CDNPatriot
Jul 5th, 2008, 10:55 AM
Got my results back for the levels of lead in my tap water. Results were very bad.
I called Toronto Public Health and they said to use a filtration system but would not recommend one. Was advised to look for a N53 NSF rating. I mentioned I had a Brita Pitcher system with that rating but they said that it was useless and to go on the NSF website for other products. Went to the website and good luck reading through the mumbo jumbo to find a recommendation.
Anyone with a similar situation that can share a product or service that will help me with this lead problem?
http://www.myhamilton.ca/myhamilton/CityandGovernment/NewsandPublications/NewsReleases/2007News/July/07-19-07vm.htm
Filters in water pitchers do not reduce lead to safe levels
Print
Hamilton, ON- July 19, 2007-The City of Hamilton’s Public Health Services advises residents that recent changes to testing protocols for pitcher-type water filters have shown that these products are unable to consistently reduce lead to safe levels. Ontario’s current standard is 10 micrograms of lead per litre of water.
NSF International, the organization responsible for certifying the effectiveness of most water treatment devices sold in North America, has adopted an improved testing protocol for certifying the removal of lead from drinking water. As of July 15, no manufacturer could prove their pitcher-type water filters had met the improved standard. As a result, NSF has withdrawn its certification for lead removal for these types of filters.
Hamilton’s Water and Wastewater Division has confirmed that lead is not an issue in the city’s water distribution system, however, there are some localized lead issues in some older Hamilton homes that have lead water services or lead solder within the internal plumbing system of the home.
“Public Health Services wants to ensure Hamiltonians have up to date information,” says Dr. Elizabeth Richardson, Medical Officer of Health. “We are aware that a number of residents living in older homes may be using pitcher-type filters as a part of their household lead reduction strategy. If the household includes pregnant women or children under six we are now recommending the use of bottled water or an approved tap or in-line filter for drinking, preparation of formula, and preparation of concentrated/dry powder juices.”
Public Health Services recommends that residents who purchase a household water treatment device check that the device is NSF certified, and that the product is certified for lead removal.
Uncertified devices cannot legally carry the NSF certification Standard #53 for lead reduction. However there will be a lag period as devices manufactured up to July 15 will remain on store shelves.
Residents are urged to visit the NSF website at: www.nsf.org/certified/dwtu or call them toll free at 1-800 673 6275 to make sure the product is listed and meets the manufacturer’s claims.
-30-
Media contact:
Dr. Elizabeth Richardson
Medical Officer of Health
905-546-2424 ext. 3501
I called Toronto Public Health and they said to use a filtration system but would not recommend one. Was advised to look for a N53 NSF rating. I mentioned I had a Brita Pitcher system with that rating but they said that it was useless and to go on the NSF website for other products. Went to the website and good luck reading through the mumbo jumbo to find a recommendation.
Anyone with a similar situation that can share a product or service that will help me with this lead problem?
http://www.myhamilton.ca/myhamilton/CityandGovernment/NewsandPublications/NewsReleases/2007News/July/07-19-07vm.htm
Filters in water pitchers do not reduce lead to safe levels
Hamilton, ON- July 19, 2007-The City of Hamilton’s Public Health Services advises residents that recent changes to testing protocols for pitcher-type water filters have shown that these products are unable to consistently reduce lead to safe levels. Ontario’s current standard is 10 micrograms of lead per litre of water.
NSF International, the organization responsible for certifying the effectiveness of most water treatment devices sold in North America, has adopted an improved testing protocol for certifying the removal of lead from drinking water. As of July 15, no manufacturer could prove their pitcher-type water filters had met the improved standard. As a result, NSF has withdrawn its certification for lead removal for these types of filters.
Hamilton’s Water and Wastewater Division has confirmed that lead is not an issue in the city’s water distribution system, however, there are some localized lead issues in some older Hamilton homes that have lead water services or lead solder within the internal plumbing system of the home.
“Public Health Services wants to ensure Hamiltonians have up to date information,” says Dr. Elizabeth Richardson, Medical Officer of Health. “We are aware that a number of residents living in older homes may be using pitcher-type filters as a part of their household lead reduction strategy. If the household includes pregnant women or children under six we are now recommending the use of bottled water or an approved tap or in-line filter for drinking, preparation of formula, and preparation of concentrated/dry powder juices.”
Public Health Services recommends that residents who purchase a household water treatment device check that the device is NSF certified, and that the product is certified for lead removal.
Uncertified devices cannot legally carry the NSF certification Standard #53 for lead reduction. However there will be a lag period as devices manufactured up to July 15 will remain on store shelves.
Residents are urged to visit the NSF website at: www.nsf.org/certified/dwtu or call them toll free at 1-800 673 6275 to make sure the product is listed and meets the manufacturer’s claims.
-30-
Media contact:
Dr. Elizabeth Richardson
Medical Officer of Health
905-546-2424 ext. 3501