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Water in the News
Throughout Canada, water is making headlines. Recent warnings about lead levels, Vancouver's boil water alerts, and current controversies surrounding the environmental and physical costs of bottled water have Canadians concerned. This recent media awareness is very heartening, even if the issues being addressed are troubling. It seems to suggest that Canadians are finally being heard. The following links are to news articles, as well as government and academic resources that address many of these issues.
Lead
High lead levels reportedly found in drinking water at five Toronto schools (680 News: October 11, 2007)
Higher than acceptable lead levels have reportedly been found in the drinking water of five Toronto schools.
Water worries at Halton schools (The Hamilton Spectator: September 18, 2007)
Lead levels exceed new guidelines
Effects of Lead on Human Health (Health Canada)
Lead occurs naturally in the environment and has many industrial uses. However, even small amounts of lead can be hazardous to human health.
Lead levels high in Canadian tap water (Environmetal Science and Technology: June 27, 2007)
Corrosive water combined with treatments to reduce disinfection byproducts may be leading to high lead levels in Ontario’s drinking water.
No Warning Signs Up Despite Lead Finding at Queens Park (City News: May 31, 2007)
Did Queen's Park compromise the health of its workers and possibly even tourists, in order to impress California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger?
Lead Concerns Prompt Tap Water Tests (Toronto Star: May 22, 2007)
The Environment Ministry will order 36 towns and cities across Ontario, including Toronto and Hamilton, to test older homes for possible lead contamination in drinking water, chief water inspector Jim Smith announced Tuesday.
Charlottetown to warn about lead in water (CBC News: March 27, 2007)
The City of Charlottetown is planning a campaign to warn residents in older neighbourhoods their houses could be connected to the water system by lead pipes.
‘Safe’ Lead Levels Damage Children’s IQ: Study (CBC News: April 17, 2003)
Exposure to even low levels of lead can damage children's intelligence, U.S. researchers say.