Canadians had toward water quality, with almost 35% in Ontario listing lead as a concern.
It appears that these Ontario residents' concerns were well founded, after almost half of 36 Ontario communities recently tested for lead in drinking water found higher levels than what the province considers safe.
The test findings, released last week, prompted the Ontario government to immediately order schools and day cares to enhance water testing and system flushing.
Acting chief medical officer of health Dr. George Pasut said the health risks associated with lead are greatest for pregnant women and children under age 7.
Phillip Adsetts, Managing Director of Kinetico Canada states, “The aging water pipe infrastructure in Ontario has been an on-going issue. Many residents living in older homes know that they must run their water for a length of time before lead levels reduce.” Adsetts goes on to say that “the free testing the government is offering is a great start, but what about solving the problem? The only way you can be sure that you and your family are drinking the purest water available is to have a home water system that is certified for the removal these types of contaminants. Kinetico systems are certified to remove heavy metals such as lead, as well as other contaminants, both naturally occurring and man-made.”
Until now, testing in Canada has been done on distribution lines before the water passed through service pipes and plumbing fixtures that may contain lead. Concern over London's drinking water prompted Ontario's chief inspector, Jim Smith, to recommend that municipalities across the province test tap water in older homes, nurseries, schools and hospitals. However, few municipalities submitted test results to the province and mandatory orders were issued.
Environment Minister Laurel Broten announced an "action plan" that includes new regulations for schools and day cares, proposed stricter testing regimes for municipalities, financial assistance for low-income parents of young children and pregnant women where water filters are recommended, and encouragement to municipalities to conduct public education campaigns on lead in water.
Municipalities will also be encouraged to help make lead line replacement, which typically costs $2,000-$10,000 per residence, more affordable for homeowners through measures such as on-bill financing.
“As much as it is the municipalities' responsibility to deliver safe drinking water to homes, there are real concerns regarding the quality of water that is coming out of our taps. Residents living in older homes with lead pipes have the greatest risk and need to consider a more permanent solution”, Adsetts says.
Kinetico is also offering Ontario residents who are concerned about lead levels in their water a financial incentive for a whole home water treatment system. Adsetts says, “the only way to be confident in the water that you and your family are consuming is to take action in your own home. A comprehensive water treatment system, certified by NSF International for the removal of contaminants such as lead, provides an effective solution and personal peace of mind.”
For additional information on Kinetico Home Water Systems or to book an appointment, call 1 866 351 8722, or visit www.kinetico.ca
ABOUT Kinetico: Kinetico Incorporated, headquartered in Newbury, Ohio, is a leading manufacturer of water treatment systems. An extensive network of Kinetico dealers serving residential and light commercial customers has helped more than a million people in nearly 100 countries experience the benefits of better water. Since 1970, Kinetico has prided itself on creating unique water treatment systems that serve customers in an expanding variety of residential, commercial, industrial and municipal applications.
About NSF International: NSF International, an independent, not-for-profit organization, helps protect you by certifying products and writing standards for food, water and consumer goods (www.nsf.org). NSF is a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Food and Water Safety and Indoor Environment. Additional services include safety audits for the food and water industries, management systems registrations delivered through NSF International Strategic Registrations, organic certification provided by Quality Assurance International and education through the NSF Center for Public Health Education.